ANGELES City has joined the United Nations (UN) campaign against tuberculosis.
Two historic landmarks in this highly-urbanized city were lighted up in red on Wednesday, September 26, to signify its support to the advocacy to combat the disease.
The illumination of the Holy Rosary Parish Church and Museo ning Angeles is in line with the #LightUpforTB campaign in support to the first UN high level meeting (UN-HLM) on Tuberculosis (TB) held September 26 in New York City.
The assembly themed “United to end Tuberculosis: An Urgent Global Response to a Global Epidemic,” highlights the need to accelerate efforts in ending TB and reach all affected people with prevention and care.
The Philippines will be participating in the convention through a delegation led by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III.
The lighting of the historic edifices is in compliance with a memorandum issued the Bureau of International Health Cooperation which is inviting cities in the country to participate in the global movement.
Angeles City health officer Lenario Santos, in cooperation with the City Tourism Office, lit the façade of the structures located at the Heritage District to express the city’s support to the assembly’s agenda.
The UN-HLM on TB is the biggest opportunity and most significant political meeting to raise priority on TB.
The meeting is expected to push political declaration against TB, endorsed by the heads of state that will set a pathway for an accelerated and coordinated global response to save millions of lives and prevent the disease.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has named TB as top infectious killer in the world in 2017.
Around 10 million individuals were afflicted with TB and 1.6 million people died because of the disease.
Santos said at present, an estimated 500 individuals are being treated under the city’s comprehensive TB Control Program.
“We have different treatment components designed especially for children, for individuals afflicted with regular and multi-drug resistant TB, for jail inmates, and individuals who are HIV/AIDS positive,” said Santos.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan urged TB patients to avail of the city’s program.
Services ranging from detection, diagnosis, and a six-month treatment are free for all ages, the mayor said.
For consultations, Angeleños may visit the TB Prevention Clinic in Barangay Lourdes Sur East or call CHO 322-4483 for more information.