Aside from malaria and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), tuberculosis (TB) continues to be one of the major killer diseases in the Philippines ranking 6^th as a major cause of death for Filipinos. It kills an average of 75 Filipinos on a daily basis. However, the situation is not bleak as the private sector has stepped in to help the country fight the dreaded disease.

 In an interview with Business Mirror, Chevron manager for corporate affairs Mark Quebral said the global energy giant chose the Philippines as one of the beneficiaries of the $30 million global fund because this will provide a strong impact for the country. The Philippines got $5 million grant as part of the global program of Chevron.

“Aside from financial resources, Chevron also provided professional expertise especially in the communication and dissemination of information in the fight against TB,” said Quebral in an interview with Business Mirror.

In 2007, the Philippines reported nearly 143,000 cases of TB of all types, including new and previously treated patients, with an estimated 70 percent case detection rate and 88 percent treatment success in those treated.

Dr Girlie Manlapaz, Chevron Geothermal Program manager for health and medical services, pointed out that Filipinos need to be exposed to more information to know the effects of TB in the health and economic aspect as well.

First, people must know that TB can be acquired through airborne and being in contact with a person who has the disease. According to Manlapaz, a person cannot acquire TB when he uses the things belonging to a TB victim.

“People must also be aware that TB can be acquired by anybody even babies,” said Manlapaz.

Manlapaz also said the challenge is to destroy misconceptions of many Filipinos which exacerbate the spread of the disease. Further, Manlapaz said the social stigma is the toughest problem since they are being ostracized from society and isolated from their loved-ones.

Quebral said Chevron aims to correct these misplaced beliefs by using its network of facilities, depots, and service stations to disseminate information about TB.

An average treatment for a TB victim is within six to eight months. “If not done continuously, the victim has to be treated for 18 months. The cost will also shoot up from P5, 000 to 200,000 if not treated properly.

At the end of the day, Manlapaz said building an immune system by pursuing a personal hygiene such as avoiding cigarettes and alcohol.