Isabela to receive P6.2M grant to strengthen TB program

The province of Isabela will receive a second round of funding amounting to P6.2 million from JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. to further strengthen tuberculosis (TB) prevention and control efforts in the province.

This was discussed during a coordination meeting on the Tuberculosis Implementation Framework Agreement (TIFA) Health Commitment Grant Phase 2 held on April 21 at the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) Conference Hall.

The Health Commitment Grant is funded through the United States Department of State (DoS) to enhance TB service delivery performance in Isabela by achieving measurable improvements in key program indicators.

The project aims to increase tuberculosis case detection in the province, including adult and pediatric drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DSTB) and drug-resistant tuberculosis (DRTB) cases, by ten to fifteen percent from baseline in support of PhilSTEP early detection goals through systematic case-finding strategies such as Active Case Finding (ACF), Integrated Case Finding (ICF), and Enhanced Case Finding (ECF).

Another key objective is to expand TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) coverage to at least 50% of eligible individuals by strengthening contact tracing and investigation to identify and manage TB-exposed persons earlier.

The IPHO said priority will be given to presumptive TB patients, household and close contacts of index cases, high-risk groups, and identified TB hotspot areas.

Key implementing partners include the Isabela Provincial Health Office, city and municipal health offices, rural health units, barangay health workers, local chief executives, private health facilities, private sector partners such as PBSP and PhilCAT, and the DOH–Cagayan Valley Center for Health Development.

Provincial Administrator Atty. Christopher A. Mamauag expressed hope that the province can exceed the expectations of JSI and the U.S. government within the six-month project timeline, while also thanking stakeholders for their continued support and contributions.

Meanwhile, PHO II Dr. Nelson O. Paguirigan said he is confident that the strengthened TB program will bring the province closer to its goal of ending tuberculosis.

The grant supports the province’s TB response efforts, aligning with Governor Rodito T. Albano’s directive to strengthen implementation and help achieve national targets for tuberculosis elimination. – Isabela PIO