We have recently commenced a comprehensive TB screening and treatment program in one of the worst slums that we work in, Pier 4. We have identified the children that are most at risk of contracting this deadly condition … and as funds allow we are placing hem on this LIFE SAVING program. The cost per child is $65.00 US … this includes – the initial testing process, treatment of any other medical conditions … improved nutrition and of course if found positive for the TB bacteria … monitored medications for the following 6 months.

• The Philippines ranks fifth highest in the world in estimated TB cases and has the second highest number in the Western Pacific region, second only to China.

• Sixty-eight Filipinos die every day from TB.

Alarming facts and figures
• Poor Filipinos are even more susceptible to the air-borne disease because they often live in crowded living quarters and suffer from poor diet and nutrition

• The TB bacilli, which infect the lungs, are often spread by the coughing and sneezing of an infected person.

IT’S A LONG PROCESS …

First the scratch test was given
Then after three days we returned all the children to the doctor for the test site to be checked
Those children that tested positive had to have their parents and siblings tested
Then the medications were prescribed