The Battleground of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a curable disease yet the people are scared to go to the health center. What went wrong? Whose fault it is?

Being assigned in Barangay Bacuyong, I have realized that majority of the people living there does not know about tuberculosis. During our recent survey last January 2018, many knew that tuberculosis can be transmitted through cigarette smoking or by just mere using the plates or utensils. This is so alarming because misconceptions also add to the social stigma of tuberculosis. We cannot deny the fact that when we heard of TB, people are afraid. They are afraid to have one, afraid to get one and afraid to be discriminated.

So, why be afraid... The government is doing their part to inform the people about tuberculosis. They even created a TV advertisement campaign about TB so that people will be informed about tuberculosis. But still, it is a problem for the many. TV advertisement campaign will only benefit those who have television at home and mostly people in the remote area do not own a television. In addition, it only has a few airtime minutes in one day. Thinking of a better TB ad campaign that will benefit the community is a better way to spread the information that is needed by the people. I know it is hard to convince people especially if it will change their lifestyle and behaviour. It is a total challenge.

People do have different characteristics. Every one of us is unique. However, if we do have a goal to limit the spread of Tuberculosis, we need to emphasize to the people the importance and magnitude of the information. First, we need to be at the same level of the community people for them to understand what we are trying to say. They need to know and feel that we care for them not only just for our benefits but mostly for their health. Second, communication is a very important way to send the information. In communication, it is important also to listen to them. Listen in what they want say and try to change their misconceptions. Speakers must know how to persuade their listeners. Well, I guess it is a gift. Eye contact is a factor too. It is also essential that when you communicate, the listener feels comfortable during the conversation. Uneasiness will not unleash their fears especially in this matter. Lastly, community commitment is a vital factor in this subject. It has been years since the fight on tuberculosis started but still many are not informed. This battle has a lot of negativity but if you are persistent and motivated for change, it will happen. It can be a slow progress for a start but sooner or later it will be a rapid progress to success.

It takes a great struggle to achieve success. And as we continue our battle for success, we need to fight until the end even though you feel like you are losing; there are still chances of winning. We just have to choose our best move that has a great impact and never give up.