Community Engagement to END TB Patient Support Group Sector

NTP Patient Support Groups League of TB Volunteers in Region IV-A was founded by a former TB patient, Mr. Edwin Candido in 2010. They were accredited in the province and city last March 2012. The organization currently have more than a thousand members. The Samahan ng Lusog Baga Association, Inc. (SLB) was established in 2001 at the Lung Center of the Philippines, a tertiary government hospital catering to chest and lung diseases in NCR. TB HEALS (Health Education And Livelihood Support) is the PSG of Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital STC in Region III.

What is Patient Support Group (PSG)? A patient support group is defined as “a group of people with common experiences and concerns who provide emotional and moral support for one another.”

Why the need for Patient Support Group (PSG)? Legal Basis Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA 10767 “TB Law” Section 5. 3 Public information and educational programs. The Secretary of Health, through the Health Promotion and Communication Service shall strengthen the capacity of the DOH Regional Offices specially the unit or section of health education and promotion to: c) Empower and engage TB Key Affected Populations (KAP) in program planning, implementation and service delivery, monitoring and advocacy.

Why the need for Patient Support Group (PSG)? 2017 – 2022 Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan: Phase 1 (PhilSTEP1)

How the KAP/community has been helping in the TB response in the Philippines Monitoring Social Mobilization Advocacy Campaign Treatment Support Case Finding & Detection Contact Tracing Planning of Strategies and Policy Making

Case Finding & Detection Contact Tracing Assisting in contact investigation: Engaging members of the community to assist health care workers Assisting in active case finding activities Encouraging people who present with sign and symptoms of TB to visit a health facility House to house TB flyers distribution Referral of community members for diagnosis of TB and related disease Provides patient counselling

Treatment Support Conduct of monthly general assembly and weekly group assembly at TB Treatment facilities Conduct of regular meetings with patient support groups Feeding programs in selected facilities

Treatment Support Ensuring patients being treated for TB are given support to take their drugs and finish their treatment Acted as Community Treatment Partner Provides patient counselling Reducing stigma and discrimination Home-based palliative care for TB and related diseases

Treatment Support Treatment adherence support through peer support and education and individual follow-up Facilitating access to diagnostic services (e.g. sputum or specimen collection and transport) Social and livelihood care

and Social Mobilization Advocacy Campaign and Social Mobilization Participation in engagement activities that build capacity & widen network of TB community & harness potential & impact Testimonials & Share Experiences as Advocates in Public Assemblies including during World TB Day celebrations

and Social Mobilization Advocacy Campaign and Social Mobilization Awareness-raising, behavior change communication and community mobilization Incorporating messages of TB prevention and care into classroom learning, that contribute to de-stigmatize the disease, prevent discrimination and promote early case detection and adherence to treatment.

Monitoring Regular Meetings with the CCM and the TWG of the National TB Program High Level Meetings with WHO, The Global Fund and the DOH Periodic Monitoring Site Visits in TB Facilities through the CCM

USAID Monitoring at Rogaciano M. Mercado Memorial Hospital STC

Achievements Bayani ng Kalusugan 2016 Bayaning Filipino 2017

Achievements PSGs Product out of Waste Material and Certificate of Recognition for RMMMH STC

Key Issues Affecting Patient Support Group Lack of recognition of the need for PSG Limited support or resources to fund activities No established sustainability mechanism

Plan to Strengthen Community Response in TB Institutionalization of PSG in health facilities Get support and endorsement from National TB program and other partners Capacitate patient and medical professional volunteer and expand resources

3 Game Changer 100% of household contacts screened for TB (selected PSG) 02 01 03 Establish one regional Patient Support Group (PSG) in big 3 regions and plan to expand its composition To reduce Lost to follow up (LTFU) cases

Thank you! Maraming Salamat!