Tacloban City (March 13) -- Eastern Visayas joins the country and the whole world in celebrating World TB Day on March 24.

The commemoration of the special day in Eastern Visayas is spearheaded by the Department of Health Eastern Visayas led by its Regional Director Edgardo M. Gonzaga.

Director Gonzaga said that this year's commemorative activities will center on the theme is "Stop TB, Kaya Mo, Kaya Ko," which underscores the importance of every sector of the society in the fight towards the eradication of TB.

A motorcade around the major thoroughfares of Tacloban will be conducted at 8:00 o'clock in the morning, Director Gonzaga said. This will be participated by partner government agencies, non-government organizations and the academe.

The motorcade will be followed by a Symposium centering on this year's theme. This will be highlighted by the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement by the members of the Tacloban Coalition Against TB.

A press conference will follow at the RTR Function Room in Tacloban City. All of the activities are funded by the Global Fund thru PhilCAT, Director Gonzaga said.

The Philippines ranks 9th out of 22 countries having high burden of tuberculosis, with an estimated incidence of 131 new smear positive cases out of 100,000 population.

For decades, TB has been considered as one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in the Philippines.

TB is caused by Tuberculosis bacillus, a bacteria transmitted through the air people breath. To avoid infecting other people, it is recommended that one covers his mouth when coughing and not to spit anywhere. In addition, it is advised that one eats nutritious food in order to have good resistance.

Cough that lasts for two weeks or more, with on and off fever, chest or back pains for one or more months, progressive lost of weight, should make a person go to the nearest DOTS clinic or Health Center for consultation. (PIA 8)