USAID, TMC Clark sign MoU for TB-Free PH campaign

Paving the way to stop tuberculosis (TB) by 2030, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) TB Platforms project implemented by the University Research Company (URC) and The Medical City (TMC) Clark sealed a partnership to make sustainable improvements in TB services, especially in the region.

The partnership to achieve a TB-free Philippines was strengthened through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed and led by USAID’s TB Platforms Field Operations Manager Dr. Rhodora Cruz, TMC Clark Medical Director Dr. Jose Ranilo Paule, and TMC Clark President and CEO Dr. Almario Jabson.

Last year, TMC Clark launched its TB DOTS Center or the Tuberculosis Directly Observed Treatment, Short-Course Center. This center aims to treat as many TB patients as possible and to use the center as a hub to help encourage people at possible risk to seek consultation and eventually take their medications religiously to stop the spread of the disease.

“More than the partnership with USAID and DOH, we are grateful and proud now that TMC Clark is given a bigger chance to help more patients with our accessible healthcare services and treatments against TB,” Dr. Almario Jabson, President and CEO of TMC Clark said.

According to the MoU, USAID will primarily provide financial and strategic support including the provision of solutions and resources to bring modern TB service delivery using TMC Clark’s TB DOTS Center.

Meanwhile, as a referral center and the main healthcare provider in Central and North Luzon, TMC Clark’s TB DOTS Center will ensure adequate and competent human resources; provide integrated patient-centered TB care and prevention services, and guarantee standard compliance of its facilities.

Aside from its services and facilities, Dr. Jabson also cited that TMC Clark will “use its reach to ensure people participation in the prevention of TB spread, educate the community about TB, and act as treatment partners to other health facilities.”

The Philippines is one of the six countries supported by the Stop TB Partnership and funded by USAID. The Stop TB Partnership was established in 1998, aiming to collaborate with different health groups to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.