PNHRS

: Christine Jane Gonzalez; Shared Stories; 20 September 2019; Hits: 8624

National Lung Month: Tuberculosis as a persistent health concern in the Philippines

Tuberculosis claims more lives than HIV/AIDS.

Despite being a preventable and curable disease, tuberculosis or TB kills an average of 70 Filipinos daily according to the Department of Health. It is considered as one of the most pressing health concerns not only in the country but globally as well.

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread when a person with active TB expels microscopic, bacteria-carrying droplets when they cough or sneeze. A person can contract the bacteria by inhaling these droplets in extended periods of time. Symptoms of the disease include: severe coughs that lasts 3 weeks or longer, chest pains, coughing up blood, unintended weight loss, fever, night sweats, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

One of the major challenges in decreasing TB burden in the country is that the disease is highly prevalent in urban poor communities with little access to health care, according to an article on TB detection and patient care in Payatas and Tondo published in the journal Public Health Action in 2017. Although local government units (LGUs) implement programs to bring TB-patient care services to those who need them, there are several factors that hinder TB presumptive patients to undergo diagnosis and seek appropriate treatment. In Payatas and Tondo, poor communication by healthcare workers as well as inconsistent follow ups contribute to late diagnosis and delayed treatment of the disease.

Moreover, there is a tendency of inaccurate diagnosis due to the symptoms being similar to those of other diseases. To address this problem, the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development under the Department of Science and Technology supports projects that provide more accurate diagnosis of the disease. One such PCHRD-funded project is the Newton Agham Tuberculosis Filipino Impact Testing (TB FIT) by the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine (LSTM) and De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute (DLSMHSI) which developed a local mathematical model to determine the cost-effectiveness of new TB diagnostics and predicted a new point-of-care. Another project is the Low-cost Point-of-care Diagnostics for Simultaneous Detection of Paragonimus westermani and Mycobacterium tuberculosis using RPA technology being developed by the University of the Philippines Manila- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology.

However, the challenges on TB management do not end with early detection. It is followed by the need to undergo consistent medication for a minimum of six months according to the Department of Health. If treatment is interrupted, there is a risk of developing drug-resistant tuberculosis which progresses faster and is harder to cure. In this regard, training healthcare workers and educating patients are key to increasing TB detection among presumptive patients, allowing them to receive appropriate treatment as early as possible.

As the National Unified Health Research Agenda (NUHRA) 2017-2022 identifies communicable diseases such as tuberculosis as one of its research priorities, the DOST-PCHRD is also funding projects that aim to strengthen TB-control efforts in communities by initiating systemic improvements. One of these is the project “Cavite for a community approach study to control and halt Drug Resistant TB (COACH-DRTC)” of the De La Salle Health Science Institute. This promotes a multi-sectoral involvement in reinforcing the TB-control programs in the province by fostering collaborations between its LGUs and health offices.

Through DOST-PCHRD, the Philippines is also involved in international initiatives on TB control and mitigation through research. The Philippines established a consortium under the Regional Prospective Observational Research for Tuberculosis (RePORT) which is a network of international consortia comprising of high TB burden areas around the world. This promotes collaboration among its members to advance tuberculosis research in their respective countries.

For more information on projects and programs for tuberculosis diagnosis and treatments supported by the DOST-PCHRD, you may browse through the PCHRD website at www.pchrd.dost.gov.ph

References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5753779/
https://www.who.int/philippines/news/detail/23-04-2019-doh-who-call-for-all-out-war-against-tb
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/228777-things-to-know-tuberculosis-philippines
http://www.wpro.who.int/philippines/areas/communicable_diseases/tb/story_continuation_tb_area_page/en/

Written by Alyana Kaye Bacarra

: Christine Jane Gonzalez; Shared Stories; 08 August 2019; Hits: 5829

CDO hosting national research summit

CAGAYAN de Oro City will be hosting the 13th Philippine National Health Research System (PNHRS) Week Celebration which happens every second week of August.

The PNHRS is designed to hold parallel and plenary sessions, regular forums, and focus group discussions to promote a smoother exchange of health research and related information among concerned stakeholders.

This year's conference, anchored on the theme: "Achieving Health-Related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through Research and Innovation," will be held on August 13 to 16 at the Limketkai Luxe Hotel.

The conference will serve as a platform for participants to discuss the current situation, challenges, and advancements related to the achievement of the sustainable development goals through reinforced health research and innovation in the regions and local communities.

The parallel and plenary sessions of the conference will cover topics on research and Innovation Partnerships to achieve Universal Health Care and health-related SDG; Lifestyle Disease in the Philippines vis-a-vis SDGs; Healthy, Sustainable, and Resilient Cities and Communities; and Translating Evidence from Research to Policy.

Satellite events will include paper presentations, Commission on Higher Education-organized session, research contests, research ethics sessions, HERDIN plus session, and the National Medical Writing Workshop.

Apart from the conference, there will also be an exhibit open for public viewing inside the Limketkai Mall, the area fronting Marks and Spencer, on August 14.

The Northern Mindanao Consortium for Health Research and Development (NorMinCoHRD), as the host consortium, is leading the planning and preparations for the week-long celebration with the support of the Philippines Council for Health Research and Development.

NorMinCoHRD aims to provide a good platform for the different stakeholders in health research and development to broaden their networks and contribute research-based solutions to arising health issues.

The hosting is also NorMinCoHRD's means to promoting the rich and diverse culture of Amihang Mindanao in the context health.

Source:

Jo Ann Sablad
July 22, 2019
https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1815332/Cagayan-De-Oro/Local-News/CDO-hosting-national-research-summit

: Shared Stories; 29 January 2018; Hits: 9143

Agapay project develops robotic arm prototype for stroke patient rehab

The Agapay Project has developed a robotic device to provide accessible healthcare options to all Filipinos.

The initiative by De La Salle University to design and develop cost-effective robotic exoskeletons for stroke and injury rehabilitation has completed their robotic arm rehabilitation device prototype.

Funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD), the research team, composed of biomedical engineers from De La Salle University and rehabilitation experts from University of the Philippines – Philippine General Hospital, created two robotic exoskeleton prototypes with a biofeedback mechanism for rehabilitation of post-stroke and injured patients by assisting motor movements in the shoulder, arm, and hand.

The biomedical devices, which were 3D-printed, offers a cost effective solution to production and works by utilizing a real-time biofeedback system which records neuromuscular activity using surface electromyography (sEMG).

The DOST-PCHRD reported how the AGAPAY team demonstrated in a research symposium in De La Salle University Manila, how the upper limb prototype mimicked the 7 degrees of mobility found in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists of patients, showing its potential use for physical therapy and rehabilitation.

Source: https://www.goodnewspilipinas.com/agapay-project-develops-robotic-arm-prototype-for-stroke-patient-rehab/

: Business Mirror; Shared Stories; 05 March 2018; Hits: 6613

WHO scientist to speak at PCHRD 36th yr celebration

Dr. Bernadette Ramirez, World Health Organization’s (WHO) scientist, will deliver the keynote address at the Philippine Council for Health Research and Development’s (PCHRD) 36th anniversary celebration on March 16 at the Philippine International Convention Center.

Ramirez joined the WHO-Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases in June 2007 with over 20 years academic and research experience in health-product innovation, drug discovery, vaccines and the development of diagnostics for infectious tropical diseases.

She provides support and coordinates projects that studies population health vulnerabilities, vector-borne diseases and ways to increase population resilience against the climate-change impact in Africa.

Joining Ramirez as guest speakers are Science Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III and University of the Philippine (UP) Manila Professor Mary Ann Lansang. The PCHRD 36th anniversary celebration will highlight social innovations in health.

Part of the program is the recognition of good practices in social innovation in health, including the winners of the 2017 Search for PHL Social Innovation in Health Initiative Solutions.

A panel discussion follows, which will discuss opportunities and appropriate frameworks on social innovation in health research.

The panelists include UP Manila Professor Noel Juban, UP School of Economics Professor Aleli Kraft, Ateneo de Manila University Institute of Philippine Culture Research Associate Dennis Batangan and One Health Boat Project Founder Katerina Nono-Abiertas.

Awarding of newly accredited Research Ethics Committees and winners of the “Visualize Health Research: Visual Abstract Contest” will also be conducted.

PCHRD is the national coordinating and monitoring body for health research.

Source: https://businessmirror.com.ph/who-scientist-to-speak-at-pchrd-36th-yr-celebration/

: Shared Stories; 18 January 2018; Hits: 6997

DLSU student develops robotic arm for stroke rehab

An engineering student from De La Salle University (DLSU) has developed a wearable robotic arm that can be used in the therapy of stroke and accident victims.

Paul Dominique Baniqued told ANC's Future Perfect Tech Shorts that he saw the need for a bio-robotic device while visiting hospitals during his stint selling lab equipment.

He saw long lines of patients waiting for therapists and thought that he could come up with a way to help these patients.

Baniqued said he was also inspired by science fiction movies like Iron Man and Elysium which featured high-tech exoskeletons.

"For my research, I would like something that helps people and at the same time at least be cool to show," Baniqued said.

He is one of 25 Filipinos who received grants from the British Council's Newton Agham Programme, which aims to develop science and innovation in the Philippines.

Baniqued will pursue advanced studies in the United Kingdom where he hopes to further develop his expertise in bio-robotics.

Source: http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/business/01/18/18/dlsu-student-develops-robotic-arm-for-stroke-rehab

Articles

National Lung Month: Tuberculosis as a persistent health concern in the Philippines

CDO hosting national research summit

Agapay project develops robotic arm prototype for stroke patient rehab

WHO scientist to speak at PCHRD 36th yr celebration

DLSU student develops robotic arm for stroke rehab