10/09/2025
📌Health Initiative Brings Vital Services to Persons Deprived of Liberty in Provincial Jail LDS
In a step to improve the health and well-being of persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), a collaborative health initiative was successfully conducted at the Provincial Jail Lanao del Sur on September 10, 2025. The event, organized by the Provincial Health Office (PHO), the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO-LDS), and the Ministry of Health (MOH) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), provided essential health services to 156 PDLs.
The activity focused on raising awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and HIV, two critical health issues that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. Participants received valuable health education on the prevention and treatment of these diseases, empowering them with knowledge to make informed health choices.
The event featured a comprehensive range of services, including:
1. Health Education on TB and HIV Awareness: Expert health workers conducted informative sessions, discussing the symptoms, transmission, and prevention strategies for TB and HIV.
2. Free Medical Consultation: Qualified medical professionals offered consultations, addressing the health concerns of the PDLs and providing personalized advice.
3. Free Medicines: Participants received essential medications to treat various ailments, ensuring that their immediate health needs were met.
4. TB Screening with X-ray: To facilitate early detection and treatment, PDLs underwent TB screening, including chest X-rays, which are crucial for diagnosing the disease.
5. HIV Screening (HIV Antigen Test): The initiative also included HIV screening, allowing PDLs to know their status and access necessary care and support.
This event is a testament to the provincial government's commitment to the health and well-being of all individuals, regardless of their circumstances. By providing these essential services, we aim to reduce the stigma surrounding TB and HIV while ensuring that PDLs receive the healthcare they deserve.
The collaboration between the PHO, IPHO, and MOH-BARMM reflects a unified approach to public health, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare for marginalized communities. The successful turnout and positive feedback from participants highlighted the need for ongoing health initiatives within correctional facilities. This initiative marks a crucial step in addressing health disparities and ensuring that every individual, regardless of their legal status, has access to quality healthcare services.