PASIG CITY, Sept. 23 (PIA) -- Asia’s Multimedia Star and primetime actor, Alden Richards, promotes positive health seeking behavior for tuberculosis (TB) as USAID’s #EndTB Ambassador.
USAID, through its TB Platforms Project, implemented by the University Research Co. LLC. (URC), and GMA Network Inc., launched in August Asia’s Mutimedia Star Alden Richards as the #EndTB Ambassador. Richards accepted his new role and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to TB education amid COVID-19.
Since August, Richards has been using his social media platforms in reaching out to the public on why he joined USAID’s EndTB campaign.
According to USAID, he is bound to shoot for public service announcement about TB as a killer disease to be able to share basic facts about TB and why it is important for everyone to promote positive health seeking behaviors amid the pandemic.
In an interview with GMA News, Alden explained how the effort to help fight the spread of TB was somehow aligned with his advocacy to help Filipinos fight the spread of COVID-19.
“Aligned with COVID-19, 'yung precautionary methods that should be taken to avoid the disease (tuberculosis) kasi parehas silang respiratory illness, it’s contagious, so aligned din siya doon sa mga precautionary measures na pinapagawa ng DOH sa atin para maiwasan 'yung COVID-19," Alden said.
He also wanted to remind the public to take extra precaution not only to avoid COVID-19, but the spread of other harmful diseases like tuberculosis, as well.
“As a public figure, I hope to influence a lot of Filipinos to have proper and early health seeking behavior especially when they experience symptoms that may be related to tuberculosis. Lalo na po ngayon because there are health facilities that are willing to support the free TB medicines and provide proper care and treatment. There are now LGUs, especially in the NCR, Regions 3 and 4A, as well as Marawi with TB Councils and TB Ordinances that allocate annual budget for TB treatment for our kababayans. This is made possible through USAID’s TB Platforms Project works so proper care and treatment is really accessible now,” Alden added.
The primetime actor also emphasized that it is important to learn about TB as a disease, how to detect its symptoms, and where to access TB services.
“We need to share this information to our family and relatives, friends, colleagues, and everyone in our circle of influence. As active users of social media, we must spread awareness and correct information about the disease especially during the pandemic where the need for infection prevention and control is great,” he added. (PIA-NCR)
Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)
0 Comments