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Debunking the TB stigma: A young OFW’s struggle

Tuberculosis (TB), remains one of the major causes of death among Filipinos. Data from the Department of Health show that in 2015 alone, more than 14,000 Filipinos died of the airborne disease while around 4.8 million were diagnosed with it.

Although curable and not contagious, many Filipinos with inactive TB are affected by the stigma attached to active tuberculosis’ infectious nature – including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Eli, not her real name, worked as a digital marketing coordinator for a four-star hotel overseas. However, three months into her employment, she was deported back to the Philippines after failing to pass her medical examination.

Eli suffered from inactive tuberculosis in 2015. Due to this, she underwent medication from November 2015 to April 2016. Her doctor cleared her of the illness afterwards. However, Eli’s earlier ordeal with inactive TB left some scarring in her lungs, which was detected during an X-ray exam.

These findings were enough to cut short her dream of working abroad.

Eli arrived in the Philippines with a heavy heart but full of realizations.

“Lungs scars affect the way people live in terms of employment. Kasi everywhere medyo may stigma about it so once you have a lung scar, it’s really difficult to have a job and to have a medical permit,” she said.

“It’s really a must na before going to apply for jobs, it’s a must na magpacheck-up and to ensure na your lungs are clear kasi it hinders ‘yung growth ng isang tao in terms of professional life kasi there’s a stigma attached to it.”

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