ABSTRACT
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease that remains to be a primary health concern globally. The Philippines is among the top TB-burdened countries. Workplace TB prevention and control programs are essential to ensure the health and safety of workers and economic security. There remains a knowledge gap regarding the Philippine workplace TB prevention and control program implementation. This qualitative study involving key informant interviews reviewed the implementation of the workplace TB program in selected companies in a high TB burden region in Eastern Philippines. Results were presented under four themes in accordance with the components of the workplace TB policy: preventive strategies, medical management, data recording and reporting, and social policy. Various good practices, opportunities, and challenges in the implementation of the workplace TB program were identified. There is a need to strengthen the enforcement of policy across different components. Compliance with guidelines on preventive strategies and recording and reporting schemes needs to be intensified. Coordination across different levels and agencies may also be enhanced to allow more efficient implementation. Increased awareness of corporate decision-makers may improve company ownership of the program leading to improved implementation while increased awareness of employees on their rights and entitlements may likewise enhance compliance.
ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global public health threat that warrants urgent attention. Countries developed their national action plans (NAPs) following the launch of the Global Action Plan on AMR in 2015. The development and implementation of NAPs are often complicated due to the multifaceted nature of AMR, and studies analyzing these aspects are lacking. We analyzed the development and implementation of the Philippine NAP on AMR with guidance from an AMR governance framework. We conducted in-depth interviews with 37 participants across the One Health spectrum. The interviews were transcribed verbatim and were analyzed thematically, adopting an interpretative approach. The enabling factors for NAP implementation include (1) a high level of governmental support and involvement of relevant stakeholders, (2) the development of policies to support improved responses in infection prevention and control and antimicrobial stewardship, and (3) better engagement and advocacy by professional associations and civil society groups. The challenges include (1) a lack of resources and regulatory capacity, (2) insufficient impetus for AMR research and surveillance, and (3) limited One Health engagement. Although there has been considerable progress for human health, strengthening the involvement and representation of the animal health and environment sectors in the AMR scene must be undertaken. Developing well-defined roles within policies will be paramount to the strong implementation of AMR strategies.
ABSTRACT
The introduction of antibiotics has revolutionized the control of infections that remarkably reduced morbidity and mortality worldwide. Antibiotics have been the mainstay of treatment for many bacterial infections since their introduction in the 1940s. Through the years, the number and variety of antibiotics have increased due to the emergence of different bacterial infections. The challenge of antibiotic resistance is global. Many studies have been published showing the gravity of this problem both in the hospital and community setting. An important aspect of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) greatly affecting the medical community are the extended-spectrum beta-lactamase- producing organisms (ESBL). OBJECTIVE: The study aims to determine the prevalence, antibiogram, and genotypic characteristics of the different isolates of ESBL in the Philippines. METHODS: Available literature on ESBL in the Philippines from PUBMED and Herdin was collected, and additional microbiological data was gathered from the Philippine General Hospital (PGH). Ten studies and three annual ARSP reports of the 22 sentinel sites were included. The bacterial isolates and sensitivity to extended-spectrum antibiotics were collated and compared with each other. RESULTS: There is increasing prevalence of ESBL from 1999-2013. The proportion of ESBL K. pneumoniae and E.coli ranged from 10 - 43.24% and 4 - 20.9%, respectively. There was varying antimicrobial activity against antibiotics. Limited data on the genotypic characteristics of ESBL was reported. CONCLUSION: The continued rise in ESBL resistance needs immediate action. Information on ESBLs is limited, particularly in the country. More studies need to be conducted to expand our knowledge of ESBLs.