Community Participation in World Vision: KUSOG BAGA PROGRAM - Survey Results Victoria A. Bautista/ Juvy Lizette M. Gervacio

Abstract: This study makers a mid - term assessment of the implementation of "Kusog Baga" Program, a program implemented with the assistance of World vision. "Kusog Baga" derived from a Filipino Visayan term which means "Healthy Lungs" is a tuberculosis control and prevention program that forges the implementation of the Directly Observed Treatment Short (DOTS) , a method for detecting and managing tuberculosis (TB), recommended by the Department of Health (DOH). DOTS is characterized by the reliance on sputum smear as a basis for determining who will be given treatment regimen. In addition, treatment basis, for a specified perion, depending upon the gravity of the ailment. Treatment partners may be a barangay health worker (BHW), midwife or a member of the family, although health workers are preferred partners. Kusog Baga Program provides additional advocacy to enhance civil society interface and people Participation in governance of the program. This study assesses the accomplishments in sampled areas covered by the Phase 2 component of the program. These areas are compared with local government unit (LGUs) which also implement DOTS but under the mobilization effort of the DOH. The report made up two parts: the results of the survey and the profile of the case study areas. This part of the study focuses on the survey of sampled local government units (LGUs) in Kusog Baga areas and LGUs not covered by the program. The survey encompasses a summary profile of the provinces, municipalities and cities covered by the study- disclosing their structural arrangement: social preparation and community mobilization; and the perceived facilitating and hindering factors regarding DOTS implementation, among others. This, also workers, their preparation, and their assessment of the implementation of DOTS and community mobilization efforts. This also focuses on the experiences of patients who benefited from the DOTS strategy and the initial effects of the interface of beneficiaries in community mobilization efforts of health workers. The impact of the patient's community involvement in DOTS- related activities on their cure is examined as a test of the significance of participatory governance. The other part of the study- profile of case study areas - is presented in another volume.