QC partners with AstraZeneca

THE Quezon City (QC) government said it aims to combat underdiagnosis of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) cases in the city through its partnership with AstraZeneca Philippines.

“Every healthy community is built not only by treating disease, but by preventing it,” Quezon City Mayor Maria Josefina “Joy” G. Belmonte said in a statement on Monday.

“When we help one person breathe easier, provide for their family, and live a healthier life, the benefits extend far beyond the individual,” she added. “They strengthen the entire community.”

Through the Juan Healthy Lung Screening Program, launched on June 9, the city government aims to help about 3,000 citizens across the city by expanding risk assessment, educating healthcare workers, and raising disease awareness.

While QC citizens will have access to COPD risk assessments and screenings, healthcare workers will be trained in early identification and in patient and community awareness campaigns.

Referral pathways to proper treatments will also be developed to assist “at-risk” individuals.

“COPD is a growing health challenge. Many Filipinos are often diagnosed late when symptoms have already begun to affect their lives,” AstraZeneca Philippines Country President Lotis Ramin said in a statement.

“Through the Juan Healthy Lung Program, we are focusing on early detection, better patient support, and preventing complications so that patients live longer, healthier lives,” she added.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), COPD is a common lung disease primarily caused by long-term exposure to smoking and air pollution.

AstraZeneca said that COPD prevalence among smokers in Metro Manila reached 40%, compared to 28% in rural communities. However, many have received a diagnosis only after the disease has already advanced.

“Many patients remain undiagnosed until symptoms have already progressed, limiting opportunities for early intervention and appropriate care,” AstraZeneca Philippines Medical Affairs Director Cyril Tolosa said in a statement.

“By bringing screening, education, and support closer to where people live, this initiative aims to help more QCitizens access timely care, improve health outcomes, and take an important step toward building healthier and more resilient communities,” he added.

COPD is the third leading cause of death globally due to complications linked to it, such as heart attack and stroke. It accounted for 3.4 million deaths in 2023 and about 6% of global deaths. — Almira Louise S. Martinez