ThyroMobile Medical Mission Launch in Zamboanga Del Norte

The Thyromobile Launch in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte is an auspicious event as it marks the Third official Medical Mission of Thyromobile to the Top 15 Provinces identified by the DOST-Food & Nutrition Research Institute as iodine deficient area afflicting women of reproductive age, especially the pregnant & lactating. The ThyroMobile has gone to Dagupan in Pangasinan on April 11, 2023 and in Baguio in Benguet on May 19, 2023.

The event on June 20, 2023 began with a motorcade joined by a total of 9 four-wheel vehicles and 2 motorcycles decorated with balloons and tarpaulins. The motorcade routes around the vicinity of Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Capitol and assisted by Philippine Airforce Reserve (PAFR) Dipolog and Tactical Operations Group 9.

The ThyroMobile launching was held at the Zamboanga del Norte Convention and Sports Center in cooperation with Philippine Medical Association, Zamboanga del Norte Medical Society and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Norte in partnership with Iodine Global Network, Philippine Thyroid Association, Thyroid Federation International, Rotary Club of University District Manila, Merck, Inc and Salinas Foods, Inc.

The first part of the program launch consisted of the capacity-building activity led by the Country Representative of Iodine Global Network and the Coordinator of Thyromobile Philippines, Dr Teofilo San Luis Jr who gave an overview of the event followed by a lecture on the thyroid and various aspects including emergencies by Dr. Gerard Ian Tan. The occasion was graced by the presence of Gov. Rosalina “Nanay Nene” Jalosjos through her recorded video message.

The second part of the program launch was the provision of ThyroMobile services to women of reproductive age (WRA) consisting of goiter screening by neck palpation, thyroid ultrasound, blood testing for thyroid hormone (TSH, FT4), urine collection for iodine concentration (UIC), and the household salt testing for iodine.  An estimated total of 180 pregnant and lactating women participants were the beneficiaries of the free services offered by the ThyroMobile project.

The day-long event was attended by key personalities such as Ms. Anabel G. Jalosjos – Executive Assistant for Health, Dr. Eduardo M. Luayon – Provincial Health Officer II, Dr. Maria Minerva P. Calimag – President of Philippine Medical Association, Hon. Jasmine P. Lagutin – SP Chairman Committee on Health and 8 personalities from local media.