ThyroMobile Medical Mission Launch in Zamboanga Del Sur

Being the 4th in line does not make the ThyroMobile Launch in Pagadian, Zamboanga del Sur less auspicious as an official Medical Mission 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 previously gone to Dipolog in Zamboanga del Norte on June 20, Baguio in Benguet on May 19, and Dagupan in Pangasinan on April 11, 2023.

On June 22, 2023 ThyroMobile launching was held at Subanen Hall, Barangay Dao, Pagadian City in cooperation with Philippine Medical Association, Zamboanga del Sur Medical Society and the Provincial Government of Zamboanga del Sur 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 event was attended by women of reproductive age and other guests coming from different parts of Zamboanga del Sur. Upon their arrival, the initial checkup of blood pressure test was conducted as part of their registration process and collection of household salt as well.  The welcome remark was given by Dr. Anatalio Cagampang Jr, Zamboanga del Sur Integrated Provincial Health Office Chief. 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 explained the overview of the event. This was followed by Dr. Marion Sarigumba from Ozamis City with his lecture on thyroid & pregnancy and other thyroid disorders. The event was graced with the presence of Hon. Victor J. Yu, the Provincial Governor of Zamboanga del Sur and Congresswoman Divina Grace C Yu of the 1st District of the province.

The second part of the program launch was the provision of ThyroMobile services to women of reproductive age (WRA) consisting of consultation, goiter screening by neck palpation of all WRA, blood testing for thyroid hormone (TSH, FT4), urine collection for iodine concentration (UIC), and the household salt testing for iodine.  An estimated total of 60 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 and staff of the Provincial Health Office, Rotary Club & Inner Wheel Club of Pagadian, and members of the media. The possibility of a major Surgical Mission to take care of those with goiters is considered in 2024.