The Department of Health-Central Luzon Center for Health Development (DOH-CLCHD) intensified its campaign against tuberculosis (TB), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and rabies through a wellness run called “KalusugRun” aimed at promoting health held at Clark Parade Grounds in Pampanga on Saturday, March 22.
Thousands of runners hit the Clark Parade Grounds, with over a hundred of marshals, medical team, and facilitators deployed.
The KalusugRun brought together the DOH CLCHD, its key stakeholders and health partners, and the general public for the common goal of preventing infectious diseases.
A warm up session was done before the run started where pet parents ran for one kilometer along with their furbabies, while other participants had an option to run for either three, five, or ten kilometers.
The KalusugRun served as a platform to cascade health messages and increase public awareness about TB, HIV and rabies, and strengthen community engagement.
The run featured booths for
campaigns through information, education, and communication materials, HIV screening, and rabies vaccination for humans.
Audio visual presentations about the said infectious diseases were played.
“Every step we take today is a step closer to breaking the stigma and misconceptions surrounding
TB, HIV, and rabies,” CLCHD Regional Director Dr. Corazon Flores said in her speech, emphasizing that the KalusugRun is more than just a run but a powerful statement of uniting for an improved public health.
The DOH CLCHD noted that through the KalusugRun, the participants not only engaged in physical activity, but were also tapped for advocating for TB, HIV, and rabies awareness and prevention.
In her closing message, CLCHD Infectious Disease Cluster OIC-Head Dr. Angelica Joy Diaz further added that the actual battle with infectious diseases extends from the run itself to choosing a healthier lifestyle, advocating for awareness, and supporting those who need it most.
“Keep running, keep advocating, and keep believing that together, we can build a healthier and stronger Central Luzon,” Dr. Diaz concluded.
The KalusugRun is in line with the Department of Health’s 8-Point Action Agenda, particularly, Bawat Pilipino Ramdam ang Kalusugan, and Pag-iwas sa Sakit.
