The PDS Bigay-Puso 2025, held on February 14 at the Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium, concluded with remarkable success. The event brought together healthcare professionals, stakeholders, and a diverse group of attendees, including dermatologists and resident doctors from hospitals across the National Capital Region (NCR), in a collective effort to combat leprosy. With the theme โUnited Against Leprosy: Strengthening Partnerships for a Healthier Future,โ the event underscored the importance of collaboration, awareness, and action in addressing leprosy and improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
Department of Health โ Manila Metro Center Health Development (DOH-MMCHD) Regional Director Dr. Lester M. Tan delivered an inspiring keynote address, emphasizing the critical role that unity and partnership play in eradicating leprosy and overcoming its associated stigma. His message resonated deeply with all attendees, reminding everyone present that working together toward a common goal is essential to creating a healthier and more inclusive future for all.
The event featured a series of messages from healthcare professionals, representatives from the Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Cullion Foundation, and experts in leprosy care.
One of the most impactful parts of the event was hearing from individuals who had personally battled leprosy. Their testimonies were moving and insightful, shedding light on the personal and social challenges that come with the disease, as well as the transformative power of early intervention and proper care.
After the program, attendees visited persons affected by leprosy (PALs) at the custody ward, where they engaged with patients. The visit served as a poignant reminder of the importance of compassionate care and understanding for individuals living with leprosy, reinforcing the eventโs message of unity and inclusion.
The success of the PDS Bigay-Puso 2025 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of collective action in addressing health challenges. The event not only raised awareness about leprosy but also laid the groundwork for building lasting partnerships that will continue to drive efforts to eliminate the disease and reduce its stigma.
As the event concluded, participants reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing collaboration in the fight against leprosy, confident that the combined efforts of healthcare professionals, organizations, and patients will help create a stigma-free world where every individual is valued and treated with dignity, dahil sa Bagong Pilipinas, bawat buhay mahalaga.
Dr. Jose N. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital and Sanitarium
Philippine Dermatological Society
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