MISAMIS ORIENTAL — Health experts in this neighboring city are warning of a “deadly link” between HIV and tuberculosis (TB), urging residents to seek free screenings to prevent a rise in local fatalities.

During a forum at the City Public Plaza, medical professionals noted that delayed diagnosis remains the primary cause of preventable deaths.

Dr. Ardel B. Castañeda-Padayhag, the National TB Program medical coordinator in Iligan, said local data shows one out of every three people living with HIV in the city also has tuberculosis.

Castañeda-Padayhag said TB remains the leading cause of death for those with HIV, making early testing a critical step in managing both conditions. To address the gap in care, the city’s TB-HIV program provides free screening, preventive treatment, and medication through health centers and mobile caravans.