Endocrinologist flags thyroid disorder as nat’l health threat
By Nida Grace P. Barcena
GENERAL LUNA, Surigao del Norte (PIA) — As the nation intensifies its drive for health equity, an often-overlooked threat quietly impacts several Filipinos – thyroid disorders.
Speaking at a three-day Health Literacy Seminar on May 26–28, Dr. Aurora Macaballug, immediate past president of the Philippine College of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (PCEDM), shed light on the rising burden of thyroid dysfunction in the Philippines.
Organized by the Department of Health (DOH), the seminar brought together health advocates, information officers, and media practitioners from the regions in Zamboanga, Northern Mindanao, and Caraga.
“Thyroid dysfunctions such as goiter, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism are underdiagnosed yet highly disruptive,” Dr. Macaballug said. “They can silently affect a person’s metabolism, mental well-being, fertility, and quality of life.”
Underestimated burden
Macaballug presented compelling data on thyroid disorders, noting that women, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable. iodine deficiency continues to be a contributing factor. Despite the widespread impact, public understanding remains limited due to non-specific symptoms and low disease awareness.
She emphasized the urgent need to integrate thyroid disease into the national health discourse on non-communicable diseases (NCDs), alongside heart disease, cancer, diabetes, and mental health issues.
Barriers to early detection
Macaballug outlined several barriers to optimal
care, including:
- Limited
awareness among healthcare professionals due to the vague presentation of
symptoms;
- Lack
of public education on the importance of regular check-ups and early
diagnosis;
- Inaccessible
and costly diagnostic services, particularly in rural communities;
- Uneven distribution of
endocrinologists and health infrastructure across the country.
Also, she tackled the pressing need to improve thyroid health in the Philippines by addressing low awareness, delayed diagnoses, and unequal access to care, proposing targeted solutions that include education, standardized clinical guidelines, and policy inclusion under national NCD strategies.
Moving forward
The seminar supported the “Bagong Pilipinas” health agenda, championing inclusive, community-led healthcare. Through Goiter Awareness Week, celebrated every January, and ongoing regional campaigns, DOH through its regional offices and partners aim to foster a more thyroid-literate population, empowered to seek early screening and appropriate care.
With a growing push for accessible, science-based health information, the spotlight on thyroid health reflected a broader commitment to holistic wellness and leaving no Filipino behind.
“Thyroid disorders may be silent, but with collective awareness and action, we can break the silence and improve lives,” added Dr. Macaballug. (NGPB, PIA Surigao del Sur)
