The Department of Health says the Philippines set a Guinness World Record for largest human lung formation during an event themed “Tuloy ang Bayanihan, TB ay Tuldukan” at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila on Saturday, March 16, 2024. Photo taken from the DOH’s official Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines set the Guinness World Record for the largest human lung formation on Saturday, the Department of Health (DOH) announced.
In an event held at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, the DOH succeeded in making a new record as it aimed to boost public consciousness about tuberculosis or TB. The event’s theme was dubbed “Tuloy ang Bayanihan, TB ay Tuldukan.”
“Surpassing India’s previous record of 5,003, over 5,596 participants gathered in Manila to raise awareness about TB,” the DOH said in a Facebook post.
“Led by the Department of Health, alongside its development partners, this monumental effort aims to tackle the stigma surrounding TB and drive action for a TB-free Philippines,” it added.
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The DOH explained in a an earlier statement that it decided to hold the event to not only beat India’s 2017 global record, but also to intensify its call for the public to join the government in taking action against the disease.
The DOH added that the activity likewise demonstrates the shared commitment of all stakeholders in overcoming TB.
Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said TB remains a “global concern” in 2024, and that the Philippines is among countries in the world with the highest number of infections.
“With over a million cases, the Philippines has the third-highest number of TB cases worldwide,” he said, as quoted in the DOH statement.
“Unfortunately, among all infectious diseases in the nation, TB remains one of the leading causes of death even though it can be cured,” he added.
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The DOH said the activity on Saturday morning was made possible through the help of the United States Agency for International Development, World Health Organization, Stop TB Partnership, and Philippine Business for Social Progress,