USAID-organized health volunteers in Balindong, Lanao del Sur used traditional Maranao symbols, music and dances to depict the effects of tuberculosis (TB) on communities and show how families can prevent the disease. Trained by USAID to handle social stigma and resistance attached to TB, members of Community Health Action Teams (CHATs) used community theater to explain messages on the treatment, prevention and control of TB. USAID has helped organize around 500 CHAT members in Lanao del Sur to complement on-the-ground efforts and increase the utilization of the Directly Observed Treatment Short Course or DOTS, the global strategy to control TB. The USGs continuing technical assistance in TB control resulted in an increase in the provinces cure rate from 80 percent in 2007 to 85 percent in 2008. TB dropped to 7th place in 2008 as the leading cause of death (from 6th place in 2007) indicating better case management and treatment. TB also moved to 9th place as the leading cause of illness in 2008 (from 10th place in 2007), indicating better case detection, diagnosis, and more accurate recording and reporting. (less info)