‘Napag-iwanan,’ dokumentaryo ni Kara David (Full Episode) | I-Witness

Summary

In the remote mountain villages of Kapas, Tarlac, indigenous women suffer from goiter, a condition caused by iodine deficiency. Despite the availability of medical solutions in other parts of the world, the lack of access to healthcare in these areas leads to widespread cases of goiter, particularly among the women. The documentary highlights their struggle to get medical treatment due to isolation, fear of doctors, and a lack of resources. Through the personal stories of individuals like Labet and Mang Duke, the film sheds light on the challenges faced by these communities in overcoming preventable health issues.

Takeaways

• 😀 The story highlights a remote community in Sityo Kawayan, Kapas, Tarlac, where many indigenous women suffer from goiter, a condition that is becoming rare in other parts of the world.
• 😀 The condition, goiter, is linked to iodine deficiency, which is prevalent in this area due to the lack of access to iodized salt and seafood.
• 😀 Many of the locals, including the wife of the tribal chief, suffer from large goiters, and some have had them for years without medical intervention.
• 😀 Access to healthcare is scarce in these remote areas, with locals having to walk long distances (up to 8 hours) to reach health services or hire expensive transport.
• 😀 Despite the discomfort and challenges posed by their condition, many of the villagers are reluctant to visit doctors due to fear, cultural beliefs, and distrust in medical interventions.
• 😀 Some women, like Labet, have experienced goiter since childbirth, with the condition worsening over time.
• 😀 The indigenous people have little access to essential resources like iodine, which contributes to their ongoing health problems.
• 😀 The local diet consists mainly of root crops like kamote (sweet potato) and the heart of banana trees, with occasional fish or shellfish from nearby rivers, making it difficult to meet nutritional needs.
• 😀 Despite medical advice, many people, including Junis, prefer to endure their illness rather than seek medical treatment, relying on faith and acceptance of their condition.
• 😀 The story also reveals the stigma and fear surrounding medical intervention, with some villagers believing that medical treatment might be worse than the condition itself.
• 😀 The health workers and local government are aware of the issue but struggle to reach the remote areas due to the difficulty of the terrain and lack of resources to provide adequate care.

Q & A

What health condition is commonly seen in the women of Sityo Kawayan?

The women in Sityo Kawayan commonly suffer from goiter, which is a condition characterized by the enlargement of the thyroid gland in the neck.

What causes the goiter condition in the residents of Sityo Kawayan?

The goiter condition in the residents of Sityo Kawayan is caused by iodine deficiency, which is often a result of insufficient intake of iodized salt, fish, and other seafood.

Why is goiter still prevalent in Sityo Kawayan despite being largely eradicated in other parts of the world?

Goiter remains prevalent in Sityo Kawayan due to the community's isolation, lack of access to iodized salt, and limited healthcare services, all of which prevent the condition from being addressed properly.

What challenges do the residents of Sityo Kawayan face when trying to access healthcare?

Residents face several challenges when accessing healthcare, including the remote location of their village, the high cost of travel, and the lack of available transportation. Many must walk for hours or pay a substantial amount for transport to reach the nearest healthcare facilities.

How long does it take for the residents to reach the nearest healthcare center?

It takes around 8 hours of walking or more for the residents to reach the nearest healthcare center, and they may need to hire transport at a cost of over Php 500, which is a significant expense for them.

What cultural beliefs or fears contribute to the residents’ reluctance to seek medical treatment?

The residents have cultural beliefs that contribute to their reluctance to seek medical treatment, including fear of doctors, the belief that their condition is part of their fate, and negative rumors about medical procedures like surgery.

What types of food do the residents rely on for nutrition in Sityo Kawayan?

The residents primarily rely on root crops, vegetables like kamote (sweet potato), and occasionally small fish or crabs from nearby streams. They also have rice, but their diet lacks iodine-rich foods.

What are the symptoms and challenges faced by people with goiter in Sityo Kawayan?

People with goiter in Sityo Kawayan, like Labet, face symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing, and pain in the neck. The condition worsens over time, and it can become so large that it affects their quality of life.

Why is there a significant delay in addressing medical conditions like goiter in Sityo Kawayan?

The delay in addressing medical conditions like goiter is due to the community's isolation, lack of accessible healthcare, financial constraints, and the residents’ reluctance to travel for medical treatment due to fear or cultural reasons.

What is the medical response to goiter, and what options are available for those who seek treatment?

The medical response to goiter typically involves surgery to remove the enlarged thyroid gland, especially when it is large and affecting the person’s ability to breathe or swallow. However, many residents hesitate to undergo surgery due to fear or lack of trust in medical professionals.