Rotary District 3790 – Cluster 3A initiates “Hepatitis Zero” – A Free Hepatitis B Screening

On March 14, 2026, the Rotary District 3790 – Cluster 3A spearheaded “Hepatitis Zero,” an initiative aimed at advancing early detection and prevention of Hepatitis B through the provision of free screening services. The project reflects Rotary’s continuing commitment to safeguarding public health and raising awareness on preventable diseases.

The activity brought together the rotary clubs in the province of Tarlac: Rotary Clubs of Central Tarlac, Downtown Tarlac ’86, Melting Pot Tarlac, Midtown Tarlac, Northern Tarlac, Paniqui, Tarlac, and Tarlac Metro. This is in collaboration with the Tarlac Provincial Hospital (TPH) Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital (CLDH), and the Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital Educational Institution (CLDH-EI). Coordination with partner institutions was led by Assistant Governor Ruth Hazel Galang, whose efforts ensured the seamless flow and overall success of the activity.

Prior to the screening, Dr. Gary Vigilia of the Rotary Club of Paniqui delivered an informative lecture on Hepatitis B, highlighting its causes, modes of transmission, preventive measures, and the critical importance of early detection. 

The activity itself was a clear example of how much can be achieved when people and institutions unite together. TPH provided the testing equipment, while medical technologists were deployed from TPH, CLDH, CLDH-EI, and other individual volunteers who rendered their expertise to ensure efficient testing. CLDH-EI also generously hosted the event and actively encouraged participation from its students, faculty members, and staff. Rotarians, on one hand, demonstrated hands-on service throughout the activity, assisting in registration, guiding participants through the process, and distributing meals after the screening. 

The project generated significant support, with in-kind contributions deriving from District 3790 and cash donations from rotarians. A total of 376 individuals, mostly students, benefited from the free Hepatitis B screening.

“Hepatitis Zero” aligns with Rotary’s Area of Focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment likewise reinforcing its mission to Unite for Good, proving that when communities come together with a shared mission, meaningful change becomes not only possible, but sustainable.

Written by: Rtn Kristine Angela M. Surla