An estimated 100 Filipinos die daily due to tuberculosis (TB), according to the 2024 Global Tuberculosis Report by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The report underscores the Philippines as one of the eight nations with the highest TB burden globally, with 739,000 cases reported annually.

As these alarming statistics surfaced, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, called on Filipinos to prioritize early treatment and take advantage of accessible healthcare services provided by the government.

He also highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery. He mentioned his continued monitoring of Malasakit Centers, which provide convenient medical assistance to Filipinos, and the ongoing construction of Super Health Centers across the country to provide basic health services, diagnostics, and preventive care closer to communities.

The WHO report highlighted that TB remains a top infectious killer worldwide, with the Philippines contributing 6.8 percent to the global caseload. Despite slight improvements, the number of TB-related deaths remains staggering at 38,000 annually in the country.

WHO noted a global resurgence in TB cases, with 10.8 million new infections recorded in 2023. This increase was partly attributed to pandemic-induced disruptions in health services, which delayed diagnosis and treatment for many.

In line with addressing the TB crisis, the Department of Health (DoH) is rolling out efforts for early screening, prevention, and treatment under its National Strategic Plan for 2025–2030. While acknowledging the progress, DoH officials admitted the country is still far from eradicating TB.

Critical role

Go highlighted the critical role of Super Health Centers, which aim to provide basic healthcare services in underserved areas. Super Health Centers are designed to focus on primary care, consultation, and early disease detection, further strengthening healthcare delivery especially in grassroots communities.

Free consultations would be handled by municipal health offices, local government units, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation through its Konsulta program.

Malasakit Centers are one-stop shops aimed at supporting impoverished patients in reducing their hospital costs to the least possible amount. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program.

As of now, 166 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients’ medical expenses. The DoH reports that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than 15 million Filipinos.

Furthermore, the senator emphasized the importance of Republic Act 11959, or the Regional Specialty Centers Act, which he principally sponsored and is one of the authors in the Senate. These centers aim to provide specialized medical services unavailable or inaccessible in many regions, ensuring that advanced healthcare is more evenly distributed nationwide.

TB, an airborne disease, often spreads through coughs and sneezes. Early symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain and unexplained weight loss. The senator encouraged the public to remain vigilant, especially in crowded and poorly ventilated areas.