Phl urged to take decisive action vs. TB

On World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) called on the Philippine government to invest in and deliver on commitments to end the infectious disease by 2030.

TB remains a significant public concern in the Philippines, with the country facing a high burden of cases and deaths, and is one of the top countries with the highest TB incidence worldwide.

In 2023, about 70 Filipinos died daily from TB, according to the Department of Health (DOH).

TB is an infectious disease caused by bacteria that most often affect the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with TB cough, sneeze, or spit.

TB is preventable and curable with specific antibiotics; however, if treatment is interrupted, TB bacteria can become drug-resistant.

Treatment of drug-resistant TB is more expensive and associated with more side effects.

“Every missed TB case is a lost opportunity to save a life,” said Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific.

“We must turn our commitments into decisive action, ensuring that every person at risk gets the timely, high-quality diagnosis and care that they deserve.”

Piukala said that while most countries have integrated TB screening into their routine health services, some still face challenges. Strengthening these efforts will enable early detection and continuity of care, particularly in underserved areas.

Modern approaches and tools — such as telemedicine, portable diagnostic devices, and rapid tests — can help health workers detect TB cases early and ensure that treatment and services continue even during crises.

To address the underreporting of TB cases, public−private collaboration should be considered and improved, according to the WHO official.

This can be done by linking private providers to national TB programs, offering incentives for private sector reporting, and enforcing mandatory TB case reporting.

He added that this will help patients in private care access WHO-recommended diagnostics and treatments, which may be free or low-cost in the public sector.

Innovation in diagnostics and treatments is also essential to strengthen TB care in both the public and private sectors, Piukala underscored.

“Every cent invested in TB care and research brings us closer to a TB-free future. To get there, we need public−private partnerships and sustainable funding mechanisms,” he added.

Addressing the social determinants of TB — which include poverty and inequities — requires a holistic approach with strong multi-sectoral involvement and accountability, Piukala continued.

Financial protection mechanisms, such as compensation for people who are being treated for TB and are unable to work, are essential to reduce economic hardship. Expanding social support programs — for example, food assistance in high-risk communities — can also decrease the risk of TB infection. Improving access to care in underserved areas will help ensure more equitable treatment coverage.

According to Piukala, long-term, sustainable financing models are "essential for continuous service delivery without reliance on external donors."

“Ending TB is about upholding the right of every individual to live a healthy and dignified life,” he added. “With political commitment, sustainable funding and united action across sectors, we can accelerate progress and move closer to a TB-free Western Pacific.”

DOH addressing gap

For DOH, Health Chief Ted Herbosa admitted that despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the deadliest health challenges across the globe.

"TB has claimed countless lives, of the old, the young, kings, and commoners alike. It has affected people from all walks of life and continues to do so," Herbosa said.

"This ancient disease is as relevant today as ever. It reminds us that the battle against infectious disease is ongoing and we cannot afford to let our guard down," he added.

To eliminate TB, Herbosa said "we must raise awareness and take concrete actions."

TB cases in 2024 were lower than the previous year; however, Herbosa said it is still far from the government's goal of a TB-free Philippines.

To reduce TB mortality to zero by 2028, it must take "better detection, treatment, adherence, and the use of digital tools" to track progress and ensure no one is left behind.

"There is progress. We've seen a slight decrease in TB-related deaths from 20,605 in 2022 to 20,588 in 2023. Though small, these victories show we are on the right track. Still, we must do more," he added. "This is an ambitious but achievable goal."