Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa issued a stark warning highlighting the concerning surge in tuberculosis (TB) cases across the Philippines.
Recent data by the DOH revealed a staggering 612,534 new and relapse TB cases reported as of December 31, 2023. This figure translated to a case notification rate (CNR) of 549 cases per 100,000 population. This significantly surpassed the CNR recorded in the previous year.
Despite concerted efforts to combat TB, Secretary Herbosa underscored the relentless rise in case numbers, indicating a formidable challenge in effectively curbing the spread of this infectious disease. The alarming statistics reflected a pressing need for enhanced strategies and interventions to tackle TB transmission. This will ensure timely diagnosis and treatment for affected individuals.
Addressing the TB Epidemic
Among the reported cases, approximately 86 percent underwent testing using rapid diagnostic tools, highlighting the extensive reach of TB within communities nationwide. However, the situation was further complicated by limited data availability regarding fatalities directly attributed to TB. For the reporting year 2023, 10,426 cases with “died” outcomes were recorded. This emphasises the urgency for comprehensive data collection and analysis better to understand TB’s true impact on public health.
To address these challenges, Secretary Herbosa outlined proactive measures akin to those implemented during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Healthcare authorities aimed to identify and diagnose TB cases promptly, facilitating early intervention and containment efforts. The DOH aimed to detect TB cases early, preventing further transmission and reducing the burden on healthcare facilities. This is done by deploying resources towards intensified screening and diagnostic initiatives.
Surveillance and Data Collection
Secretary Herbosa, therefore, stressed the importance of ongoing surveillance and data collection. By following TB trends and case notifications, healthcare authorities could adapt their strategies and allocate resources effectively to address emerging challenges. Furthermore, sustained efforts in data collection would enable policymakers to develop targeted interventions. Subsequently, they can allocate resources where they are most needed, optimising nationwide control measures.
Strategising Toward Ending TB
The DOH said the gathering aimed to strategise and mobilise resources to accelerate progress toward ending TB, especially in Asia-Pacific. Key objectives included identifying gaps in TB control efforts, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to enhance TB prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.
Press Conference and Facility Tours
The event kicked off with a press conference and was followed by tours of selected health facilities and hospitals on March 14. These included the Karuhatan Health Center in Valenzuela City. The next day, participants visited the Jose B. Lingad Memorial General Hospital in San Fernando, Pampanga. These tours provided participants with firsthand insights into the challenges and successes in control efforts at the local level.
Political Declaration on TB and SDG Alignment
The DOH emphasised their presence underscored the global commitment to addressing the crisis. Moreover, the recent adoption of the Political Declaration on TB in 2023 at the United Nations High-Level Meeting (UNHLM) signified a pivotal moment in the fight. The declaration’s ambitious targets aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 3.3, which aimed to end the TB epidemic by 2030.
Collaboration among governments, civil society, TB-affected communities, and other stakeholders was essential. To facilitate dialogue and action, the Stop TB Partnership hosted this regional meeting in Manila in partnership with the DOH Philippines.
Mobilising Resources and Fostering Collaboration
The gathering provided a platform for sharing best practices, fostering peer learning, and strengthening south-to-south collaborations. Additionally, the DOH stressed that stakeholders aimed to accelerate progress toward a TB-free world by mobilising resources, fostering collaboration, and prioritising innovation. Therefore, concerted efforts were needed at the national and global levels to overcome the challenges posed by TB and achieve the shared goal of ending the TB epidemic by 2030.
