DOH concerned as tuberculosis cases remain high in PH

On the observance of World Tuberculosis Day, the Department of Health on Monday raised concerns over the persistently high number of tuberculosis cases in the Philippines, emphasizing the need for stronger prevention, early detection, and treatment efforts to combat the deadly infectious disease.

Speaking at the launch of The Medical City’s Integrated Delivery of TB Services (IDOTS) Center, Health Secretary Ted Herbosa lamented that despite being both preventable and treatable, TB remained one of the country’s most pressing public health challenges.

“In the Philippines, we reported 546,452 TB cases in 2024. While that's lower than the previous year, we are still far from our goal of a TB-free Philippines,” Herbosa said in a video message. 

“But 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. 

TB-burdened countries

According to the World Health Organization Global Tuberculosis Report 2024, the Philippines is among the top five countries accounting for 56% of the world’s total TB cases. 

The nations on the list include India (26%), Indonesia (10%), the Philippines (6.8%), China (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%).

DOH Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire described these figures as “deeply troubling.”

She pointed out that TB-related deaths in the country increased by 46% between 2015 and 2022, with the disease affecting various age groups:

• 7% of cases were in children aged 0 to 14
• 61% affected males aged 15 and above
• 32% affected females in the same age group

“Young Pinoys, especially those between age 15 to 34, disproportionately carry the heaviest burden of this disease—our students, our emerging workforce, and our future leaders,” Vergeire said. 

Zero TB deaths

Herbosa highlighted that reducing TB mortality to zero by 2028 is one of DOH’s top eight health priorities.

To reach this ambitious goal, he underscored the need for better detection, effective treatment, patient adherence, and digital tracking tools to monitor the country's TB situation.

He also praised the establishment of the IDOTS Center, calling it a testament to the health sector’s dedication to achieving health equity and universal healthcare.

According to the WHO, tuberculosis is a contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs and spreads through the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or spit.

Common symptoms of TB include:

• Prolonged cough
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Weight loss
   

— DVM, GMA Integrated News