The Philippines' battle against tuberculosis (TB) is a tale of progress and challenges, as revealed by Rugaiya Calapis, a public health expert and chair of the DOH National Capital Region (NCR) South TB Medical Advisory Council. Calapis highlights the country's strides in TB control, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for faster diagnosis and the development of shorter, more effective treatment regimens. However, she also underscores the need for increased local investment to ensure the sustainability of these programs.
One of the most significant advancements is the integration of AI-powered chest x-ray vans, which can immediately detect TB through patches on x-ray images. This rapid detection system, combined with a sputum test, significantly reduces diagnostic delays. Calapis notes that the introduction of new treatment regimens has also been transformative, cutting the duration of drug-resistant TB treatments from 20 months to just six months.
The National TB Program has also trained primary healthcare workers to provide comprehensive care, ensuring that TB cases are managed at the patient's point of entry. This shift aims to prevent the need for sub-specialist involvement, making treatment more accessible and efficient.
Despite these achievements, the Philippines remains a significant contributor to global TB cases, accounting for 6.8% of all global cases in 2025, according to the WHO's Global Tuberculosis Report. Calapis attributes this to increased testing and reporting, which is a positive sign but also highlights the need for financial sustainability.
The funding landscape for TB control in the Philippines is a mixed picture. In 2024, the program received US$68.9 million from international sources and US$50.3 million from domestic sources. Calapis emphasizes the importance of domestic investment to ensure the program's long-term viability, especially in areas like multi-disease testing, which can reduce costs and improve patient care.
Awareness remains a critical challenge. Despite the National TB Control Program's establishment in 1978, many Filipinos are still unaware of the disease's severity. Calapis attributes this to a lack of information dissemination, suggesting that improving awareness through better IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) materials is essential.
In conclusion, while the Philippines has made remarkable progress in TB control, the journey is far from over. The need for increased local investment, improved awareness, and the integration of innovative technologies like multi-disease testing are crucial steps towards a more sustainable and effective TB control program. As Calapis aptly states, the country must 'be sustainable on our own with our domestic investments' to truly conquer this ancient disease.
