Philippines ramps up tuberculosis drive, targets screening 12 million by 2026

The Philippines is intensifying its campaign against tuberculosis (TB), aiming to screen 12 million citizens nationwide by 2026, as announced by the Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday. This initiative is a crucial step in accelerating the detection and treatment of TB across the country.

To support this expanded effort, the DOH has proposed a significant budget increase for 2026, requesting P4.2 billion (US$71 million). This represents a nearly twofold rise compared to the P2.6 billion (US$44 million) allocated for 2025, reflecting the urgency and scale of the planned TB drive.

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa highlighted the adoption of advanced screening technologies, including ultra-portable, AI-powered chest X-rays and WHO-recommended Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests. These tools enable rapid screening and diagnosis of TB cases. Furthermore, a new all-oral regimen for drug-resistant TB has been introduced, reducing treatment duration from two years to just six months, making treatment more accessible and effective.

Globally, TB remains a significant health challenge, with an estimated 10.7 million cases in 2024. The Philippines accounts for 6.8% of these cases, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The nation bears a heavy disease burden, with approximately 100 Filipinos succumbing to TB daily, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

Tuberculosis, caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affects the lungs and is transmitted through the air. Despite being preventable and curable, TB is the deadliest infectious disease worldwide, claiming around 1.5 million lives annually. The WHO identifies TB as the leading cause of death among individuals living with HIV and a major contributor to antimicrobial resistance.

The majority of TB cases occur in low- and middle-income countries. Significant global burden is concentrated in countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, and South Africa. An estimated one-fourth of the global population is infected with TB bacteria, though most do not develop active disease. By enhancing screening efforts and implementing faster, patient-friendly treatments, the Philippines aims to substantially reduce TB transmission and related fatalities in the coming years.