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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOH unveils strategy for tuberculosis eradication by 2030

DOH unveils strategy for tuberculosis eradication by 2030

Published Mar 14, 2024 02:11 pm

In a bid to tackle the alarming rates of tuberculosis (TB) in the Philippines, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has announced efforts to align with global initiatives to end tuberculosis by 2030.

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Photo from UP PGH Pulmonary Medicine X account

Highlighting the endemic nature of TB in the Philippines, Herbosa revealed that the country witnesses around 600,000 new cases annually.

"The idea is to ensure that 100 percent of those with TB are diagnosed," he emphasized on Thursday, March 14, during the "Stop TB" event, a partnership between DOH and USAID.

Herbosa outlined a comprehensive approach to addressing TB, including prompt diagnosis through X-rays and molecular confirmation for symptomatic individuals.


“Secondly, at least 99 percent of those who have been diagnosed get the medication, so that’s the important part: making sure that the medication is always given and provided,” he stated.


Moreover, Herbosa emphasized TB prevention through vaccination and comprehensive treatment for individuals exposed within households.


“This is the way we will fight TB; it’s very similar to how we fought Covid-19, because Covid and TB were airborne,” the health chief said.


He further emphasized that the DOH's previous strategy was centered on preventing, detecting, isolating, treating, and re-integrating TB patients.


“My target is not eliminating TB because that's impossible during my term up to 2028, but I am going to make sure that every person with TB gets the medicine and does not die from it,” Herbosa emphasized.


Meanwhile, responding to queries about local pharmaceutical companies' involvement in producing anti-TB medicines, Herbosa pointed out logistical challenges in distribution.

He expressed efforts to streamline delivery to TB centers across regions to ensure timely patient medication access.


“We buy enough TB meds, but unfortunately, they are sent to the hub in the regional offices, but to be able to deliver them to the specific TB centers in the different regions, that’s where I think the delay and the obstacles are,” he stated.


Herbosa revealed that he recently consulted with a logistics expert to ensure the consistent availability of medication at TB centers for all patients entering the facilities.

RELATED STORY:
https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/14/doh-urges-urgent-action-as-tb-cases-soar-in-the-philippines

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