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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Revolutionizing TB healthcare: DOH introduces cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis, treatment

Revolutionizing TB healthcare: DOH introduces cutting-edge technologies for diagnosis, treatment

Published Mar 14, 2024 02:34 pm

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa unveiled a new era in the fight against tuberculosis (TB), showcasing innovative technologies poised to transform diagnosis and treatment.

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DOH receiving the Gene Xpert, a molecular test capable of early diagnosis of MTB from the Korean Innovation Company (Zekinah Elize Espina / Manila Bulletin)

He emphasized the transformative impact of these advancements, stating, "TB is an old disease, but we now have newer technologies to diagnose it."

Traditionally, the health chief said that TB diagnosis relied on acid-fast stains, but the DOH is now embracing “molecular testing” for more accurate and rapid detection.

During the "Stop TB" event, a collaborative effort between the DOH and USAID, a significant milestone was achieved with the donation from the Korean Innovation Company.

The donation included the Xpert MTB/RIF assay (Gene Xpert), a state-of-the-art molecular test capable of early diagnosis of MTB and simultaneous assessment of Rifampicin resistance.

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Gene Xpert, a molecular test capable of early diagnosis of MTB (Zekinah Elize Espina / Manila Bulletin)

Herbosa also highlighted the deployment of ultra-portable X-ray technology empowered with artificial intelligence (AI), enabling healthcare professionals to conduct screenings in remote areas.

Describing the innovation, Herbosa explained, "We go to remote areas carrying an X-ray in a backpack about the size of a camera, taking photos and videos."

Moreover, Herbosa shed light on the emergence of newer drugs offering shorter therapy durations.

"We’ve started a short-term for four months only, but there are newer ones. I can hear of implantable devices that can actually emit anti-TB, and you don’t have to keep coming back to the TB DOTS centers," he revealed.

Herbosa also announced the approaching arrival of a new "TB vaccine" slated for market release by 2028.

He stated, “We are really pushing for that and the current trials; there are four in the line having current clinical trials, and hopefully those are successful, just like Covid-19.”

With an array of cutting-edge technologies at their disposal, Herbosa expressed confidence that the Philippines is on track to eradicate TB.

READ: https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/14/doh-unveils-strategy-for-tuberculosis-eradication-by-2030

Related Tags

Tuberculosis DOH
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