DOH: 1 in 5 deaths among people with HIV caused by tuberculosis
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Tuberculosis (TB) remains a leading cause of death among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Philippines, with one in five HIV-related deaths attributed to TB, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Sunday, Aug. 24.
Health experts emphasized that PLHIV are more susceptible to contracting TB due to weakened immune systems.
If left untreated, TB can lead to serious complications and even death.
To prevent co-infection, DOH encouraged regular TB screening for PLHIV, consistent use of antiretroviral therapy (ART), and access to Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT).
Both ART and TPT are available in HIV care facilities listed under DOH Department Circular No. 2025-0306.
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection transmitted through coughing, sneezing, and saliva.
DOH clarified that it is not spread through casual contact such as handshakes or sweat.
TB is preventable and treatable, especially when detected early, often with just a chest X-ray.
Between January and March 2025, DOH recorded 5,101 newly confirmed HIV-positive cases through the One HIV/AIDS & STI Information System, which marked a 50 percent increase compared to the same period in the previous year.