In the ongoing battle against tuberculosis (TB), the Philippines has made significant strides, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) for early detection and the development of more efficient treatment regimens. However, as public health expert Rugaiya Calapis, chair of the DOH National Capital Region (NCR) South TB Medical Advisory Council, points out, the country's progress is not without challenges. While the Philippines has reduced the number of drug-resistant TB cases and improved access to treatment, the sustainability of these efforts is at risk due to insufficient local investment. This raises a critical question: How can the Philippines ensure that its TB control program remains robust and effective in the long term?
One of the most notable advancements is the integration of AI into TB detection. By utilizing computer-aided detection systems, often deployed in chest x-ray vans, healthcare workers can quickly identify TB infections. This not only speeds up the diagnostic process but also addresses the issue of limited access to radiologists in all communities. As Calapis explains, "That’s where it’s slowed down. That’s one of our diagnostic delays. But, with computer-aided detection, we can see whether there is TB right then and there."
The impact of these technological advancements is particularly evident in the treatment of drug-resistant TB. New treatment regimens have reduced the duration of therapy from 20 months to just six months. This not only improves patient outcomes but also helps to curb the spread of the disease. According to Calapis, "New regiments now available in the country have cut the duration of treatments for drug-resistant TB from 20 months down to six months."
However, despite these achievements, the Philippines still faces significant challenges. In 2025, the WHO’s Global Tuberculosis Report ranked the Philippines as the third-most burdened country by TB, accounting for 6.8% of all global cases. This is a stark reminder that the fight against TB is far from over. Calapis attributes this to increased testing and reporting, stating, "It’s because of more TB notifications since we’re testing a lot. When we do testing, we have to report it to the National TB Program. That’s why we can see our TB cases rising."
The financial sustainability of the TB control program is a major concern. In 2024, the program was funded with US$68.9 million from international sources and US$50.3 million from domestic sources. Calapis warns that a reduction in support could lead to delayed diagnoses, incomplete treatments, and even no treatment at all. She advocates for increased domestic investment, stating, "We should be able to handle it."
Another area of improvement is multi-disease testing. By testing patients' specimens for multiple diseases simultaneously, costs can be reduced for both patients and medical laboratories. However, Calapis acknowledges that this method may require a stronger specimen transportation system. She also highlights the need for better awareness and information dissemination among the public. Despite the decades-long National TB Control Program, there is still a gap in Filipinos' awareness of the disease.
In conclusion, while the Philippines has made significant progress in TB control, there are still critical challenges to overcome. The integration of AI and the development of new treatment regimens are promising steps forward, but financial sustainability and public awareness remain key areas of focus. As Calapis emphasizes, "We’re now training our primary healthcare workers to do IDOTS so that, even at the first entry of our patient, we already give what we call the entire cascade of care for TB."
The future of TB control in the Philippines will depend on the country's ability to address these challenges and ensure that its efforts remain robust and effective in the long term. As Calapis reflects, "Perhaps, we just have to be sustainable on our own with our domestic investments when it comes to testing, treatment and all that."
In my opinion, the Philippines' journey in TB control is a testament to the power of innovation and collaboration. However, it also serves as a reminder that the fight against infectious diseases is an ongoing battle that requires sustained commitment and investment. As we look to the future, it is crucial to learn from the successes and challenges of the past, and to continue striving for a world where TB is no longer a public health threat.
