Philippines Marks World TB Day 2021 with Urgent Call to Action

The Philippines joined the global community in observing World TB Day 2021, with a strong call to action from Health Secretary Francisco Duque to prevent tuberculosis deaths. According to Duque, the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted tuberculosis services, leading to a significant increase in TB cases and deaths. The Health Secretary emphasized the need for urgent recovery efforts to get tuberculosis services back on track. Duque noted that the Philippines has made significant progress in reducing tuberculosis cases and deaths over the years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has reversed these gains. The country has reported a 20% decline in tuberculosis notifications and a 30% decline in tuberculosis treatments initiated during the pandemic. This decline has resulted in an estimated 14,000 additional tuberculosis deaths in 2020 alone. Duque called on all stakeholders, including healthcare workers, patients, and communities, to work together to recover from the disruptions caused by the pandemic. He emphasized the importance of restoring tuberculosis services, including diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. The Health Secretary also highlighted the need to address the social and economic determinants of tuberculosis, such as poverty, malnutrition, and poor living conditions. Duque noted that the Philippines has a high burden of tuberculosis, with an estimated 590,000 cases and 63,000 deaths annually. The country has set a target to reduce tuberculosis cases by 90% and deaths by 95% by 2030. To achieve this target, the government has launched several initiatives, including the expansion of tuberculosis services to more health facilities and the introduction of new treatments. The government has also partnered with civil society organizations and the private sector to support tuberculosis control efforts. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including the lack of access to tuberculosis services in remote and hard-to-reach areas. Duque emphasized the need to address these challenges and ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality tuberculosis services. The Health Secretary also called on the public to be aware of the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis and to seek medical attention immediately if they suspect they have the disease. He noted that early detection and treatment are critical in preventing tuberculosis deaths. The Philippines has made significant progress in reducing tuberculosis cases and deaths over the years, but the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for continued vigilance and action. Duque emphasized the importance of sustaining the gains made in tuberculosis control and working towards a future where no Filipino dies from tuberculosis. The Health Secretary also acknowledged the role of international partners, including the World Health Organization and the Global Fund, in supporting the country’s tuberculosis control efforts. With their support, the Philippines has been able to expand its tuberculosis services and improve treatment outcomes. However, more needs to be done to address the social and economic determinants of tuberculosis and to ensure that all Filipinos have access to quality tuberculosis services. In conclusion, the Philippines’ observance of World TB Day 2021 serves as a reminder of the need for urgent action to prevent tuberculosis deaths and to achieve the country’s targets for reducing tuberculosis cases and deaths. The government, healthcare workers, patients, and communities must work together to restore tuberculosis services and address the social and economic determinants of the disease.

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