Manila: Filipinos are urged to take advantage of the free diagnostic and treatment services for tuberculosis (TB) as it remains one of the country's top public health concerns. In a Facebook video released on Friday, Department of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa emphasized that TB is preventable and curable, but it can be fatal if left untreated.

According to Philippines News Agency, a surveillance report from the Department of Health's (DOH) Epidemiology Bureau as of April 30, 2025, reveals that over 500,000 tuberculosis cases are recorded every year in the country. TB is caused by a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also spread to other organs. Not everyone who is infected will develop the disease, as those without symptoms may have inactive or latent TB. However, inactive or latent TB can progress to active TB if the immune system becomes compromised.

Herbosa stated that the government aims to reduce TB cases and deaths in alignment with the World Health Organization's End TB Strategy. The DOH has adopted the molecular-based GeneXpert test, a WHO-recommended rapid diagnostic tool, which not only detects the disease but also identifies drug resistance. While this test typically costs PHP8,000 to PHP12,000 in private hospitals, it is offered for free in public health centers.

The agency continues its active case-finding activities, which have benefited over 7,000 cases across 17 regions nationwide. Identifying TB cases is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease. Herbosa explained, "Tuberculosis preventive treatment, or TPT, is a type of medication taken to prevent a TB infection from progressing into TB disease."

He further noted that TPT is intended for close contacts of individuals with TB, persons living with HIV, and other high-risk groups such as those undergoing dialysis and those with autoimmune diseases or silicosis. TPT is available at health centers for free.