Ending TB requires a whole-of-society approach

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases despite being preventable and, in most cases, curable. It continues to claim lives, strain health systems, and disproportionately affect the most vulnerable, reminding us that progress against TB is far from complete.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2025, an estimated 10.7 million people fell ill with TB in 2024. Of these, 8.3 million were newly diagnosed, and 1.23 million died from the disease. Men accounted for 54% of cases, women 35%, and children 11%. These figures underscore the persistent and widespread burden of TB worldwide.

Every March 24, the global community marks World TB Day. This year’s theme, “Unite to End Tuberculosis,” highlights the urgency of collective action through prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment to finally bring this disease under control.

The Philippines remains among the 30 countries with a high TB burden, which together account for 87% of global TB cases. In 2024, the country ranked third worldwide, contributing 6.8% of total cases, behind India (25%) and Indonesia (10%). This places TB firmly among the Philippines’ most pressing public health challenges.

TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, or spits. While the disease most commonly affects the lungs, it can also involve other parts of the body such as the kidneys, brain, spine, and skin.

An estimated one in four people globally carry TB bacteria in an inactive form. These individuals do not feel sick and are not contagious. However, a small proportion will go on to develop active TB disease, particularly those with weakened immune systems, including children, people living with HIV, and those with conditions such as diabetes.

Symptoms of TB include a prolonged cough, sometimes with blood, chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Early consultation is critical. Prompt diagnosis and treatment not only improve patient outcomes but also help prevent further transmission. Simple measures such as wearing masks, covering the mouth when coughing, and proper disposal of tissues can also reduce spread.

Without treatment, nearly half of people with active TB may die. Fortunately, WHO-recommended treatment regimens, typically lasting four to six months, can cure about 90% of patients when followed properly. TB preventive treatment (TPT), meanwhile, can stop infection from progressing to active disease, especially among high-risk individuals. Completing the full course of treatment remains essential.

In the Philippines, the Department of Health (DoH), in collaboration with WHO and partners, has intensified efforts to eliminate TB. A key initiative aims to screen 12 million Filipinos by 2026 under Phase 2 of the Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan 2025–2030. This strategy seeks to strengthen the entire continuum of care — from prevention and diagnosis to treatment.

Technology is playing an increasingly important role. The DoH is deploying ultra-portable, AI-powered chest X-rays and WHO-recommended nucleic acid amplification tests to accelerate detection and improve diagnostic accuracy, particularly in underserved areas.

Encouragingly, TB preventive treatment enrollment increased by more than 50% in 2024, driven by shorter treatment regimens and expanded contact tracing. Preventive care has also been extended to contacts of drug-resistant TB cases, while children with non-severe TB are now benefiting from shorter, more patient-friendly treatment courses. Public awareness campaigns, including TPTodo caravans, continue to promote early care-seeking and treatment adherence.

At the same time, the innovative pharmaceutical industry continues to invest in research and development as it works to improve diagnostics, develop more effective and shorter treatment regimens, and advance new vaccines that could transform TB prevention in the years ahead.

The Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), together with the PHAPCares Foundation, remains committed to supporting national TB control efforts. Through partnerships with the DoH, local government units, and civil society organizations, we help strengthen healthcare access and contribute to programs that advance TB prevention and care.

Ending TB requires more than medical solutions alone. It demands a whole-of-society approach, one that brings together government, industry, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals in a shared mission. When efforts are aligned, fragmented initiatives become a coordinated response capable of delivering lasting impact.

By uniting across sectors and sustaining our collective commitment, we can move closer to a future where TB is no longer a public health threat.

Teodoro B. Padilla is the executive director of Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines which represents the biopharmaceutical medicines and vaccines industry in the country. Its members are at the forefront of developing, investing and delivering innovative medicines, vaccines, and diagnostics for Filipinos to live healthier and more productive lives.