The Department of Health (DOH) plans to screen 12 million Filipinos nationwide by 2026 under the Philippine Strategic TB Elimination Plan Phase 2 (PhilSTEP2) 2025-2030. The 2026 budget for tuberculosis services is proposed at P4.2 million, up from P2.6 million in 2025, to expand prevention, screening, and treatment efforts. The DOH is using AI-powered chest X-rays, Nucleic Acid Amplification Tests, and shortened all-oral regimens for drug-resistant TB, while preventive treatments have increased by 50% in 2024. Children with non-severe TB now benefit from shortened treatment programs, and care is integrated across BUCAS centers, primary care facilities, and LGUs. Despite TB being a leading cause of death in the Philippines, the DOH reported a 3% reduction in fatalities, with multisectoral efforts continuing to aim for elimination by 2035.
DOH AIMS TO SCREEN 12 MILLION FILIPINOS FOR TB BY 2026 UNDER PHILSTEP2
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