DOH AIMS TO SCREEN 12 MILLION FILIPINOS FOR TB BY 2026 UNDER PHILSTEP2

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.