The Department of Health (DOH) has intensified its response to tuberculosis (TB), emphasizing that its spread is a greater concern than emerging COVID-19 strains.
According to DOH Spokesperson Undersecretary Albert Domingo, diseases like TB are airborne and can spread more rapidly in crowded areas.
He stressed that the disease does not discriminate—anyone, regardless of social status, can contract it.
Despite this, Domingo noted that there is good news: TB is treatable and can be detected.
However, one challenge is the duration of treatment, which may take four to nine months depending on the patient.
The statement follows the DOH’s partnership with the U.S. Department of State to enhance detection and strengthen TB treatment efforts in the Philippines.
As part of the partnership, a sufficient supply of TB medicines will be turned over to support more than 200,000 patients.
