Quezon City, Philippines – March 12, 2025 – Under the rallying cry "Ending TB is Everyone's Responsibility," the 2nd National Tuberculosis (TB) Summit, organized by the Philippine Medical Association (PMA) in partnership with the Department of Health (DOH), the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP), and the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), convened a diverse assembly of stakeholders to reinvigorate the nation's fight against TB.
The summit, held at the Luxent Hotel in Quezon City, served as a crucial platform for fostering collaboration and renewing the collective commitment to achieving a TB-free Philippines by 2035. The Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP) was represented by one of its Deputy Secretaries-General, Dr. Alberto Ong Jr., and its External Affairs and Communications Lead, Dr. Nathan Charles Ecarma. Also in attendance was former Health Secretary and current PSPHP Board Member, Dr. Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial who contributed her valuable insights to the discussions as Executive Director of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society (PTSI).
PMA President Dr. Hector M. Santos, in his opening message, underscored the PMA’s unwavering support for the national TB program and reiterated the ambitious goal of eliminating TB within the next decade. "We must unite our efforts to create a healthier future for all Filipinos," Dr. Santos emphasized.
Keynote speaker Dr. Mary Ann Lacson Palermo-Maestral, DOH Undersecretary of Health for Universal Health Care - Health Services Cluster (UHC-HSC Area III), echoed this sentiment, stressing the imperative of a "whole society approach" to combating TB. "The fight against TB cannot be waged by the DOH alone," she stated. "It demands the active participation of every sector of society. We need to keep pushing forward, with renewed vigor and collaborative spirit."
The global scale of the TB crisis was brought into sharp focus by Mr. Thomas Dale Hiatt, Technical Officer of the World Health Organization (WHO), who revealed that there are an estimated 10.8 million TB cases worldwide. He highlighted the Philippines' concerning position as the fourth highest TB burden country globally, warning that it risks climbing to third if urgent action is not taken. However, he also offered a glimmer of hope, noting that the national TB burden is showing signs of stabilization.
Dr. Rosalind Vianzon, Division Chief of the Disease Prevention and Control Bureau of the DOH, provided a comprehensive update on the local TB situation, detailing current strategies and challenges.
The summit's afternoon sessions featured engaging panel discussions led by a team of experts. These sessions delved into crucial aspects of TB management, including:
- Enhanced TB Screening and Testing: Exploring recent developments and innovative approaches to early detection.
- Advanced Diagnostic Techniques: Examining advancements in TB diagnosis for faster and more accurate results, including the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in early detection.
- Effective Prevention Strategies: Discussing measures to curb TB transmission and protect vulnerable populations.
The overarching theme, "Ending TB is Everyone's Responsibility," resonated throughout the summit, reinforcing the need for a multi-pronged strategy that encompasses public health initiatives, community engagement, and individual responsibility. The summit underscored the urgency and the necessity of unified action in the fight against tuberculosis, solidifying a renewed commitment from all stakeholders to achieve a TB-free Philippines.