TB prevention and cure
The Philippines faces a high TB burden exacerbated by smoking and vaping, requiring aggressive prevention and treatment strategies.Summary
The Philippines is among the countries with the highest tuberculosis (TB) rates globally, with approximately 6.8 percent of all cases worldwide. Despite being preventable and curable, a significant portion of cases remain undiagnosed and untreated. Smoking, particularly prevalent among Filipino adults, significantly increases the risk of TB infection and hinders recovery. The rise of vaping, especially among youth, poses a new threat due to its impact on lung health and potential to lead to cigarette smoking. The Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc. (PTSI) is actively working to improve TB screening and treatment through portable X-ray units and free Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course (DOTS) treatment. However, funding challenges, such as the withdrawal of a USAID grant, and potential medicine stockouts threaten these efforts. A comprehensive approach combining sustained anti-smoking and anti-vaping campaigns with robust case finding and guaranteed treatment access is crucial to combat TB effectively.
(Source：The Manila Times)
