THE Philippines and the United States have allotted a total of P1.15 billion to help fight tuberculosis as 737,000 new TB cases were reported in 2022 alone in the Philippines.
The United States government through and the US Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Department of Health (DOH) will provide an additional funding of P1.15 billion to bankroll the intensified efforts to fight tuberculosis, such as such as early screening; utilizing advanced technologies in testing and enhancing the ability of health advocates to find cases and support survivors.
The infusion of fresh funds will also increase the use of TB preventive treatment as well as integrate TB screening with the testing of other lung diseases, HIV, and diabetes.
“These efforts will help screen at least a million Filipinos for TB and ensure proper treatment of those afflicted with the disease,” the US Embassy in Manila said in a statement.
USAID Deputy Administrator for Management and Resources Paloma Adams-Allen and DOH Undersecretary Lilibeth David led the ceremonial signing of the partnership at the TB Active Case Finding Summit in Manila on March 21.
US’ additional funding consists of P550 million from USAID and from private sector partners for the Support Wide-scale Interventions To Find TB (SWIF-TB) initiative, as well as a matching commitment by DOH worth P605 million.
“This is not just a funding opportunity—it is a call to action. Combating tuberculosis demands a unified effort from the entire society, including civil society, the private sector, and non-governmental organizations,” Adams-Allen said.
“The Department of Health stands firm in its dedication. To this end, we are pledging the government’s matching amount of around 11 million US dollars to strengthen primary healthcare services, enhance
capacities, and fortify infrastructure. Our goal is to accelerate universal access to TB care, leaving no one behind,” David said.
The Philippines and Ethiopia were the only two countries worldwide selected to receive SWIF-TB funding. The World Health Organization’s 2023 Global TB Report estimates 106 Filipinos die of TB every day.