In line with Presidential Proclamation No. 840, which declares August 19 of every year as National Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the Department of Health (DOH) is actively promoting the campaign towards ending TB by 2030.
This year’s celebration carries the theme: “For a #TBFree Nation, YOUth can #EndTB,” underscoring the vital role of young people in the fight against TB. The initiative highlights the need for sustained public awareness and the importance of effective strategies, including early detection, accurate diagnosis, preventive treatment, and high-quality TB care.
Led by the DOH, in partnership with various organizations, a Nationwide Simultaneous Active Case Finding and other health services were conducted for more than 7,000 people across 17 regions. The following services were provided free of charge: TB screening, including a chest X-ray and Tuberculin Skin Test (TST), TB confirmatory testing via sputum testing, HIV testing and counseling, and health education.
The DOH aims to expand and accelerate coverage of Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT), proven to be an effective protection against TB. TPT is commonly given to:
people exposed to a patient with TB, persons living with HIV, and individuals with other illnesses or weakened immune systems.
According to the Integrated Tuberculosis Information System (ITIS), a total of 192,733 TB cases were recorded from January to June 2025. NCR and Calabarzon remain the regions with the highest number of reported TB cases.
Tuberculosis continues to be a major public health challenge in the Philippines, which ranks among the countries with the highest TB burden globally. To address this, the DOH is targeting high-risk community members, particularly males aged 15–55 years old, who are more likely to be exposed to TB due to workplace or living conditions.
Participants in the program receive free TB prevention and screening services, such as chest X-rays and sputum tests, along with onsite HIV testing, health education, and counselling on TB, HIV/AIDS, and smoking cessation.
In Cebu, the local leg of the campaign was held on August 29, 2025, at Plaza Independencia, Cebu City, drawing community members, health advocates, and volunteers in a united effort to promote TB awareness and prevention.
DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa reiterated that the department’s goal is to significantly reduce TB cases until the Philippines becomes TB-free. Through intensified programs like “Kalusugan Para sa Lahat, TB-Free Pilipinas”, the agency is working closely with local health workers and volunteers to reach underserved communities, ensuring that TB prevention and treatment services are accessible to all Filipinos.
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