Tuberculosis in the Philippines

[Lorenzo]

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). You can get TB by breathing in air droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. This is called primary TB.

In the United States, most people will recover from primary TB infection without further evidence of the disease. The infection may stay asleep or inactive (dormant) for years. However, in some people it can reactivate.

Most people who develop symptoms of a TB infection first became infected in the past. However, in some cases, the disease may become active within weeks after the primary infection.

The following people are at higher risk for active TB:


      Elderly

      Infants

      People with weakened immune systems, for example due to AIDS, chemotherapy, diabetes, or certain medications

[Lorenzo]

Tuberculosis is endemic in the Philippines, considering the population density and the state of medical provisions in the country, particularly in relation to the rural communities.

What is the national government's initiative in curbing tuberculosis rates? How does this trickle down to the regional, provincial and ultimately municipal level?