Philippines

The Philippines has the third-highest TB burden in the world. In Tondo, TB prevalence is four to five times higher than this already concerning national average. Overcrowding and poor living conditions in the area contribute to its spread.

In Tondo, MSF travels around the community in a truck equipped with an X-ray machine to screen residents for TB. To make screening faster and more efficient, we use artificial intelligence computer-aided detection to analyze chest X-rays.  

Once a TB diagnosis is confirmed, MSF’s team informs the patient, provides advice, ensures that they understand what TB is and why it is essential to follow treatment, and refers them to local health centers for care. MSF has partnered with a local NGO, the UpSkills+ Foundation, to offer community kitchen-prepared meals to patients undergoing treatment.  

We also offer preventive treatment to people who have been in close contact with patients with confirmed TB, particularly children, who are at greater risk of developing severe forms of the disease. In addition, we conduct research on shorter courses of TB treatment for children and assist the health authorities in their implementation.