On August 20, 2024, TBpeople Philippines participated in a pivotal symposium organized by Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT) at the UNILAB Bayanihan Center in Pasig City. This forum brought together key stakeholders in the fight against tuberculosis, focusing on cutting-edge diagnostics, innovative treatment approaches, preventative measures, including vaccines, and epidemiological research. The event aimed to nurture collaboration among various organizations, scoping out potential partnerships that could accelerate the progress against TB in the Philippines.
Mr. Niño Magpusao, the Public Governance Officer of TBpeople Philippines and a prominent TB survivor, was a distinguished speaker during the panel session on the results of TB diagnostic studies conducted in the country. He brought a unique perspective to the discussion, bridging the gap between technical research findings and the lived experiences of TB survivors.
The panel session highlighted the outcomes of both sputum-based and non-sputum diagnostic studies conducted by different organizations. The discussion centered on the potential strategies for the national roll-out of these diagnostics, drawing from past experiences with introducing new diagnostic tools. Mr. Magpusao’s contribution was particularly valuable in grounding the conversation in the realities of TB care, emphasizing the importance of survivor engagement in the implementation process.
Key questions were raised during the session, aimed at driving the future of TB diagnostics in the Philippines. What are the essential steps to ensure that new diagnostics can be effectively rolled out to benefit the broader population? Is active case finding the most sustainable and effective method for TB case detection? How do we ethically and sustainably provide access to first-line and second-line drug susceptibility testing (DST) for all Filipinos diagnosed with TB, especially in the context of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)?
These questions are not just theoretical; they are deeply connected to the challenges faced by TB survivors like Magpusao. His insights underscored the need for survivor perspectives in shaping TB strategies, ensuring that new tools and approaches are not only scientifically sound but also practically viable and ethically grounded.
It was clear that the collaboration between researchers, healthcare providers, and survivor communities is vital to making significant strides in TB control and elimination. TBpeople Philippines, through its active participation and leadership, continues to be a key player in these discussions, advocating for solutions that are inclusive, sustainable, and impactful. The insights shared by Mr. Magpusao and other TB survivors at the forum remind us that the fight against TB is not just about science and technology but about the lives and well-being of people who have experienced the disease firsthand.
