The Department of Health (DOH) has raised alarm over the deadly link between tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), stressing that one in every five deaths among people living with HIV (PLHIV) is caused by TB.
In a statement on Sunday, the DOH said TB continues to be the top killer of PLHIV, though it can be prevented through early testing and prompt treatment. “There is a high possibility for PLHIV to have TB due to a weak immune system. If this is not treated immediately, it can lead to serious complications or even death,” the agency said in a Facebook post.
From January to March 2025 alone, health authorities recorded 5,101 new HIV cases in the country, averaging 57 fresh cases per day. This trend, coupled with the growing TB burden in Southeast Asia, has heightened concerns. The World Health Organization earlier reported that the region had the most new TB cases in 2023, with the Philippines listed among the 30 countries with the heaviest caseloads.
The DOH reminded the public that TB-HIV co-infection can be avoided through regular TB screening, continuous antiretroviral therapy (ART), and Tuberculosis Preventive Treatment (TPT). Parents were urged to have their children vaccinated with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, while households with TB patients were advised to avail themselves of preventive treatment at health centers even if they show no symptoms.
The agency also called on Filipinos to wear masks and immediately seek medical attention for coughs lasting two weeks or more, underscoring that vigilance and early action can save lives.
