World Tuberculosis Day, March 24, 2009

March 24, 2009

Today, the U.S. Government joins the Philippine Government and international and local partners in commemorating World Tuberculosis (TB) Day. Globally, the disease continues to claim more than 1.6 million lives each year. Along with HIV/AIDS and malaria, TB is one of the three leading causes of death due to infectious diseases. 

The Philippines bears much of the world’s burden of TB, ranking 9^th out of 22 high prevalence countries. In addition, TB is both a disease of poverty and a contributor to poverty.  It takes a tremendous toll on poor families in the Philippines and around the world. The costs associated with taking care of a family member with TB can account for almost one-fifth of annual household income. 

In the face of this tremendous challenge, we commend the Philippine Department of Health and their National TB Control Program for their leadership and advocacy that has led to a steady decrease of TB prevalence over the last few years. The country has consistently exceeded national and global targets in detecting cases and helping those on treatment to successfully complete the directly observed short-course therapy (DOTS).  We congratulate our local government partners who have worked tirelessly to increase access to diagnostic and treatment services, particularly among the poor and marginalized populations.

The fight against TB cannot be won alone. TB control in the Philippines is an exemplary coordinated effort among many partners within government, civil society, the private sector and the international development community. The U.S. Government is proud to have supported, primarily through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), TB prevention and control activities in this country for almost a decade, assisting in strengthening public and private sectors’ capabilities to diagnose and treat TB.  We congratulate all our other Philippine Government partners such as the Department of Education and the Department of Labor and Employment.  We acknowledge the contribution of other donors including the World Health Organization, the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Malaria, and the Governments of Japan, Korea, United Kingdom and Canada among others.  We look forward to our continued collaboration with the Philippine Coalition against Tuberculosis, the Philippine College of Occupational Medicine, the Philippine Tuberculosis Society, Inc., and World Vision International.

Even though a cure for TB has existed for more than half a century, tuberculosis remains one of humankind's greatest scourges. Today, as we commemorate World TB Day we are reminded that TB anywhere is TB everywhere.  Until we, as partners have effectively brought TB under control in the Philippines we are all at risk.  With only one-third of those with TB symptoms in the Philippines seeking care from qualified health providers, we must work together to increase awareness about TB and make sure that people are diagnosed and cured.The U.S. Government is fully committed to doing our part in this effort. To find out more, visit  http://www.cdc.gov/tb/WorldTBDay/default.htm.