In celebration of the #WorldTBDay, USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project (TBIHSS), through its implementing partner FHI 360, co-organized the launch of the 2023-2035 Philippine Acceleration Action Plan for TB (PAAP TB) on March 24, 2023 at the Conrad Hotel in Pasay City. Gracing the event are key officials from the government, civil society, program partners, health advocates, and stakeholders. The 2023-2035 PAAP TB provides cutting edge approaches, clear strategic direction, and doable means of achieving the Philippines’ goal of ending the TB epidemic.

DOH OIC-Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire expressing her gratitude to all partners, health advocates, stakeholders, and attendees of the Launch of the 2023-2035 PAAP TB. In her message, OIC-Secretary Singh-Vergeire presented the specific health strategies, integrated in the 2023-2035 PAAP TB, that aims to end the TB epidemic.

DOH OIC-Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire endorsing the ratified PAAP TB to DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr.

Moreover, The PAAP-TB will enable the TB National Coordinating Committee’s (TB-NCC) member agencies to integrate their TB elimination commitment into their plans, policies, and work programs, with the goal of promoting healthy behaviours and increasing demand for TB protection and care.

DILG Secretary Abalos, Jr. ascertained his agency’s full support and commitment in the promotion and implementation of the PAAP TB.

The launch of the 2023-2035 PAAP TB was attended by high-ranking officials such as DOH OIC-Secretary Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos, Jr., USAID/Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks, DOH Assistant Secretary Dr. Beverly Lorraine Ho, DSWD Assistant Secretary Janet Armas, PhilHealth Acting President & CEO Emmanuel R. Ledesma, Jr., DOLE Assistant Secretary Dr. Ma. Teresita Cucueco, TESDA Acting Executive Director El Cid Castillo, FDA Director Jesusa Joyce Cirunay, and FHI 360 Country Representative and Chief of Party of the TBIHSS Project Dr. Soliman Guirgis.

Health partners from the USAID/Philippines, FHI 360, DILG, DSWD, DOLE, and other key sectors rallying their support to DOH in its campaign to end the TB epidemic.

Director Jesusa Joyce Cirunay from the Food and Drugs Administration reiterated their commitment to safeguarding public health by ensuring safe and quality drug products in the fight against TB.

In her message of support, USAID/Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks commended the Philippine government for its unwavering efforts to implement policies and programs designed to prevent and treat TB. She also emphasized how the government’s hard work has resulted in the Philippines to achieve its TB case notifications back to pre-pandemic rates. Lastly, she urged everyone to remain vigilant and sustain these milestones by ensuring accessibility to TB care and treatment for everyone.

USAID/Philippines Deputy Mission Director Rebekah Eubanks commended the Philippine government for its hard work and innovative approaches to bring the TB incidence rate of the country back to pre-pandemic levels.

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PAAP TB Press Conference led by DOH OIC-Secretary Singh-Vergeire and DILG Secretary Abalos, Jr.

Project Name

USAID’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Strengthening Project

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#YesWeCanEndTB

Photographer Credit/s: USAID’s TBIHSS