Based on the 2015 data of the World Health Organization (WHO), there were an estimated 10.4 million new (incident) TB cases worldwide, of which 5.9 million were men, 3.5 million were women and 1 million were children. TB was one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide in 2015, and was responsible for more deaths than HIV and malaria. The Philippines is included in the Top 20 countries with highest estimated rates of people falling ill with TB with a rate of 290,000. The 2013 Philippine Health Statistics (PHS) shows that TB as a cause of deaths is ranked 8th with 23,867 deaths with a rate of 23.7 per 100,000. It is 7th among the top leading causes of morbidity with 101,124 persons reported to have TB (respiratory and other forms) for a morbidity rate of 103.1 per 100,000.

In Barangay San Jose, the data gathered from the survey done last January 2018 showed that they have a 100% Case Detection Rate for year 2017. However, out of all the individuals diagnosed, only 6 had completed their treatment. One of these diagnosed patients is still taking medications, 4 of them were lost to follow up and 2 were presumptive drug-resistant patients. They have a 50% treatment success rate for the year 2016. 18 individuals were also found out to be presumptive TB cases. According to the secondary data, Tuberculosis ranked 5th in the top leading causes of Morbidity in the Barangay.

​

   Through the End TB strategy, the ADZU-SOM medical students in collaboration with the stakeholders in the community and together with the community residents themselves of Barangay San Jose will combat TB and help attain the ambitious World Health Organization’s goal of “A world free of TB”. Strategies to address the said problem; (1) strengthening and emphasizing to the community residents the preventive measures of TB such as health education regarding TB and its proper infection control measures, (2) improving the passive and active case finding for detection of TB cases, and (3) improving the referral system of TB patients for proper management.

Empowering and mobilizing the existing groups that support the National TB program, as well as the community residents of Barangay San Jose, will help in the maintenance of the

project. Certification will be given to the TB Task Force who will volunteer to assist in the implementation of the activities and who will act as treatment partners and a Memorandum of Understanding regarding their functions and responsibilities will be signed by both parties. A Barangay resolution will be proposed to further sustain the project in the said Barangay.