DOH, Japan Launch High-Tech Drive Against Tuberculosis

 To boost early detection of tuberculosis (TB) in underserved areas, the Department of Health (DOH) rolled out the “Enhancing Tuberculosis Screening in Remote Areas” project with support from the Japanese government and the Stop TB Partnership/UNOPS. The initiative introduced 20 ultra-portable X-ray units equipped with AI-CAD technology to serve isolated communities in 19 provinces, aiming to expand access to diagnostics and move closer to universal health coverage.

At the launch in Manila, Japanese Ambassador Kazuya Endo reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to the Philippines’ health programs, emphasizing that “early detection saves lives.” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa expressed gratitude to Japan and international partners for helping bring life-saving tools to the country’s most vulnerable areas. The AI-assisted X-ray units will help local health workers detect TB faster and more accurately, even in remote barangays.

Stop TB Partnership Executive Director Dr. Lucica Ditiu and other global health leaders praised the project as an innovation-driven response to one of the country’s oldest health threats. A grant agreement signed between Japan and UNOPS will fund equipment, training, and operations in high-burden provinces. With faster diagnosis and treatment referrals, the DOH hopes this initiative will curb TB transmission, improve recovery rates, and serve as a model for future nationwide health interventions.