Manila:: The Department of Health (DOH) 10 (Northern Mindanao) announced on Wednesday that advanced equipment and facilities were crucial in enabling rapid responses to tuberculosis (TB) cases for prompt treatment in the region.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dr. Wellaflor Kindom-Brito, head of the Infectious Disease Cluster at DOH-10, stated during a media forum that expanded health facilities in the region have enabled modern diagnostic procedures, making tracking and treatment feasible. "Those who were in contact with TB patients inside their houses were immediately given TB preventive therapy," she said.

Brito added that rural health units in every barangay of the region also play a key role in managing TB cases. Cagayan de Oro City reported 5,364 TB cases in 2023, and more than 1,000 in the first quarter of 2024.

Deaths in the region due to TB were recorded at 250 in 2021; 295 in 2022; 390 in 2023; and 375 in the first three quarters of 2024.