Due to overcrowding and poor living conditions, the prevalence of TB in Tondo is four to five times higher than the national average,* while the country ranks third in the world in terms of TB burden.** In 2025, MSF continued to travel around the community with a truck equipped with an x-ray machine to help screen residents for the disease. To make TB screening faster and more efficient, we use artificial intelligence computer-aided detection to analyse chest x-rays. 

Once a diagnosis of TB is confirmed, an MSF team informs patients, provides them with advice, ensures that they understand what TB is and why it is essential to follow treatment, and refers them to local health centres for care. MSF has partnered with a local NGO, Upskills+ Foundation, to offer community kitchen-prepared meals to patients undergoing treatment. 

We also offer preventive treatment to people who have been in close contact with patients with confirmed TB, particularly children, who are at greater risk of developing severe forms of the disease. In addition, we conduct research on shorter courses of TB treatment for children, and help health authorities to implement them. 

In 2025, the Philippines was hit by several natural hazards. In September, following deadly tropical storms in Ilocos region, we distributed hygiene kits. Soon after, when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake struck Cebu province, we responded again by distributing drinking water and hygiene kits. In October, after powerful offshore earthquakes in Davao region, MSF offered psychological support and shelter materials to affected people, and provided medical supplies to health facilities in the hardest-hit areas. In November, we helped communities devastated by Typhoon Kalmaegi by sending mobile clinics, providing mental health support and medical supplies, and deep-cleaning health centres. In Eastern Samar province, we trained local health authorities on how to identify people in need of mental health support, and provide psychological first aid to them. 

*PLOS Global Public Health: https://journals.plos.org/globalpublichealth/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgph.0004232  
**WHO: https://www.who.int/teams/global-programme-on-tuberculosis-and-lung-health/tb-reports/global-tuberculosis-report-2025/tb-disease-burden/1-1-tb-incidence#:~:text=In%202024%2C%20eight%20countries%20accounted,1.1