In April 2021, Culion Foundation and the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) launched their first TB-Active Case Finding (TB-ACF) initiative in the province of Cavite. Prioritizing high-risk groups such as senior citizen, people living with HIV (PLHIV), immunocompromised individuals, and smokers, the program aimed to identify active TB cases early and provide timely treatment. Although the number of screened patients fell short of the initial target due to the prevailing pandemic challenges, the Culion Foundation and PBSP remain undeterred in their commitment to making a lasting impact in the fight against TB.
TB-Active Case Finding is a crucial strategy to detect TB cases within high-risk populations who may not present typical symptoms or seek medical attention immediately. By conducting proactive screenings and assessments, the Culion Foundation and PBSP sought to identify individuals with active TB infections promptly, thereby preventing further transmission and ensuring timely treatment to reduce the disease’s burden on communities.