LIFT-TB PHIL HOLDS A SYMPOSIUM TO COMMEMORATE
WORLD TB DAY AND SUPPORT PROGRAMMATIC SCALEUP OF
THE NEW DR-TB REGIMEN

As part of the World TB Day celebration, the Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF) and TB Alliance (TBA) held a symposium and focused training on the new DR-TB regimen following the successful launch of the Peer-to-Peer Learning for Innovative Cures for TB (PeerLINC) Knowledge Hub last 25 March 2024 at Bayleaf Hotel Manila. Conducted in a hybrid set-up, the symposium highlighted the perspectives of various sectors of the NTP network pertaining to the fast adoption of the novel BPaLM/BPaL treatment regimen for MDR-TB and a focused training on the new DRTB regimen.  On-site attendees included officials and representatives from the DOH-DPCB, Research Team, National TB Reference Laboratory, TB People (TBP) Philippines, TB Medical Advisory Committee National Capital Region, and adjacent regions, regional and local government units, PBSP, TDF and partner agencies.

The session was formally opened by Ms. Maria Diachenko, Senior Manager, Market Access, TBA where she thanked partners for their contribution to the success of the BPaL OR.  This was followed by a patient testimonial by Mr. Joegene Mangilaya who shared his journey as a beneficiary of the BPaL regimen.  This was followed by an overview of the key updates on the new DRTB guidelines and the country’s transition from research to program use of the new DRTB regimen by Dr Charisse Malbacias, NTP Manager, DPCB-DOH.

The afternoon event highlighted the country’s progress on the national roll out of the new regimen with the sharing of experience from various sectors beginning with a regional perspective from Dr. Eloisa Vidar, OIC-Local Health Support Division Chief, CHD 3, followed by Ms. Eunijane Jimenez, Nurse for the iDOTS Coordinating Committee (ICC) perspective.  Dr Cecilia Aquino, NTP Coordinator, Valenzuela City, presented the LGU perspective.  Valenzuela City is one of the early successful implementers of iDOTS2.  A video, courtesy of TB People Philipppines, highlighted the support of various LGU executives for "Fast track the cure” campaign to widen the implementation of the new 6 month regimen.  Ms. Derna Zapater, San Miguel (Bulacan) District Hospital Nurse gave an implementer’s perspective coming from an iDOTS facility.

As part of the project’s technical assistance, the LIFT-TB Phil Project has initiated the development of job aids to support the implementation at the local level. These were symbolically handed over by Dr. Mamel Quelapio, LIFT-TB, KNCV, TBA Consultant, and Dr. Irene Flores, Principal Investigator, BPaL OR, to Dr Malbacias.

The event culminated with a brief capacity building activity focusing on BPaLM/BPaL modifications and clinical scenarios led by Dr Quelapio and Dr Flores, and FAQs facilitated by Ms Charlotte Cabalitan and Ms Jeam Lopez, Research Specialists.

 Dr. Malbacias formally closed the event thanking the organizers, counterparts and partners for all their support.