Evaluating Tuberculosis Surveillance Using Global Standards and Benchmarks in the Philippines: Mixed Methods Study

The Philippines accounts for 7% of the global tuberculosis (TB) burden. In 2022, an estimated 741,000 Filipinos developed TB, and 40,000 died as a result. Approximately 350,000 new TB diagnoses remain unreported annually.

In October 2023, we undertook an assessment of the accuracy, completeness, and timeliness of the national TB surveillance system using globally accepted TB surveillance standards and benchmarks.

A team of Filipino and international evaluators conducted field visits to 9 purposively selected health facilities across 4 regions. Health records were reviewed, and key informants were interviewed to assess essential activities and best practices for TB surveillance.

Of 16 applicable performance standards, 4 (25%) were fully met, 9 (56.3%) were partially met, and 3 (18.8%) were not met. This was an improvement from a similar assessment conducted in 2019. Although electronic case-based recording and reporting had expanded greatly since 2019, large local variations in the adoption of quality assurance practices were evident. More than 50% of persons with reported TB had no bacteriological confirmation despite the presence of a functional national laboratory network. Underreporting due to underdiagnosis was also noted. Delayed reporting was common, especially in locations with limited internet connectivity or limited access to anti-TB medications.

Issues related to data quality assurance, gaps in case verification, and timeliness emerged as potential threats to data integrity and surveillance fidelity. Enhanced monitoring and evaluation, along with tailored studies, such as a national TB inventory study, could assist in quantifying potential underreporting and clinical overdiagnosis, guiding future funding, and assessing progress toward elimination targets.