Tropical Disease Foundation

02/12/2025

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01/12/2025

World AIDS Day 2025: Overcoming Disruption, Transforming the AIDS Response

Today, December 1, we reaffirm our commitment on World AIDS Day. The global theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response” is a vital call to action for the Philippines, especially as we push toward our national vision of Equitable universal access to health for national prosperity.

Why The Challenge Is Still Urgent in the Philippines (Latest HASP Data)

The Philippines continues to face the fastest-growing HIV epidemic in the Asia-Pacific region. The latest surveillance data (July-September 2025) shows that without drastic transformation, we risk jeopardizing our national vision:

1. Daily Surge: An average of 61 new HIV cases are now being diagnosed every day, reflecting a concerning 22% increase compared to the same period last year.
2. Cumulative Cases: From the first case in 1984, the total reported confirmed HIV cases have now reached over 159,000.
3. Late Diagnosis: Approximately 16% of newly diagnosed individuals are still already in the Advanced HIV Disease (AHD) stage, signaling critical delays in testing and access to care.
4. The 95-95-95 Gap: We remain far from the global targets: only an estimated 57% of people living with HIV know their status, and only 66% of those diagnosed are on life-saving treatment (as of June 2025).

These figures are a clear signal that the disruptions of stigma, inequality, and lack of access are preventing the realization of Equitable universal access to health. We must transform our response now.

Our Call to Action: Be the Transformation

Ending the AIDS epidemic is not just a health goal; it is a key pillar of national prosperity. Let us transform the AIDS response by embodying solidarity and taking concrete steps:

1. Get Tested: Knowing your status is the most powerful act of prevention and care. Locate your nearest free and confidential testing center today.
2. Fight Stigma: Educate yourself and challenge discriminatory language. Champion the U=U (Undetectable = Untransmissible) message to support Persons Living with HIV (PLHIV).
3. Support UHC: Advocate for the full, non-discriminatory implementation of the Universal Health Care (UHC) Law, which guarantees all Filipinos access to comprehensive health services, including HIV/AIDS treatment and care.

Wear your red ribbon today. Together, let's overcome every disruption and transform our health system for a healthier, more prosperous Philippines.

25/11/2025

4-6 Nov 2025, Workshop on Sustainable and Integrated TB Care

The Tropical Disease Foundation through the LIFT-TB Philippines Project, supported by TB Alliance, in collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH) – Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), recently hosted a three-day hybrid workshop from November 4-6, 2025, in Midas Hotel, Pasay City, Metro Manila. The event, titled "Workshop on Sustainable and Integrated TB Care," marked the official closeout of the 5-year LIFT-TB project, and featured sessions on the key determinants and risk factors for TB in the context of sustainability and integration. Director Gerard Belimac of DPCB officially opened the Workshop. It was attended by national and regional health representatives including NTP coordinators, TB Medical Advisory Committee (TBMAC) representatives, TB Technical Specialists, civil society partners, and other technical agencies. Key resource persons included esteemed experts from WHO-HQ and WHO-Phil, medical specialists from the private sector, and DOH focal points, and TBMAC members.

09/11/2025

09/11/2025

Dear Partners, Clients, and Patients,

In light of the anticipated impact of Super Typhoon Uwan across Metro Manila and nearby regions, Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. (TDF) will suspend work and operations on Monday, November 10, 2025 to ensure the safety of our employees.

For urgent concerns, you may reach us through our official communication channels or via email at: inquiries@tdf.org.ph.

We encourage everyone to take necessary precautions and stay safe during the typhoon.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

12/09/2025

September 13 marks the birth anniversary of our founder, Dr. Thelma E. Tupasi-Ramos. On this day, we remember her with gratitude for the inspiration and guidance she so generously shared. Though she is gone, her influence continues to live on.

18/08/2025

Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. Showcases Leadership and Innovation at the 31st PhilCAT Annual Convention

The Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. (TDFI) actively participated in the 31st Annual Convention of the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PhilCAT), reaffirming its commitment to advancing research, innovation, and collaborative action in the fight against tuberculosis.

A highlight of TDFI’s participation was the presentation by Dr. Julius Lecciones, Executive Director of TDFI, who shared significant findings on the application of Computer-Aided Diagnosis with Artificial Intelligence (CAD-AI) in tuberculosis screening and diagnosis. His presentation underscored the potential of CAD-AI to enhance accuracy, speed, and accessibility of TB detection, particularly in underserved and resource-limited communities where availability of radiologists to verify and confirm diagnosis is limited.

Beyond scientific contributions, TDFI’s strong representation at the convention also reflected the depth of its leadership in TB control. Dr. Maria Imelda “Mamel” Quelapio, a member of TDFI’s Board of Trustees, played an important role in the proceedings, adding both strategic direction and governance insight to the organization’s engagement. Dr. Janice Caoili and Dr. Nichel Marquez, TDF consultants, also contributed their expertise, underscoring the Foundation’s multidisciplinary approach to tackling TB.

The organization likewise takes pride in having Dr. Camilo A. Roa Jr., the Founding Chairman of PhilCAT, as a distinguished member of its Board of Trustees, further demonstrating TDFI’s integral role in the country’s TB community.

The TDFI delegation included staff and consultants from its key projects, such as LiFT-TB and PeerLINC, alongside speakers and other delegates, collectively reinforcing the Foundation’s commitment to advancing TB research, program implementation, and advocacy.

“Harnessing AI in TB diagnostics is not just a technological milestone, it’s a public health breakthrough. By integrating CAD-AI into our TB programs, we are paving the way for earlier detection, better treatment outcomes, and ultimately, a healthier future for Filipinos,” said Dr. Lecciones.

The convention convened healthcare professionals, researchers, and policymakers from across the nation. TDFI’s strong presence and active participation reflect its enduring mission to deliver evidence-based solutions and form partnerships that accelerate the goal of ending TB in the Philippines.

About Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc.
The Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. is a leading non-profit organization in the Philippines dedicated to the prevention, control, and treatment of infectious diseases. Through research, program implementation, and health systems strengthening, TDFI works to improve health outcomes and quality of life for communities across the nation.

21/07/2025

Work Suspension Notice - July 22, 2025.

25/04/2025

CREDO Southeast Asia Training Wraps Up in Makati!

From April 22–25, 2025, the Tropical Disease Foundation, Inc. hosted an intensive 3.5-day face-to-face training at Somerset Millennium Makati.

18 scholars from Negros Island Region, The Medical City, St. Luke’s Medical Center, and TDFI deepened their knowledge through CREDO’s core and specialized modules.

Dr. Kenneth Hartigan-Go inspired participants with insights on research’s impact during health emergencies. Scholars also began drafting research plans addressing real-world outbreaks—soon to be refined back in their institutions.

31/03/2025

TDF LIFT-TB HOLDS A SCIENTIFIC FORUM FOCUSING ON THE LATEST WHO GUIDELINES ON DR-TB TREATMENT AND PREVENTION IN COMMEMORATION OF WORLD TB DAY

The Tropical Disease Foundation (TDF) LIFT-TB Philippines joined the world in celebrating World TB Day 2025 with the theme: “Yes, we can end TB. Commit. Invest. Deliver. A scientific forum was conducted entitled, “Keeping Abreast with the Latest Developments in TB featuring the new WHO Guidelines on DR-TB Treatment and Prevention” at the City Garden Hotel, Makati City on March 24, 2025. The symposium highlighted the updated WHO guidelines for DR-TB emphasizing on the new tools based on the latest available evidence. The speakers included colleagues from WHO, Geneva and the country office, DOH-Disease Prevention and Control Bureau and other experts. The event was attended by 71 TB health providers and civil society and 396 online participants from various partners and counterpart offices at all levels in the NTP network.
LIFT-TB stands for Leveraging Innovation for Faster Treatment of TB. The event was supported by the TB Alliance and KOICA.

26/11/2024

Mark your calendars! On November 30, 2024, Saturday, for the Dr. Thelma E. Tupasi Memorial Lecture, organized by the Association of MakatiMed Infectious Diseases Alumni, it is an annual event dedicated to honoring the life and trailblazing contributions of Dr. Thelma E. Tupasi. As one of the first to champion the fight against Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis, Dr. Tupasi’s groundbreaking work has transformed global responses to infectious diseases, saving countless lives.

A visionary leader and one of the pioneers in infectious disease research, Dr. Tupasi’s innovative efforts continue to shape the future of healthcare. Her dedication to research and public health remains an enduring inspiration, paving the way for advancements in combating the world’s most pressing health challenges.

This commemorative event will feature reflections from distinguished speakers, colleagues, and experts who will highlight Dr. Tupasi’s extraordinary achievements and the lasting relevance of her contributions to public health and medical research.

We invite you to join this meaningful celebration of her legacy, a chance to honor the memory of a true trailblazer whose work set new standards for excellence and innovation in healthcare.

This will be held in Ledesma Hall, 9th Floor, Tower 1, Makati Medical Center from 09:00AM to 11:00AM. Save the date and be part of this tribute to Dr. Thelma E. Tupasi, a pioneer whose vision and impact continue to inspire generations.