Health UPdates Webinar #253 (TB Screening in the Bigger Picture: “High Tech Na, Mabilis Pa!”)

The University of the Philippines,
in partnership with the UP Manila – National Institutes of Health,
and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital and UP College of Medicine,
would like to invite you to attend this webinar!

Registration slots are limited to this HEALTH UPDATES webinar
So sign up NOW:
bit.ly/HealthUpdatesWebinar253

Webinar #253
August 29, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
TB Screening in the Bigger Picture
High Tech Na, Mabilis Pa!

Presenter:
DR. CAMILO C. ROA, Jr.
President, Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc.
Founding Chairman, Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis
Professor Emeritus, University of the Philippines Manila

Reactor:
DR. LENORA C. Fernandez
Past President, Philippine College of Chest Physicians
Head, UP-PGH Stop Smoking Program
Professor and Chief, Division of Pulmonary Medicine
UP College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital
Project Leader, Updates on Philippine Smoking Cessation Guidelines, DOH
Member, Guideline Development Group on Smoking Cessation, WHO

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Webinar #253
August 29, 2025 (Friday), 12:00 noon
TB Screening in the Bigger Picture
High Tech Na, Mabilis Pa!

In an era defined by unprecedented technological advancement, the global fight against tuberculosis (TB) is undergoing a paradigm shift that is moving beyond conventional diagnostics to one that embraces cutting-edge innovations. This imperative is driven by the persistent challenge of early case detection, which remains a cornerstone of effective disease control and prevention strategies worldwide.

In this week’s episode, we will explore the scientific underpinnings and practical applications of artificial intelligence in analyzing chest radiographs, a process known as computer-aided detection (CAD). We will unpack how deep learning algorithms can rapidly and accurately triage individuals by identifying subtle radiological anomalies indicative of pulmonary TB, thereby significantly augmenting the diagnostic capacity of healthcare systems, particularly in high-burden, resource-constrained environments. The discussion will also illuminate the integration of digital health interventions and mobile health (mHealth) platforms, which extend the reach of screening programs into underserved communities. We will examine how these digital ecosystems facilitate real-time data collection, enable contact tracing, and support patient engagement through sophisticated applications and remote monitoring tools, moving toward a more proactive and decentralized model of public health.

We will also provide a comprehensive overview of how these technological synergies are enhancing diagnostic precision by optimizing workflow efficiency for frontline practitioners and reducing the time-to-treatment initiation. We will also address the critical considerations of data privacy, interoperability, and the ethical implementation of AI to help ensure that these powerful tools are leveraged responsibly to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and the World Health Organization’s (WHO) End TB Strategy targets.

Our main presenter is Dr. Camilo C. Roa, Jr., who is the President of the Philippine Tuberculosis Society Inc.. He is also the Founding Chairman of the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis and is Professor Emeritus at the University of the Philippines Manila. Our reactor is Dr. Lenora C. Fernandez, who is a past President of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians and is the Head of the UP-PGH Stop Smoking Program. She also serves as Professor and Chief of the Division of Pulmonary Medicine at the UP College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital. She is also the Project Leader of the DOH-sponsored project on Updates on Philippine Smoking Cessation Guidelines, as well as a member of the WHO Guideline Development Group on Smoking Cessation.

Join us to discover how these disruptive technologies are paving the way for a future where TB is not just treated, but systematically eradicated. Together, we can stop preventable deaths!