Joint Press Release | 16 March 2024
In this year’s World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, the Philippines is poised to break the Guinness World Record for the largest human lung formation in Quirino Grandstand, Manila City.
Led by the Department of Health (DOH), alongside its development partners, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Stop TB Partnership (STBP), and the Philippines Business for Social Progress (PBSP) organisation, this historic event aims to raise global awareness about TB and eradicate the stigma surrounding the disease. With health leaders from around the world attending and supporting this initiative, the country is set to make a global impact on the ongoing fight against TB.
With the theme “Tuloy ang Bayanihan, TB ay Tuldukan,” the Guinness World Record attempt drew over 8,000 participants from various backgrounds across the country, from health workers and 4Ps beneficiaries to university students and community members. It depicts the collective action and unity of Filipinos to address the challenges posed by TB.
“TB continues to be a global concern even in 2024. With over a million cases, the Philippines has the third-highest number of TB cases worldwide. Unfortunately, among all infectious diseases in the nation, TB remains one of the leading causes of death even though it can be cured,” explained Secretary of Health Teodoro J. Herbosa.
In an effort to surpass the previous record set by India in 2017, the Philippines wants not only to break the record but also to issue a resounding call to action and demonstrate a shared commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by TB.
“Our attempt to break the Guinness World Record isn’t just about setting records; it’s a call to action and a show of our shared commitment to overcome the challenges posed by tuberculosis. It’s a movement to reshape perceptions, break stigma, and advance the global conversation on tuberculosis, following the directive of President Marcos to stop the TB problem” added Secretary Herbosa.
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