by Brian Morse, MD, PhD
Tuberculosis (TB) remains the world’s leading infectious cause of death, claiming over one million lives each year. It is estimated that more than one-quarter of the world’s population is infected with TB.
Despite significant advances in medicine, early detection and accurate diagnosis remain among the greatest challenges in controlling the disease. Delayed diagnosis can postpone effective treatment, leading to increased spread and poorer outcomes for those with active disease.
The Philippines continues to carry one of the world’s highest TB burdens. Among the 30 countries identified by the World Health Organization as having the highest burden of TB, the Philippines ranks in the top ten in five of six key measures.
TB in the Philippines, by the numbers
Annual Incidence: 625 new cases per 100,000 people (2nd highest)
Annual Cases: 724,000 (3rd highest) [Behind India & China, which have 12x more people] Funding Available per TB case: $165 (8th lowest)
Change in Incidence (2015-2024): 14% increase (4th highest)
Annual TB Deaths: 37,000 (8th highest)
Support This Work
I am developing rapid diagnostic assays (PCR and other) designed to improve the accuracy, affordability, and accessibility of TB testing. My goal is to help identify TB earlier, so that treatment can begin sooner, reducing the spread of disease and improving patient outcomes.
I am a board-certified pediatrician who earned my MD and PhD degrees from the University of Illinois at Chicago and have dedicated my research to the development of improved rapid molecular diagnostics for infectious diseases. Bringing new medical innovations from the laboratory to the patients who need them requires collaboration, investment, and community support.
Whether through a contribution, investment, research collaboration, or by connecting me with individuals or organizations interested in advancing medical innovation, your support can help move this work forward. Thank you for your consideration.
To learn more, please contact:
Brian Morse, MD, PhD
North Park Pediatrics, SC
Hearts and Minds 20/20
E-mail: nppsc@me.com
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