Philippines
AI-Driven Microplanning for Active TB Case Finding in Support of the Global Fund GC-7 Program
Project Context
Despite having extensive TB programs in place, the Philippines continues to struggle with underdiagnosis and delayed detection, especially in remote or underserved communities. Historically, Active Case Finding (ACF) activities were guided by manual planning and limited visibility into regional disparities. To address this, EPCON partnered with PBSP (Philippine Business for Social Progress) under the Global Fund GC-7 grant to integrate AI into the planning and monitoring of ACF interventions across 11 regions, covering over 42,000 barangays.
The project builds on earlier work with the Department of Health and WHO, where EPCON's Epi-control platform demonstrated the ability to predict TB hotspots using high-resolution contextual and health data.
Project Objectives
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Integrate program data from contractors to produce continuously updated TB burden predictions
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Guide ACF teams with real-time, location-specific screening recommendations through the Epi-control platform
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Improve allocation of resources and coordination between government and implementing partners
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Visualize program achievements, regional gaps, and population-level risk in near real-time
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Build capacity of partners and government stakeholders for sustained digital adoption
EPCON's Approach
EPCON deployed its Epi-control platform, enhanced with new features tailored for the Philippines' decentralized health system. Key components include:
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Microplanning Module: Generates weekly screening recommendations based on local TB risk, population data, prior activities, and healthcare access
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Customized Geoportals and Dashboards for PBSP and each of its three contractors (Culion Foundation, RCG Premier, Alay Buhay), allowing for region-specific monitoring and planning
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Chatbot-based Data Collection Tool integrated via Viber, replacing unstructured communication and capturing precise community-level screening activity
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API integration with ITIS, the national TB information system, to include data on drugs, cartridges, and private sector referrals
The platform creates a closed-loop system: screening data feeds the model, which refines predictions, driving better programmatic decisions. Contractors and local governments remain central in decision-making, with the platform providing evidence-based guidance.
Key Outcomes and Impact (Ongoing Implementation)
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Unique platform instances set up for PBSP and 3 contractors
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Screening targets aligned with predicted yield to improve cost-effectiveness
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Live dashboards now track contractor activities, regional progress, and priority areas
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Advocacy and planning support for CHDs and LGUs through data-driven insights
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Platform enables analysis of resource gaps, coverage disparities, and yield inefficiencies to better inform funding and logistics
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A steering committee involving PBSP, DoH, WHO, USAID, and EPCON guides strategic alignment
