Socio-economically underprivileged areas in the Philippines. To review the implementation of tuberculosis (TB) contact investigations in the urban poor areas of Manila and Quezon City. A descriptive cross-sectional study based on a review of data from household contact registries in local government unit (LGU) and non-government organisation (NGO) facilities during January-December 2012 in Manila and Quezon City. Free discussion sessions were also conducted among health-care workers. Of 6161 children and adult household contacts listed in the LGUs and 1893 in the NGOs, 17% ( = 1086) in the LGUs and 95% ( = 1800) in the NGOs were evaluated. The yield of clinically diagnosed TB among children aged <15 years was 10.2% (127/1245) in the LGUs and 8.4% (63/752) in the NGOs. The yield of isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) for those aged <5 years was 23.1% (124/537) in the LGUs and 28.0% (78/279) in the NGOs. The NGOs produced a high yield of IPT due to a better logistical system that ensured the availability of supplies and systematic home visits. Screening of household contacts in poor urban areas appears to be effective; it increased the number of children aged<15 years eligible for IPT and should be expanded as an intervention strategy for TB control in the Philippines.

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