The Department of Health (DOH) joined the World Health Organization (WHO) in celebrating its 75th anniversary and in honour of the Philippines’ significant role as one of the founding states that came together to ensure that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest possible level of health. The Philippines joined WHO on 9 July 1948.
As part of the celebration, the DOH and the WHO commemorated shared milestones in improving health outcomes of Filipinos, as well as in increasing access to essential health services throughout the country. The DOH and the WHO likewise renewed their respective commitments to expand their collaborative engagements towards Universal Health Care (UHC).
“Right from the start, the Philippines, through the DOH, and the WHO have collaborated unwaveringly to safeguard the health of all Filipinos. Amid all the public health challenges and health emergencies that the country has faced, no other ally has been as consistent and reliable in supporting the country’s strategies as the WHO,” said Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa.
Throughout the years, significant milestones in the country’s public health landscape have been reached as a result of the DOH and the WHO’s collaboration. Among these milestones were the eradication of smallpox and the elimination of polio in 2021; the significant decrease in the incidence of malaria by 87% from 2003 to 2020; and the passage and issuance of various legal and policy instruments supporting public health, including the UHC Law, the RH Law, various sin tax reform and tobacco control laws, and different national policies on health promotion, disease prevention and control, and health regulation.
Looking ahead, the DOH and the WHO committed to further fortify their partnership to respond to the demands of the evolving health landscape and address ongoing challenges. The two organizations likewise pledged to leverage the country’s successes in combating the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the Philippine health system.
“The considerable progress made by the partnership between the Philippine Government, the DOH, and WHO in the past 75 years is a testament to our commitment to attain the highest level of health and well-being for every Filipino. Despite the tremendous challenges posed by various health emergencies, we will continue to work beyond borders and break barriers to address health inequities and achieve ‘Health for All’ Filipinos,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.
“The DOH expresses its gratitude to the WHO for its untiring support. Together, we have fortified the foundations of public health that not only benefited the Philippines but other countries as well. As we continue to confront health challenges locally and globally, the Philippines shall continue to stand with the WHO to ensure better health outcomes for everyone. May the WHO’s anniversary serve as a reminder that progress is achievable through shared accountability and collective action. With this in mind, I pray that we all continue striving to build a healthier future for our people, dahil sa Healthy Pilipinas, Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga,” the Health Secretary affirmed.