The Philippines has secured a $600-million grant from the United States to improve the country’s health care sector and its capacity to respond to public health threats, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.
In a statement, the DOF said it facilitated up to P36.95 billion grant under the Strategic Objective Agreement (SOA) for Integrated and Sustainable Health Systems in the Philippines, proposed to be implemented by the Department of Health.
‘Investing in health care is investing in our people, our productivity and our future. Through this grant, we are strengthening the country’s ability to respond to health emergencies while building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that benefits our people,’ Finance Secretary Frederick Go said.
It will build an integrated, sustainable, resilient and self-reliant health system by boosting health security, improving health care delivery and enhancing the Philippines’ capacity to respond to infectious disease threats, the agency said.
The assistance will also advance bilateral cooperation on global health security and other priority health programs.
Under the SOAG, the two countries will work on three key results, such as strengthening disease surveillance, detection and outbreak response, integrating health service delivery across disease programs and improving the government’s strengthened domestic capacity to finance and manage the health sector.
The initiative will also support programs addressing HIV, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases and maternal, newborn and child health.
‘SOAG reflects the shared commitment of both governments to strengthen public health systems, improve preparedness against emerging and existing infectious diseases and promote sustainable economic growth through healthier communities,’ the agency said.
The DOF said grants are non repayable assistance from development partners, allowing the government to invest in priority programs such as its health care system.