Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Maria Rosario Singh-Vergeire, together with Usec. Kenneth Ronquillo, officially welcomed Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus as the new WHO Country Representative.
The DOH OIC laid out the directions of Universal Healthcare in the Philippines as well as the areas wherein the World Health Organization (WHO) and the DOH can collaborate for further development. Among the topics discussed was the finalization of the WHO Country Cooperation Strategy for the country for 2023-2027, which will reflect the National Health Sector Strategies and the health stipulation in the Philippine Development Plan.
During the dialogue, the new WHO Country Representative congratulated the OIC and the Department for its high COVID coverage – particularly its vaccination program as the agency was able to reach even geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs). Further, the OIC reiterated that the Department continuously makes efforts to encourage the public to get vaccinated and get their boosters done, to boost the wall of immunity against the virus.
Furthermore, the OIC also pledged that aside from COVID-19, all hands are on deck in further improving the delivery of health services particularly primary and specialty care across the country.
“The DOH believes that it shares its goal of protecting the health of the Filipino people with the WHO. The WHO has been a good ally and guide of the DOH in promoting the improvement of healthcare service delivery and we do hope to continue such harmonious and productive coordination with the newly-inducted country representative.
Rest assured that all efforts will be done to the maximum potential for the betterment of our health systems. The DOH looks forward to our collaboration as we move towards our common goal of further realizing the Universal Healthcare Act – for Filipinos to be among the healthiest people not only in Southeast Asia but in the world,” said OIC Vergeire.
