Marcos seeks WHO help for Philippines health system improvement

MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos seeks increased collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) in improving the country’s health system after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He told WHO regional director for the Western Pacific Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, who paid a courtesy call on Marcos at Malacañang on Friday, that the country is doing all it can to improve the health system of the country post-COVID-19.

“I’m sure (Health) Secretary Ted (Herbosa) has explained to you what the Philippines has been trying to do, especially post-pandemic lessons learned. So, whatever guidance that the WHO can provide us is something that we will certainly welcome,” Marcos said.

Piukala, who assumed office on Feb. 1, leads the WHO Western Pacific regional office in its work with governments and partners across the region to enhance their health outcomes and ensure the safety of the region’s population.

The Marcos administration is pushing for the passage of a bill seeking to establish the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines to allow the country to respond more quickly to emerging diseases.

The measure was approved on third and final reading by the House of Representatives in December 2022. The Senate has yet to pass a counterpart measure.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2, a novel strain of coronavirus that first appeared in 2019, brought attention to the necessity for virology research and development capabilities in the country.