U.S. Gives Php13.8 Billion in Health Assistance to the Philippines
By: Nonnette C. Bennett
Manila — The U.S. government announced on September 12 that approximately Php13.8 billion ($250 million) in foreign assistance to strengthen health systems, improve disease detection and response capabilities, and enhance maternal and child health services in the Philippines – measures that will make the United States and the Philippines safer, stronger, and more prosperous.
“This funding underscores the United States’ unwavering commitment to the health and well-being of the Filipino people and demonstrates our long-term partnership in addressing shared challenges,” said U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines MaryKay Carlson, adding, “Together, we are building a healthier, more resilient future.”
This new funding raises the total of recently announced U.S. foreign assistance committed to the Philippines to more than Php17 billion ($313 million), following an earlier announcement of Php3 billion ($63 million) in foreign assistance to support Philippine energy sector resilience, combat illegal fishing in the South China Sea, and deepen private sector development in the Luzon Economic Corridor.
The U.S. commitment to improve health outcomes in the Philippines and the Indo-Pacific region focuses on critical areas of Tuberculosis Control and Prevention, Global Health Security, Maternal and Child Health and Nutrition, and other areas important to both countries’ health security. The funding supports key initiatives such as supply chain management, data and information systems, and laboratory strengthening.
The U.S. Embassy Foreign Assistance Section leads the implementation of these initiatives in priority areas.
