The United States, South Korea, and Japan have launched a PHP1.6 billion partnership to enhance access to quality healthcare in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) over the next six years. The initiative is a collaboration between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The partnership aims to improve health information systems, increase public health financing, and modernize healthcare facilities in the region.
Health in BARMM has faced challenges due to years of conflict, leading to poor outcomes in maternal and child health, infectious diseases, and malnutrition. BARMM has one of the lowest healthcare access rates in the Philippines, with limited facilities and resources. The region suffers from high infant mortality rates, low immunization coverage, and inadequate health services, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas.
To address these issues, the collaboration will focus on improving maternal and newborn health services, enhancing nutrition, expanding PhilHealth enrollment, and promoting facility-based deliveries. Additionally, the initiative aims to strengthen health security, digital health capabilities, and emergency preparedness.
The program will also support local governments and communities by providing training to expand health outreach, especially to vulnerable groups such as indigenous populations. This project is a significant step toward addressing the health needs of BARMM and ensuring that the region’s healthcare system becomes more resilient and accessible.
This marks the first health-focused initiative in Asia between the development agencies of Japan, Korea, and the United States, signaling a commitment to long-term, sustainable improvements in BARMM’s healthcare system.
