MOH pledges support for JICA, KOICA, USAID to strengthen healthcare sectors in BARMM

Manila, September 27, 2024 – In an effort to strengthen partnerships with international organizations, the Minister of Health Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., formally signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to strengthen the healthcare system in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The event, which was organized by the International Organization for Migrants (IOM), aims to bolster the health sector in combating health emergencies, promote more resilient and efficient healthcare system accessible to vulnerable communities, and sustain the current developments that the Ministry has achieved over the last five years.

H.E Endo Kazuya, the Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines, Pledged full support to the MOH’s quench of a more improved healthcare system. “Our efforts towards more inclusive and responsive healthcare systems reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to human security and peace-making efforts within the BARMM. Likewise, the health and well-being of women and children remains a priority in our pursuit of a more comprehensive health system.”

On the other hand, Dr. Kadil M. Sinolinding, Jr., expressed his full cooperation and commended the agencies’ humanitarian efforts in the region. He described the historic event as a timely needed cooperation to ensure the improvement of quality healthcare delivery that will uplift the lives of the Bangsamoro constituents.

“This Memorandum of Cooperation is a call to action. It is a commitment to harness the collective power of our organizations to create a healthier, more equitable, and more prosperous Bangsamoro with an end in mind to build a stronger Philippines. It is a call to build a future where every Bangsamoro child can live with full potentials, a life filled with hope, enjoying the right to be happy, healthy, and grow with brighter prospects.” He stated.

In attendance were Dr. Theoro J. Herbosa, the Secretary of Health, Kim Dong Ho, Vice President for KOICA, Sakamoto Takema, JICA Philippine Chief Representative, Kim Eunsub, KOICA Philippine Country Director, Ryan Washburn, USAID Philippine Mission Director, Dr. Zul Qarneyn M. Abas, MOH Deputy Minister, Dr. Abdulhalik M. Kasim, MOH assistant secretary, and staffs from the International Organization for Migrants.