Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro J. Herbosa reaffirmed the Philippines' commitment to enhancing pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response efforts during a United Nations-led high-level meeting in New York City.
Herbosa on Sept. 20 conveyed the department's commitment to lead the organization of developing member-states in a Group for Equity within the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body for Pandemic Threats.
He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the member-states on behalf of the Filipino people for their assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly through donations of countermeasures.
Herbosa emphasized the value of open communication between the public and private sectors and emphasized the necessity of a multisectoral strategy for addressing the multifaceted vulnerabilities that nations face.
He also took great pride in recognizing the crucial contributions made by Filipino healthcare professionals around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The DOH chief also brought up the need for balance during the meeting to prevent a large-scale exodus of healthcare professionals, which might result in a brain drain for developing nations, such as the Philippines. (Zekinah Elize Espina)