The Department of Health (DOH) expressed the country’s position that equity should remain a central tenet of multilateral efforts concerning pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response at the United Nations General Assembly's (UNGA) Multi-Stakeholder Panel meeting on Sept. 20.
DOH Undersecretary Kenneth Ronquillo underscored the importance of integrating gender equality and migrant protection into the discussion.
This is especially important because the Philippines contributes significantly to the global healthcare workforce, he said.
Furthermore, Ronquillo expressed the country's strong support for the establishment of a global health governance structure dedicated to pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
He pointed out that this move is in line with the Philippines' commitment to fostering international cooperation and accountability in addressing global health crises.
Ronquillo said the DOH's active participation in the UNGA panel demonstrates the Philippines' commitment to promoting a fair and inclusive approach to tackling pandemics on a global scale. (Zekinah Elize Espina)