Photo from the Bureau of International Health Cooperation, Department of Health - Philippines

(18 November 2020) — The Bureau of International Health Cooperation (BIHC) facilitated the attendance of the Philippine delegation to 6th Ministerial Meeting of the Global Health Security Agenda (GHSA). The Philippine Department of Health was represented by Undersecretary Mario C. Villaverde and officers from the BIHC. The meeting was held through online videoconference hosted by Thailand and was participated by member states of the GHSA.

During the meeting, the Philippines highlighted the need for a multi-sectoral approach which enables the goal of ensuring drug and vaccine security. Working with research and development institutions, trade and industry partners, financial institutions, and other sectors was instrumental to search for safe and effective vaccines and treatment, and in ensuring equitable access. The Philippines also noted the support by international counterparts through continuous engagement and mutual cooperation, and expressed its belief that the future of health security rests in working with multiple sectors and reaching out to the world.