Press Release | 24 January 2025

The Philippine Department of Health (DOH), under the leadership of Secretary of Health Dr. Teodoro Herbosa, has taken a historic step to strengthen bilateral health collaboration between the Philippines and Jamaica. In a landmark event, Secretary Herbosa and Jamaican Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Health Cooperation during a ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica. 

Attended by high-ranking officials from both nations, this partnership reflects the shared commitment of both countries to tackle mutual health challenges by prioritizing the strengthening of the health workforce, capacity-building efforts, and the exchange of expertise and best practices. It lays the foundation for enhanced healthcare systems through initiatives such as deploying trainers and faculty to build professional competencies, sharing knowledge in critical fields like biotechnology, epidemiology, and healthcare waste management, and formulating strategies to train, retain, and safeguard healthcare professionals. These collaborative efforts aim to address the urgent issue of health workforce sustainability, a critical challenge faced by both nations.

To ensure the effective implementation of the MOU, a Joint Technical Working Group will be established to create a plan of action that translates the agreement into tangible outcomes. The Health Secretary also committed to the immediate deployment of Filipino healthcare workers to Jamaica, aiming to build their capacity through exposure to Jamaica’s healthcare system while helping address the country’s health workforce shortage. Minister Tufton, in turn, expressed his intent to visit the Philippines in the near future to further strengthen ties.

“This partnership goes beyond words on paper. It is a commitment to shared learning, innovation, and mutual support. More than a response to shared challenges, it reflects our collective vision for a healthier, more resilient future – one that embodies the vision of a Healthy Jamaica and the Philippines, kung saan Bawat Buhay ay Mahalaga – ‘Where Every Life Matters,’” said Secretary Herbosa. 

The Department remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering international partnerships that address critical health issues and improve healthcare delivery.