FAO, WB to implement $25-M grant to boost health system

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Bank will implement a $24.9-million grant to boost the country's health system, particularly in improving disease surveillance and strengthening laboratory capacity.

- By JASPER EMMANUEL ARCALAS

The Resilient Philippines project of the two multilateral entities is part of the second round of the $418-million Pandemic Fund that would finance various pandemic preparedness in 50 countries.

The project would implement the so-called One Health approach in the country, which recognizes the interconnectedness of human, animal and environmental health when it comes to diseases.

"By fostering collaboration across sectors, from agriculture to health and environmental management, One Health approach helps to better detect, prevent and respond to health threats like zoonoses, antimicrobial," said Lionel Dabbadie, the FAO representative in the Philippines.