OVERVIEW

Filipinos suffer from high rates of malnutrition, high infant and maternal mortality, and one of the highest tuberculosis (TB) rates in the world. HIV prevalence remains low, but still poses a risk. The rate of population growth, at 2.05% per year from 2000-2004, is one of the highest in Southeast Asia. At the same time, the documented gap between actual fertility (3.5 children per woman) compared to desired fertility (2.5 children per woman) signals a significant unmet need for reproductive health services and commodities.

USAID supports the enhanced capacity of provinces, cities, municipalities and the private sector to provide quality health services. USAID-supported programs focus on promoting access to maternal and child health care including voluntary family planning, micro-nutrient supplementation and food fortification, prevention and treatment for TB, surveillance and prevention of HIV/AIDS and emerging diseases like avian influenza. All USAID activities support the Philippine government's health sector reform agenda and are implemented through a bilateral assistance agreement with the Philippine Department of Health (DOH).

CONTACT INFORMATION

Ann G. Hirschey
Chief, Office of Health
Tel. No.: 552-9800
E-mail: infoph@usaid.gov

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