Japan, South Korea, and the United States have partnered to boost healthcare in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), pledging Php1.6 billion ($29 million) over the next five years.
This collaboration aims to enhance health outcomes and further the region’s Universal Health Care (UHC) efforts.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) formalized the partnership through a Memorandum of Cooperation signed on September 27.
This agreement solidifies their commitment to improve health systems, expand healthcare services, and increase public health financing within BARMM.
Strategic Focus Areas
The partnership will focus on improving health information systems, promoting good public health practices, increasing access to essential medicines, and improving healthcare facilities and equipment.
The agencies will work closely with the Ministry of Health in BARMM, the Department of Health (DOH), local communities, and other key stakeholders.
Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya highlighted the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Together with our partners, we aim to build a more resilient and inclusive healthcare system for the Bangsamoro region.”
KOICA Vice President KIM Dong Ho emphasized Korea’s commitment to maternal and child healthcare, while U.S. Ambassador MaryKay Carlson stressed the importance of family planning and reproductive health services in the region.
Key Programs
JICA will focus on maternal and newborn health, KOICA on sustainable health financing and emergency preparedness, and USAID on family planning, tuberculosis treatment, and emerging health threats.
BARMM Health Minister Kadil Sinolinding Jr. expressed the region’s gratitude, emphasizing that the partnership is a significant step toward building a healthier, more equitable future for Bangsamoro.
The three agencies have also committed to support local governments and communities by expanding health outreach efforts, ensuring long-term stability for the region.
This partnership is the first of its kind in Asia-Pacific, signaling a new level of collaboration among Japan, South Korea, and the U.S. in promoting healthcare development in BARMM.