A robust public-private partnership program on immunisation and accessible healthcare were among the highlights of a recent high-level business dialogue with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., organised by the US-ASEAN Business Council and the US Chamber of Commerce in New York and attended by Zuellig Pharma Philippines, represented by Market Managing Director Jannette Jakosalem.
The meeting was an occasion to talk about how inclusion, sustainability and healthcare can lead to a robust economy and resilient society in line with the president’s 8-point socio-economic agenda.
The roundtable discussion, on the sidelines of the 77th United Nations General Assembly, was also graced by DOF Secretary Benjamin Diokno, DTI Sec. Alfredo Pascual, DOTr Sec. Jaime Bautista, DOT Sec. Christina Frasco and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.
At the meeting, Zuellig Pharma reiterated its commitment to Filipinos by championing quality and affordable healthcare access for all. Zuellig Pharma is also committed to strengthening government and stakeholder engagement in the country, forging dynamic partnerships, and further contributing to nation building.
In the Philippines alone, there have been at least 3,908,295 COVID-19 infected Filipinos reported in the past couple of years, resulting in at least 62,342 deaths. For influenza and pneumonia, the Philippines has the 6th highest death rate in the world. Pneumonia was the no. 7 cause of death in 2021 with at least 32,000 deaths identified. As of Aug 2022, the dengue case count in the country is 105% higher than 2021.
Cervical cancer is also the second killer of women in the Philippines. Adult Filipinos are chronically infected with the Hepatitis B virus at an alarming 7.3 million cases. Among the countries with the highest number of rabies cases worldwide, the Philippines ranks no. 6. The common flu also affects millions of Filipinos in terms of livelihood and productivity, contributing to an average of 7 days downtime to a typical workforce.
Jakosalem reiterated that the government and the public sector should work hand-in-hand to avert these life-threatening diseases impacting millions of Filipinos everyday through massive immunisation.
“Energy source challenges and supply chain disruptions necessitate innovative and sustainable ways to deliver healthcare, and this is where Zuellig Pharma can help. Amid a backdrop of rising costs of energy sources globally, our proposal is to help design a robust partnership programme on immunisation to ensure sustainable supply chain structures and processes which enable greater cost effectiveness to drive logistical efficiencies,” said Zuellig Pharma market managing director Jannette Jakosalem.
“President Marcos Jr.’s 8-point socio-economic agenda in the near and medium term stresses the importance of tackling health as a pre-requisite to a robust economy and an inclusive and resilient society. Zuellig Pharma is all for this and has made available the right digital solutions, tools, and systems to support both the private and public sector in championing this cause,” she added.
“Zuellig Pharma truly strives to address the health problems that plague Filipinos today and help them from the barangay level. We believe in empowering Pinoys with quality and affordable healthcare, and we look forward to continue to collaborate with the government especially the Department of Health to achieve this,” said Chito Maniago, Zuellig Pharma Government Affairs, Communications and Sustainability Head.
Recently, Zuellig Pharma also upgraded the eZHealth digital app, which caters to the teleconsult, vaccination, diagnostics, and other health needs of at least 3 million Filipinos.
For more information, visit www.zuelligpharma.com. For partnerships, please email: [email protected].
