UNICEF East Asia and Pacific’s Post

Access to healthcare shouldn't depend on geography or income. Yet for too many families, that's the reality. In the Philippines, nearly 600,000 children face severe wasting annually—a life-threatening condition that leaves children dangerously underweight and vulnerable to infection. This year, the Philippines became the first country in the world to fully cover outpatient treatment for severe acute malnutrition through its national health insurance program. The policy covers everything: medical care, nutrition counselling, and therapeutic food. All at no cost to families. The impact? An estimated 100,000 children will receive life-saving treatment each year, regardless of where they live or what they can afford. Developed by PhilHealth in partnership with UNICEF, the UK Government, and national stakeholders, this initiative demonstrates what's possible when policy innovation meets collaborative action. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office UNICEF Philippines Rene Gerard Galera, Jr Mueni Mutunga Alison Feeley PhD RNutr Sanele Nkomani Sibylle Newman Moumiita G Dastidar Myo-Zin Nyunt