Insights from the 2024 Bayang Malusog Community of Practice Sessions

The Bayang Malusog Community of Practice (CoP) has proven to be an essential platform for collaboration and shared learning in advancing Universal Health Care (UHC) implementation in the Philippines. Over the past year, three CoP sessions have gathered health leaders, provincial health officers, and key stakeholders from various regions to discuss challenges, share good practices, and explore innovative solutions for health governance.

As the new year begins, the Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) is set to launch another round of CoP sessions starting February 10, 2025. These sessions will build on the insights gained in 2024 and further strengthen health leadership and governance.

Key Insights from the 2024 Sessions

1. Collective Learning for Health Systems Strengthening

The inaugural CoP session in April 2024 focused on fostering a culture of learning and collaboration among local health leaders. Participants from Aklan, Apayao, Baguio City, Benguet, Biliran, La Union, Laguna, Northern Samar, and Quezon shared their experiences in implementing UHC. The introduction of the Bayang Malusog Exchange (BMEx) platform at https://healthinnovex.org further enhanced these efforts by providing an online space for health leaders to connect and exchange best practices.

2. Addressing Health Financing Challenges

The second CoP session in July 2024 highlighted financial sustainability as a key aspect of UHC implementation. Quezon Province shared how they integrated financial management into their Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN), while Aklan detailed their approach to establishing District Health Systems to improve fund allocation. Despite challenges such as system downtimes and limited IT infrastructure, both provinces demonstrated how strategic governance and collaboration with local government units can enhance health financing mechanisms.

3. Strengthening Health Information Systems

The third CoP session in September 2024 focused on the role of integrated health information systems (iHIS) in achieving UHC. Participants discussed the difficulties of non-interoperable systems, inconsistent internet access, and the need for IT capacity-building at the local level. Solutions proposed included increasing investments in IT infrastructure, training health personnel in digital tools, and ensuring seamless data sharing between hospitals, rural health units, and government agencies.

Bayang Malusog CoP 2025

With the success of the 2024 sessions, the upcoming 2025 CoP will further deepen discussions on health governance, financing, and digital transformation. ZFF remains committed to championing health together with its partners, ensuring that every Filipino has access to quality healthcare. 

Related articles:

• Championing Health Together: Zuellig Family Foundation Launches Bayang Malusog Community of Practice
• Navigating Health Financing Challenges with Bayang Malusog: Insights from Quezon and Aklan
• Connecting the Dots: Overcoming Health Information System Challenges in Achieving Universal Health Care