Fau Sarani: ZFF Alumnus Harnesses Innovation in Health Solutions

Fau Sarani was the acting health officer and head of the rural health unit in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi when he first joined Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) Community Health Partnership Program (CHPP) in 2011. This ZFF program equips leaders with the necessary knowledge, skills, and strategies to tackle complex health issues in their community effectively using the Health Change Model (HCM). The Health Change Model is premised on the assumption that local health leadership—the mayor, the municipal health officer and community leaders—is the key to changing systems and inclusive programs that lead to better health outcomes.

“The CHPP program has a significant contribution to knowledge skills and attitude in terms of leadership organization and management and helped me to connect with partners and stakeholders in the community. As head of rural health unit, I am the overall program in-charge of all public health programs. Technically and Administratively, ako po in charge running isang health unit in Simunul,” Sarani shared.

Currently, Sarani is a public health nurse and the head of the rural health unit in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. “I have been the acting health officer and head of the rural health unit. I stand alone as head of 15 barangays with a total population of about 37 thousand, in addition to the lack of manpower.”

“Fau has not only demonstrated a deep understanding of healthcare challenges but also shown a proactive approach in addressing them,” observed Deputy Executive Director Anthony Faraon, who met Sarani recently during the ZFF visit to Tawi-Tawi, thirteen years after Sarani finished the Community Health Partnership program.  He demonstrates exceptional leadership skills and dedication to improving community health, embodying the values and skills of a Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) Bridging Leader.

Collaborating with his mayor and a tri-leader team to complete ZFF’s Community Health Partnership Program (CHPP) in 2011 is a testament to his commitment to continuous learning and improvement in the field of public health. By applying the insights gained from the CHPP, Sarani was able to drive positive change and sustainable health initiatives in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. His leadership, combined with a collaborative approach, improved access to quality healthcare services, raised awareness about health issues, and ultimately enhanced the well-being of the residents in this far-flung municipality facing unique health challenges.

Sarani has demonstrated a remarkable ability to sustain and further innovate essential health programs in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. One of the key areas where his impact can be seen is in the implementation of innovative programs such as pregnancy tracking, which plays a vital role in ensuring the well-being of expectant mothers and promoting maternal health.

“Isa sa major programs ng public health ang maternal health. Our main objective is to promote safe motherhood among pregnant women in Simunul and increase awareness of all pregnant women on practices promoting proper antenatal care, facility-based deliveries, and child-rearing.

Part of our advocacy is a community-driven approach, we always emphasize that health is not just a DOH business. Everyone should be concerned and be engaged,” added Sarani.

By introducing and maintaining the pregnancy tracking program, Sarani has shown a proactive approach to monitoring and managing the health of pregnant women in the community. This initiative not only helps in providing timely and appropriate care but also contributes to reducing maternal mortality rates and improving birth outcomes in the region.

His commitment to utilizing data in decision-making processes has been instrumental in improving overall health service delivery in Simunul. By leveraging data-driven insights, he can identify health trends, prioritize interventions, and allocate resources effectively, ensuring that community health programs are targeted and impactful.

“We are also proud despite many challenges, facility-based deliveries significantly increased in our area. The knowledge we learned from the ZFF Bridging Leadership program is that it should be translated to the barangay level or other stakeholders to have larger ownership of the health problems or concerns of the community to ensure they are also part of the solution,” Sarani stressed.

Through his sustained efforts in implementing and enhancing these innovative programs, Sarani continues to make a significant difference in the lives of residents in Simunul, Tawi-Tawi. His dedication to promoting evidence-based practices, utilizing data for strategic decision-making, and focusing on preventive healthcare measures exemplifies a holistic and forward-thinking approach to public health leadership.