The Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF) engages in public health leadership and governance training and public health advocacy. Its strategy, the ZFF Health Change Model, has training, practicum, mentoring, and coaching components to build enrolled public health leaders’—governors, mayors, and health officials—capacities in understanding the complexities of the healthcare system, accepting their roles in the existing health challenges and taking steps to come up with immediate and sustainable solutions. The foundation also advocates for equitable policies in public health and governance. To mainstream and scale-up its change strategy, it has partnered with local and international partners including the Department of Health, USAID, UNICEF, UNFPA, as well as academic institutions nationwide.

In nutrition, ZFF’s flagship program, Pook Malusog, targets childhood stunting within the crucial first 1,000 days of life. By enhancing the skills of local leaders and workers, the initiative aligns with Philippine nutrition goals, striving for equitable health outcomes and reduced stunting rates.

Addressing adolescent pregnancy as a national priority, ZFF implements impactful programs like the Youth Leadership and Governance Program (YLGP) and The Challenge Initiative (TCI). YLGP empowers youth leaders to advocate for Adolescent/Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health (AYSRH) services, while TCI, a co-funded platform, aims to reduce adolescent pregnancies through positive health-seeking behavior and improved utilization of family planning service.

Drawing on organizational expertise and inspired by successful collaborations with local governments, ZFF also established the Local Health System (LHS) unit, dedicated to supporting UHC pilot implementations in selected Department of Health (DOH) sites, enhancing primary care services in partner areas.

Zuellig Family Foundation’s multifaceted approach has yielded impressive results, showcasing reductions in stunting rates, successful UHC pilot implementations, and empowered adolescent and youth leaders contributing to the overall health and well-being of the Filipino population.