Culion Foundation, Inc. (CFI), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines and the Department of Health–Disease Prevention and Control Bureau (DPCB), successfully organized the First Consultative Meeting on the Development of the Administrative Order on the Integration of Skin-related Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), covering Leprosy, Yaws, and Scabies, held on October 6–10, 2025, at Abagatan ti Manila, Alfonso, Cavite.
As a pioneering partner in the fight against Skin NTDs, CFI played a pivotal role in convening key stakeholders and steering discussions toward the creation of a unified national framework for Skin NTDs, marking a historic step in the Philippines’ commitment to integrated disease control and patient-centered care.
The landmark gathering brought together 47 participants from DOH bureaus, Centers for Health Development (CHDs), WHO Philippines, retained hospitals, regional representatives, medical associations, and technical experts. Discussions focused on harmonizing prevention, diagnostics, treatment, rehabilitation, surveillance, and risk communication strategies to strengthen the national response against Skin NTDs.
Breakout sessions led to actionable recommendations, including the proposal to make Skin NTDs notifiable under the Philippine Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (PIDSR) and the call for a PhilHealth benefit package to support affected patients.
This milestone meeting underscored the strong collaboration among WHO, DOH, CFI, and other partners toward developing an integrated and comprehensive policy framework, a crucial step toward improving the quality of life of communities affected by Skin NTDs across the country.
