S I S T E M A

Health Systems Development

Powerlessness and hopelessness fuel poverty in the Philippines. Quick fixes and dole-outs have become the de facto way of alleviating the plight of the poor Filipino- all of which have not brought true liberation among those in lowest strata of society. But a new day has dawned.

True to the values of bayanihan and sustainability that Gawad Kalinga promotes, Gawad Kalusugan endeavors to empower community leaders to manage their health needs through capability enhancement. GKal focuses on training local leaders (neighborhood and government) in health programs and practices that will benefit the whole community such as proper nutrition, sanitation, disease prevention and first aid. The leaders are also partnered with medical schools and associations to provide basic medical and dental services such as free consultation, immunization, minor surgical procedures and nutrition programs. Referral systems are being set up to improve the access and quality of medical care when the need arises. GK villages and local health centers have renewed partnerships to make government health resources more available to those who need them the most.