Mission Profile: The Philippines
The Philippines boasts a highly proficient universal healthcare system. Unfortunately, the distribution of quality healthcare is highly unequal. Funding for healthcare varies depending on the locality, so there is a huge disparity in the quality of healthcare in rich versus poor areas. This healthcare gap is further reinforced with the emerging private healthcare industry. The WHO refers to this as “fragmented healthcare.” With the support of our partners, volunteers, and our Asia Mission Lead, Tina Modillas, we aim to support this fragmented healthcare by filling in the gaps of medical knowledge.
We have already trained volunteers like Rachel and Hannah who continue the medical legacy of Mission to Heal. Before we embark to the Philippines again, here are some quick facts to contextualize the medical situation we will enter.
- Total population: 103,320,000
- Life expectancy at birth (Male/Female): 66/73
- Probability of dying under five (per 1,000 live births, 2018): 28
- Probability of dying between 15 and 60 years (Male/Female, per 1,000 population, 2016): 244/141
- Total expenditure on health per capita (2014): $329
- Total expenditure on health as % of GDP (2014): 4.7%
Data provided by the World Health Organization (WHO)
Amidst the uncertainty triggered and anxiety by COVID-19, we are still planning on missions to the Philippines. In order to reconcile the healthcare quality gap, we must approach the situation by creating a sustainable healthcare legacy – trainers who can continue to train others.
Join us this fall and winter as we train, heal, and transform the lives of the furthest people first. Apply to volunteer here.
