The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have entered into a new partnership with the Government of the Philippines to strengthen and expand the country’s Universal Health Care (UHC) programme. The collaboration is designed to improve access to primary healthcare services and enhance the sustainability of national health financing systems.
The initiative focuses on supporting the Philippines’ Building Universal Health Care (BUHC) reforms by integrating HIV and tuberculosis services into the broader public health system. It also aims to strengthen domestic health financing mechanisms so the country can better sustain long-term healthcare delivery without over-reliance on external assistance.
A key component of the partnership is improving access to quality primary healthcare, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations. By combining ADB’s development finance expertise with the Global Fund’s disease-focused programs, the initiative seeks to create a more integrated and efficient healthcare system that addresses both infectious diseases and general health needs.
The collaboration is also intended to support the Philippines’ broader transition toward a fully functional universal health coverage system, where essential services are accessible to all citizens without causing financial hardship. This includes strengthening service delivery systems, improving coordination across health programs, and enhancing long-term resilience in the healthcare sector.
The partnership reflects a growing trend of multilateral cooperation in global health financing, where development banks and health-focused institutions work together to improve outcomes in low- and middle-income countries. The Philippines is expected to benefit from more efficient resource use, stronger health systems, and improved disease control outcomes under this coordinated approach.
