The Unseen Link: Vaccines and Antimicrobial Resistance in the Philippine Context
Antimicrobial resistance is already claiming lives, and the global pipeline for new antibiotics is shrinking. In August 2025, experts gathered to explore a critical question: Can vaccines become a frontline weapon against AMR? The science is clear—by preventing infections, vaccines reduce antibiotic use and slow resistance. But translating this into action means confronting data gaps, political barriers, and financing challenges. As one expert noted: "When we vaccinate, we reduce the frequency of these diseases. That means fewer antibiotics—used and misused." With no country in the Global South yet integrating vaccines systematically into AMR strategies, the Philippines has a chance to lead—if stakeholders can move from consensus to action.
Strengthening Community Mental Health: mhGAP Training in Albay
From July 2 to 4, 2025, frontline health workers in Albay completed intensive mhGAP training under the Ka-ginhawa Project, a partnership initiative supported by the Australian Government, CBM Global Disability Inclusion, and the Balik Kalipay Center for Psychosocial Response. The three-day program equipped local providers with essential skills to assess and manage mental health conditions while strengthening referral networks across the province.
ACRI Conducts Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training to Advance Autism Research
ACRI conducted Nutrition Focused Physical Examination Training on June 18, 2025, as part of an autism research project comparing children with ASD to their peers. Led by Dr. Maria Christina Kristin S. Reyes, the training equipped researchers and student assistants with hands-on skills to conduct NFPE with children aged 5-9. The peer practicum component built clinical team capacity to accurately administer assessments for the research protocol.