A Post-marketing surveillance study of a combined diphtheria, tetanus, whole-cell pertussis, and hepatitis B vaccine in the Philippines
As part of a vaccination program which included about 30,000 children, 1,036 children were actively followed up to assess the reactogenicity of a combined DTPw-HB vaccine (Tritanrix-HB) under routine conditions. Vaccinations were given in accordance with the WHO schedule at 6, 10, and 14 weeks of age. Over 98% of the study population completed the course of 3 vaccinations. Local and systemic reactions to the vaccine were mostly mild and transient, and almost all had resolved by 3 days after vaccination. The most common systemic reactions were irritability, restlessness, and unusual crying. Only 3 infants had fever of > or = 40 degrees C after any vaccination. No serious adverse events were reported during the study. Most health workers taking part in the study thought that combined vaccines were better than separate vaccinations. Overall, these results show that the combined DTPw-HB vaccine used in the study was well tolerated and accepted under conditions of normal use.
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Health workforce issues and recommended practices in the implementation of Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines: a qualitative study.
The Philippines' Universal Health Coverage program faces a critical workforce crisis that threatens its very foundation. A new Ateneo de Manila University study reveals that while the country exports healthcare workers globally, it struggles to retain the professionals needed for its own ambitious health reforms. With only 7.92 physicians per 10,000 population and a shortage of 127,000 nurses, systemic barriers—from restrictive hiring policies to uncompetitive salaries—are driving away the very people meant to deliver healthcare for all Filipinos. The research identifies promising solutions, including scholarship programs and comprehensive benefits, but warns that without addressing these fundamental workforce issues, universal healthcare remains at risk.
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Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines
Access to quality health care in the Philippines is shaped not only by the availability of physicians, but also by how equitably they are distributed across regions. Many communities, particularly in rural and geographically isolated areas, continue to face limited access to medical professionals, while urban centers often see a concentration of physicians and specialists. The project Measuring and Understanding Geographic Inequities in Physician Distribution in the Philippines seeks to address this challenge by providing a clear, evidence-based picture of physician maldistribution nationwide.