Partnership working towards Universal Health in the Philippines

Thirteen mid-career allied health academics and clinicians will participate in the Australia Awards Fellowship, Health Workforce Development in Evidence Synthesis, until 31 October 2025.

The program will focus on training participants to develop, conduct, and report robust, high-quality systematic reviews which will then provide the strongest possible evidence to inform clinical decision-making and guideline development, supporting the national goal of Universal Health Coverage in the Philippines.

"This initiative contributes to the ongoing effort to achieve Universal Health Care in the Philippines by ensuring healthcare professionals are equipped with critical skills to navigate contemporary healthcare challenges," said Associate Professor Edoardo Aromataris, Synthesis Science Director at JBI. 

"By enhancing the skills of mid-career professionals, the fellowship supports a sustainable health system that prioritises evidence-based practices."

JBI is working closely with the De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute and the Center for Health Research and Movement Science at the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines. This partnership ensures the program is tailored to local contexts and priorities while aligning with international best practices through the world-class training from JBI.

The training will empower participants to become agents of change, leading transformation across the broader health sector.

Australia Awards Fellow, Dr Fredyrose Pinar, plans to engage with policymakers to advocate for evidence-based policy change.

"This fellowship will be instrumental in enabling me to significantly contribute to advancing healthcare in the Philippines,” she said.

The Australia Awards Fellowship 'Health Workforce Development in Evidence Synthesis' demonstrates a commitment to building a sustainable health workforce capable of addressing challenges in clinical practice and research.

It underscores JBI's dedication to improving global health outcomes and highlights the importance of collaboration in tackling complex health system issues.

“This fellowship represents a significant step toward strengthening and growing a collaborative evidence network that connects and supports health professionals, researchers, and policymakers in the Philippines," said Bianca Pilla, Global Relations Director at JBI.

“It builds on partnerships and engagements between JBI, De La Salle University and the University of Santo Tomas towards building a network for evidence-based practice in the Philippines.”

Dr Celso Pagatpatan, Faculty Member and Vice Dean at De La Salle Medical and Health Sciences Institute said the initiative strengthens the collaborative relationship between the institution and JBI.

“I am looking forward to discussing the planning and establishment of our Institute as a JBI Collaboration partner,” he said.

The Center for Health Research and Movement Science at the University of Santo Tomas is a member of the JBI Collaboration, a global collaborative evidence network comprising more than 90 entities across more than 40 countries.

The JBI Collaboration drives JBI's worldwide effort to promote and support the use of the best available evidence to inform decisions made at the point of care.

“The networks established during the fellowship, particularly with policymakers and international experts, will be invaluable in fostering collaborations and partnerships to initiate joint research projects, share resources, and exchange knowledge,” said Professor Valentin Dones, Director of the Center for Health Research and Movement Science, said.

“This will further enrich the healthcare landscape in the Philippines."

Australia Awards are prestigious international Scholarships and Fellowships funded by the Australian Government. Australia Awards Fellowships aim to build networks of influence and leadership by strengthening partnerships between Australian organisations and partner organisations in the region. Fellowships target senior and mid-career officials and professionals who are in a position to advance development outcomes in priority areas and increase the institutional capacity of partner countries through their leadership.

We are excited to see how each participant will make a difference and the positive impact this program will have on healthcare outcomes in the Philippines!