Webinar | Community Health Workers in the Philippines: Community Action for Health and Social Justice
- Session organised by Viva Salud and Council for Health and Development
- Friday 17 April
- 12.00–13.30 CEST | 6.00–7.30 pm (Manila time)
Background
Community Health Workers (CHWs) play a vital role in ensuring access to healthcare for marginalised communities and in strengthening community-based primary healthcare. In many contexts, they act as a bridge between communities and health systems, particularly in underserved rural areas and urban communities living in poverty, where access to formal health services remains limited.
In the Philippines, the concept of Community-Based Health Programmes (CBHPs) emerged in 1973 as a response by communities, health professionals and social movements to widespread health inequalities and the lack of accessible public health services. Developed during a period characterised by political repression and deep social inequalities, CBHPs sought to empower communities to play an active role in addressing their own health needs. Over the past five decades, these programmes have evolved into a dynamic grassroots movement linking health, human rights and social justice, whilst advocating for a stronger and more equitable public health system.
Today, Community Health Workers supported by the Council for Health and Development (CHD) continue to play a vital role in addressing the health needs of communities across the Philippines. They are often at the forefront of responding to crises such as natural disasters, public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic, and the everyday challenges faced by communities living in poverty. As well as providing health education and basic services, CHWs also mobilise communities to address broader social issues affecting health, including access to medicines, environmental risks and the right to quality public healthcare.
Their experiences highlight how community-led health initiatives not only improve access to care but also strengthen community organising, solidarity and collective action towards the realisation of the right to health.
Structure
- Opening remarks (5 minutes)
Introduction by Medicus Mundi International - Context setting (10–15 minutes)
A representative from Viva Salud will present the organisation’s work in supporting social movements and community-based initiatives that promote the right to health and stronger public health systems.
A representative from CHD will then outline the background to Community-Based Health Programmes (CBHP) in the Philippines, a grassroots approach developed since 1973 to tackle health inequalities and strengthen community participation in health. - Panel discussion (40–45 minutes)
An interactive panel discussion followed by testimonies from Community Health Workers (short videos with English subtitles) highlighting the experiences of CHWs working in different contexts:
– The role of community health workers (CHWs) during disasters and health emergencies (e.g. the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, evacuation situations)
– The role of CHWs in community organising and health campaigns –
– The role of CHWs in wider movements advocating for people’s rights and democratic participation - Discussion and Q&A with the audience (20 minutes)
The format will enable participants to engage directly with practitioners and hear first-hand accounts from community health workers working on the ground.
Speakers
Marie-Lou Badie – Policy and Campaign Officer for the Philippines, Viva Salud.
She will outline the organisation’s work in supporting social movements and community-based initiatives that promote the right to health and stronger public health systems.
Emelina Buenaventura – Executive Director, Council for Health and Development.
She will outline the context of Community-Based Health Programmes (CBHP) in the Philippines, a grassroots approach developed since 1973 to tackle health inequalities and strengthen community participation in healthcare.
Marlyn Roda Sebastian – CHW, Pasig City
She will talk about the role of community health workers (CHWs) during disasters and health emergencies (e.g. the COVID-19 pandemic, flooding, evacuation situations)
Rosebe Tulawe – Community Health Worker, Quezon City
She will outline the role of community health workers (CHWs) in community organising and health campaigns.
Rayne Suyam-Gallawen – Community Health Worker (CHW) and staff of Community Health Education, Services and Training in the Cordillera Region
She will discuss the role of community health workers (CHWs) in wider movements advocating for people’s rights and democratic participation.
