Safe Kids Week
June 14-20, 2009

Injuries are the 4th leading cause of mortality in the Philippines, with an estimated rate of 41 deaths for every 100,000 population (Philippine Health Statistics, 2004). However, among young Filipinos, it is ranked as the 1st leading cause of death. Data from the Philippine National Injury Survey and the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System revealed that drowning, road traffic accidents, falls, poisoning, and burns account for 59 deaths for every 100,000 Filipino child aged below 18 years. 

The impact of these injuries on society is appalling; families are deprived of their children and children who survived had to learn to cope with the consequences of their injury, which in some cases, can be both long-lasting and overwhelming.

The Presidential Anti-Graft Commission recognized and awarded the DOH as the number one government agency in fighting corruption. DOH also topped in the Pulse Asia 3rd Quarter Survey as the number one government agency in terms of overall performance.

FOURmula ONE for Health (F1) was launched as the health sectors blue print for the implementation of reforms to bring about better health outcomes, more responsive health system and more equitable healthcare financing.  Province-wide Investment Plans for Health were developed in 16 provinces as the basis of F1 implementation in these sites.

The One-Script Systems Improvement Program was established (AO 50. S. 2003) to orchestrate unity, synchronicity and focused targeting of priority public health programs that would provide the biggest impact to attaining equity, efficiency, access and quality health care in the country. A major breakthrough was achieved in providing fiscal autonomy to 68 DOH retained hospitals with the approval of a special provision of FY 2003 GAA which authorized 100% retention and the use of hospital income for upgrading of health facilities and services. 

In July 13, 2001, Administrative Order 37 which contained the guidelines on the operationalization of the HSRA implementation plan was signed by Sec. Manuel Dayrit. It is also during this year that the 13 convergence sites  or the advance implementation areas have been established.

The year 2000 marked the institutionalization of the Health Sector Reform Agenda (HSRA).  The HSRA was endorsed for approval and support by the National Government Agencies, national and local stakeholders in health, and partners in the international community. The HSRA has become the major framework for policies and investments for the health sector .