Bridging the health gap in La Union

MANILA, Philippines - For La Union, ensuring the good health of its community means not only the availability and timely delivery of health services but more so, making sure that there is access at the grassroots level where these services are most needed.

To bridge the gap and help the poorest and most vulnerable members in La Union communities, MSD, the Philippine subsidiary of global healthcare company Merck, has collaborated with Philippine NGO Support Program (PHANSuP) and the provincial government of La Union to accelerate the provision of health services in key communities.

“Enhancing Access to Health Resources in Strategic Underserved Communities” (ENAC Health) is a three-year program that aims to empower eight barangays in La Union through training seminars for women, youth, healthcare workers, and community members on essential health issues and concerns, particularly primary healthcare.

The program will also enable these communities to embark on a social health enterprise that will provide opportunities for developing and sustaining their own health initiatives. The community-owned social health enterprise will spearhead the delivery of health solutions and action plans. Aside from the provision of basic services such as health care, safe water, adequate sanitation, and nutrition, the social health enterprise will ensure that suitable strategies will target the most vulnerable families, especially the children.