Announcement of Health Project in Philippines Stresses Outreach to High-Risk Groups on June 26, 1989

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE World Bank 1818 H Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433, U.S.A. * Telephone: (202) 477-1234 BANK NEWS RELEASE NO. 89/97 Contact: Leandro V. Coronel (202) 477-3641 HEALTH PROJECT IN PHILIPPINES STRESSES OUTREACH TO HIGH-RISK GROUPS WASHINGTON, June 26, 1989 -- The Philippine government's efforts to control malaria, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis and to reduce the death rate among women and children will benefit from a loan of $70.1 million from the World Bank. Through a $108.4 million health project, the central government will collaborate with local governments and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to expand primary health care to reach underserved areas as well as communities and groups where major communicable and endemic diseases are prevalent. The project includes specific programs to control malaria, tuberculosis and schistosomiasis and to improve maternal and child health. An institution- building component will strengthen the Department of Health (DOH) by improving its management-information systems and planning and budgeting procedures. Improvements will be made in the department's laboratory facilities, service delivery, communications, training programs and evaluation procedures. A national health-policy council will be established as well as a secretariat within the DOH. Provincial-level collaboration among the DOH, local governments and NGOs will facilitate outreach to outlying communities, including those identified as "high-risk" areas. Medicines, pesticides, health equipment and supplies, and vehicles will be provided under the project. The six-year project will receive grants from Italy ($8.1 million) and Japan ($4.3 million). The central government will provide $25.9 million. The World Bank loan is for 20 years, including five years' grace period, with a variable interest rate, currently 7.65 percent, linked to the cost of the Bank's borrowings. It also carries an annual commitment charge of 0.75 percent on the undisbursed balance. NOTE: Money figures are expressed in U.S. dollar equivalents.