Lesson 1.2 Health Services for Specific Populations in the Philippines

Special Population in Health

groups of people with unique health needs and experiences requiring specific attention and interventions from healthcare providers and policymakers

Children and Adolescents

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• specific health needs related to growth and development, nutrition, mental health, and prevention of childhood diseases

Older Adults

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• specific health needs related to chronic diseases, mobility, and cognitive function

• may also require specialized care in long-term care facilities or hospice care

Women

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• specific health needs related to reproductive health, maternal health, and gender-specific health conditions such as breast cancer

Men

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• specific health needs related to sexual and reproductive health, prostate cancer, and mental health

LGBTQ+ Individual

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• may face unique health disparities and discrimination that can affect their physical and mental health, such as higher rates of HIV/AIDS and mental health disorders

Individuals with Disabilities

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• may require specialized care and accommodations to address their physical and mental health needs

Immigrants and Refugees

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• may face language barriers, cultural differences, and lack of access to healthcare

Rural Populations

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• may face challenges related to geographic isolation, lack of healthcare infrastructure, and higher rates of poverty, which can affect their health outcomes

Homeless Individuals

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• May face challenges related to access to healthcare, exposure to infectious diseases, and mental health disorders

Incarcerated Individuals

SPECIAL POPULATION IN HEALTH:

• may face challenges related to access to healthcare, exposure to infectious diseases, and mental health disorders

Children and Pregnant Women

are a vulnerable population in the Philippines, with high rates of malnutrition, infectious diseases, and accidents

Expanded Program on Immunization (EPI)

Maternal and Child Health (MCH) program

What the government does for children and pregnant women to have free vaccines and child health services

Elderly

faces health challenges such as chronic diseases and mobility issues

National Health Insurance Program (NHIP)

Department of Social Welfare and Development’s (DSWD) Social Pension Programs

What the government does to provide health services for the elderly

Indigenous People

have unique health needs due to cultural and geographical factors

National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP)

Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth)

What the government does to offer indigenous health services

Persons with Disabilities

face challenges accessing healthcare due to physical and social barriers

Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility Law

What the government does to provide disability inclusive health services

LGBTQ+ Individuals

face stigma and discrimination, leading to health disparities

DOH”s HIV/AIDS program

Philippine National AIDS Council

What the government does to offer LGBT+ health services

Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW)

face unique health challenges due to their work and living conditions abroad

Overseas Filipino Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA)
PhilHealth’s OFW program

What the government does to provide health services for OFWs

Urban Poor

these communities in the Philippines often lack access to basic healthcare services

DOH’s Health Facilities Enhancement Program

National Urban Health Plan

What the government does to offer health services for urban poor communities

Rural Communities

these communities in the Philippines face challenges accessing healthcare due to geographical and economic barriers

Rural Health Unit (RHU)

National Rural Health Plan

What the government does to provide health services for rural communities

Disaster-affected Communities

these communities require specialized health services in the aftermath of natural disasters

DOH’s Emergency Medical Services

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council

What the government does to offer disaster response health services

Mental Health

growing concern in the Philippines, with many individuals facing stigma and limited access to mental healthcare

Mental Health Act

National Center for Mental Health

What the government does to provide mental health services

Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)

diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and cancer are a growing concern in the Philippines

Philippine Health Agenda

DOH’s Non-Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Program

What the government does to provide health services to NCDs

Infectious Diseases

examples are tuberculosis, dengue fever, and COVID-19

DOH’s National Tuberculosis Control Program

National Dengue Prevention and Control Program

COVID-19 Task Force

What the government does to provide health services for infectious diseases

Health Equity

key goal of health services for specific populations in the Philippines

Universal Healthcare Law

how the government promotes health equity which aims to provide all Filipinos with access to quality and healthcare services

Inadequate Funding

Workforce Shortages

Infrastructure Gaps

challenges in specific populations in the Philippines