The Universal Health Care Project (UHCP) aims to enhance health outcomes for underserved Filipinos through a collaborative effort led by USAID/Philippines. The project is guided by the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and focuses on strengthening health systems, improving service quality, and promoting positive social behaviors. Critical areas addressed include tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, family planning, global health security, maternal and child health, and nutrition.
The UHCP is characterized by its inclusivity, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders, including public and private entities, academic institutions, and local organizations. It seeks to build the capacity of local government units and optimize resource allocation. The project adopts a long-term vision for resilience in the health system, aiming for a decentralized model that ensures financial risk protection and sustainable service delivery.
USAID anticipates awarding six to seven grants under this program, which will require applicants to emphasize collaboration, learning, and adapting throughout their proposals. The document outlines a detailed submission process, eligibility criteria, and evaluation metrics to promote transparency and accountability, aiming to achieve meaningful health improvements while fostering locally led development and inclusiveness.
The document is an amendment to the Annual Program Statement (APS) for the Universal Health Care Project issued by USAID/Philippines, extending the closing date for applications from July 31, 2024, to July 31, 2025. This extension provides potential applicants with additional time to prepare and submit their proposals, ensuring that all other terms of the APS remain unchanged. The amendment highlights the government's ongoing commitment to universal health care initiatives and its flexibility in accommodating applicants' needs. The document is formal in tone, as would be expected from a federal agency, and it signifies an important opportunity for stakeholders in the health care sector, encouraging participation in this critical program that seeks to enhance health care access and service delivery.
The Universal Health Care Project Annual Program Statement (UHCP-APS) by USAID/Philippines aims to enhance healthcare outcomes for underserved Filipinos by fostering health systems strengthening, focusing on priority areas such as Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, Family Planning, and Global Health Security. This initiative invites concept papers from stakeholders, including local entities, to address healthcare challenges and improve service delivery.
The program is rooted in the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, with the expectation of multiple awards throughout its one-year duration, driven by available funding. The APS outlines the processes for submission, merit review criteria, and eligibility criteria for applicants.
Key objectives include improving the quality of healthcare services, fostering community participation, and promoting inclusive development. The guiding principles emphasize innovation, sustainability, local leadership, gender equality, and capacity-building in public health responses. Additionally, the UHCP seeks to integrate health programs to overcome the fragmented healthcare landscape in the Philippines.
Overall, the UHCP aims to deliver effective health services while empowering communities and improving the resilience of the national health system against emerging health challenges.