DOH chief Herbosa named to WHO Council to End Violence Against Children

Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Teodoro Herbosa has been named to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Council of Champions to End Violence Against Children.

In a radio broadcast, the DOH said that Herbosa was among the health ministers of ten WHO member-states that showed a good track record in addressing issues of violence against women and children.

“Council members will use their positions and platforms to raise awareness and also push for stronger policies. Early detection, timely care, and referral for further protection and social services needs a very strong health system," WHO Philippines Office Country Representative Dr. Eunyoung Ko said.

"We also need a strong national leadership to make this system prioritized and streamlined and well-coordinated and sustained,” she added.

“WHO calls on actions from all sectors, health, education, social protection, justice, and local government to work together to create a safe and healthy environment for our children to grow healthy and safe,” Ko said.

The DOH said that in 2022, 13% of women aged 15 to 49 years old experienced physical violence since 15 years old, while 4% have experienced sexual violence.

They are now working on programs strengthening Sustainable Development Goal 16.2, which aims to eliminate violence against children. –NB, GMA Integrated News