PAFP and GSK Philippines Partner to Enhance Preventive Health Care for Senior Filipinos

As the population of Filipino seniors surpasses 9.2 million, the Philippine healthcare system faces mounting pressure to address their unique medical needs.

To tackle this challenge, the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP) has partnered with GSK Philippines in a groundbreaking initiative aimed at enhancing preventive healthcare, particularly for the elderly.

This collaboration empowers family physicians, who are often the first point of contact for patients, with advanced knowledge and tools to promote wellness, manage, and prevent both acute and chronic conditions, including vaccine-preventable diseases. The goal is to encourage healthy aging and improve the quality of life for seniors across the Philippines.

Addressing the Health Challenges of an Aging Population

Aging leads to a decline in the immune system's ability to fight infections, making seniors more vulnerable to various health issues. Chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and respiratory diseases—some of the leading causes of death in the Philippines—are more prevalent among the elderly. Preventive healthcare is essential in addressing these risks through early detection, proactive disease management, and prevention strategies.

Dr. Josefina S. Isidro-Lapeña, President of PAFP, emphasized, "Older adults face unique health challenges, and family physicians play a critical role in managing these through early interventions and holistic preventive care. By strengthening their skills, we can ensure comprehensive care is delivered."

Empowering Family Physicians Through Education

A cornerstone of the PAFP-GSK partnership is continuous education for family physicians. The nationwide program aims to provide family doctors with updated guidance on elderly care, including healthy lifestyle promotion, age-appropriate screening, chronic disease management, vaccination, and overall wellness promotion.

One key initiative, the Ageing Gracefully Among Filipinos Summit, provides practical knowledge to family physicians on areas such as nutrition, physical activity, health screenings, and immunization. This equips physicians to deliver more holistic care to seniors, ensuring that they receive the best possible support for their health needs.

Additionally, EducAIR, an on-demand medical education platform, enables family physicians to enhance their expertise in diagnosing and treating airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which are prevalent among seniors. The platform also focuses on preventing infections through adult immunization, further equipping doctors to manage and mitigate these conditions.

Strengthening the Healthcare System for Seniors

The signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PAFP and GSK formalized their collaboration on the Ageing Gracefully Among Filipinos Summit and EducAIR programs. Dr. Gio Barangan, GSK Country Medical Director, stated, “By translating this knowledge into clinical practice, we can significantly enhance care for older patients. A well-prepared healthcare system helps prevent serious health issues and supports seniors in maintaining their independence, ultimately reducing the burden on families.”

The collaboration aims to provide family physicians with the necessary tools and skills to manage chronic conditions and enhance the health and well-being of the elderly. By focusing on preventive care, the initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of serious health issues among seniors and improve their quality of life.

Proactive Preventive Care: A Path to a Healthier Future

Ensuring family physicians are equipped with the latest preventive care practices is crucial for meeting the needs of the aging population. Early interventions and proactive health management can prevent complications related to both infections and chronic diseases, improving the overall well-being of seniors while easing the emotional and financial strain on families and the healthcare system.

Filipino seniors and their caregivers are encouraged to actively engage with family physicians for regular health screenings, early disease prevention, and detection. By maintaining healthy lifestyles, seniors can enjoy better health, greater independence, and a higher quality of life as they age.

This collaborative effort between PAFP and GSK Philippines represents a significant step towards ensuring that the country's aging population receives the comprehensive care they need to age gracefully and healthily.