The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Government of Japan and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched a new initiative to improve Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). The project focuses on underserved and mobile communities across Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi (BaSulTa).
The “Resilient and Equitable Access to Care and Health in BASULTA (REACH-BASULTA)” project – formally titled “The Project for Strengthening Maternal and Child Health Services for Internally Displaced Persons on the Remote Islands of the Conflict-Affected Areas” – is a three-year, partnership that builds on strong collaboration with the Department of Health (DOH), the Ministry of Health of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MOH-BARMM), local governments and community partners. Strategically aligned with national and local health priorities, the project seeks to advance inclusive and resilient health systems in the BaSulTa area.
“This project is not just a response to the current health challenges faced by internally displaced persons and vulnerable populations; it is a commitment to building a sustainable and resilient health system that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals,” emphasized Ambassador Endo Kazuya, Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, reaffirming Japan’s commitment to strengthening health access in geographically isolated areas.
Dr. Kadil Sinolinding, BARMM Minister of Health, emphasized the increased prioritization of health in the communities, and the need for collective action to achieve it, which is at the core of the project’s design. “Through partnerships with neighboring regions and collaboration with the national government, we now see a renewed sense of hope among our people. Before, poor health-seeking behavior was a major challenge […]. But now, we are placing greater importance on life, cherishing it, especially the lives of our children and mothers.“ reminded Minister Sinolinding.
Anchored in the Universal Health Care (UHC) agenda and national health standards, REACH-BaSulTa aims to expand equitable MNCH services by strengthening health facilities, enhancing workforce capacity, and improving community-level health awareness. Recognizing the complex mobility patterns that shape health service delivery in BaSulTa, the project integrates IOM’s expertise in addressing the needs of underserved, mobile and displaced populations into broader health-system strengthening efforts, so that vulnerable communities, including those frequently on the move, are not left behind.
“Together with IOM, the Department of Health and Ministry of Health of BARMM, health workers and communities, we aim to build an environment in which pregnancy and childbirth are safe, newborns and children are protected, and the people of BARMM, the region’s most vital resource can thrive and live with dignity.” shared Country Representative Baba Takashi, the Chief Representative of JICA Philippines Office, expressing enthusiasm for one of JICA’s first multilateral engagements with international organizations in the Philippines.
“The REACH‑BASULTA initiative reflects IOM’s global mandate to enable mobile populations and host communities to attain the highest possible standard of health and well‑being. As the United Nations’ migration agency, IOM supports health programming in more than 120 countries, working alongside governments to understand and respond to the evolving needs of people on the move—whether driven by conflict, climate pressures, labor mobility, or the realities of island geography.”, reminded Tristan A. Burnett, IOM Chief of Mission in the Philippines.
The partnership launch convened, on 22 January in Manila and 26 January in Cotabato, representatives from IOM, the Government of Japan, JICA, national and regional government agencies, and BARMM partners, reinforcing their shared commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable and mobile populations in Mindanao.
