Planetary Health

WHAT IS THE PAFP SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP?

– PLANETARY HEALTH

As one of the most climate-vulnerable countries in the world, the Philippines faces rising health threats from extreme weather, pollution, food insecurity, infectious diseases, and mental health challenges.

Family and community physicians are at the frontline. We are uniquely positioned to protect and promote planetary health —addressing the root environmental causes of disease while advocating for sustainable, resilient, and equitable healthcare systems.

Integrating planetary health into family medicine aligns with the Universal Health Care (UHC) Act by reducing environment-related diseases, addressing health inequities, and strengthening health system resilience in the face of climate and environmental risks.

The PAFP Special Interest Group (SIG) on Planetary Health ensures a focused, organized, and sustained response to today’s most urgent planetary health challenges: climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss.

VISION

To lead Filipino Family Physicians in championing planetary health by promoting a patient-centered, family-focused, and community-oriented approach that integrates human well-being with environmental sustainability for healthier patients, families, communities, and a thriving planet.

MISSION

To empower Family Physicians to integrate planetary health principles into their practice through education and training, advocacy, sustainable healthcare practices, research, and intersectoral collaboration.

We aim to build a community of informed practitioners and advocates who promote the interconnectedness of human health and the environment to safeguard the health of present and future generations.