The Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) has officially joined the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), marking a significant step toward strengthening evidence-based policymaking in the Philippines. Endorsed by the DOST and the Department of Health (DOH), the Council’s membership links the country to a global network of advancing research-informed health policymaking.

DOST-PCHRD’s participation in EVIPNet aligns with WHO’s mission of expanding healthcare access, reducing public health risks, and promoting overall well-being. Through collaborating with EVIPNet, the Council gains access to structured approaches integrating research into policy discussions, including evidence briefs that synthesize local data with global systematic reviews to inform decision-making.

To maximize the benefits of EVIPNet membership, the Council will implement key initiatives to strengthen research-to-policy translation, which include utilizing partnerships with the PNHRS Research Utilization Committee and the Regional Health Research and Development Consortia (RHRDC), expanding the POLISEE Grants Program to support stakeholders, and formalizing rapid evidence synthesis as an LGU-focused program. Capacity-building efforts, such as webinars, workshops, and competitions, will also be conducted to equip researchers and policymakers with essential skills.

During the inception meeting on January 21, 2025, the DOST-PCHRD EVIPNet Secretariat Team met with key WHO representatives, including Ms. Tanja Kuchmüller, Head of the Evidence to Policy and Impact Unit at WHO’s Science Division – Research for Health Department; Dr. Mengji Chen, EVIPNet Focal Person for the Western Pacific; and Ms. Ong Gui Xian, WHO Western Pacific Innovation and Research Consultant. WHO strongly supported the Philippines’ inclusion in EVIPNet, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the country’s capacity for evidence-informed policymaking. Ms. Kuchmüller highlighted that with the EVIPNet membership, the Council’s initiatives will be further strengthened, amplifying their impact and ensuring that research evidence is effectively integrated into health policies.

Aside from the Council, EVIPNet Philippines includes representatives from the Department of Health (DOH), the University of the Philippines Manila (UPM), and the Philippine Society of Public Health Physicians (PSPHP). The multidisciplinary composition ensures a well-rounded approach to evidence-informed policymaking, drawing from various sectors to strengthen health policy development and implementation.

The potential of EVIPNet to drive public health improvements is evident in its success stories. For example, EVIPNet Brazil’s research-based policy interventions contributed to lower rates of stillbirths and early-life deaths, demonstrating the power of evidence-informed policymaking. With the DOST-PCHRD now a part of the EVIPNet, it is expected to scale up its efforts in linking research and policy, ensuring that health decisions are grounded in the best available evidence to improve the well-being of all Filipinos.