Community-based health services and preventive care programs in Zamboanga are set to be strengthened following a new partnership between the Ateneo de Zamboanga University School of Medicine (AdZU SOM) and Cecile’s Pharmacy, aimed at expanding access to essential health education, early screening, and medication awareness in underserved communities.
The partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the “Community Health Plan Project Support,” is expected to enhance ongoing student-led interventions on hypertension management, maternal and child health, safe medication practices, and adolescent health awareness.
Present during the MOA signing were AdZU President Fr. Ernald M. Andal, SJ, School of Medicine Dean Dr. Jaybee D. Bazan, Board of Trustees member Ms. Silvie Bandiola-Agravante, and Director for Advancement Mr. Ralph M. Chua. Representing Cecile’s Pharmacy were Chief Operating Officer Mr. Prime Asprer Jr., together with Mr. Stephen Saavedra and Ms. Analee Saluntao.
Through the partnership, joint initiatives will prioritize hypertension prevention through screening and lifestyle education, improve nutrition and immunization efforts for children under five, and promote safe medication practices while discouraging self-medication. The partnership will also support awareness campaigns on adolescent health concerns, including teenage pregnancy.
Grounded in the shared mission of service and community empowerment, the partnership reinforces efforts to integrate academic training with community-based healthcare services, making healthcare education and services more accessible to the underserved communities.