Abstract:Background: Basilan, a predominantly Muslim province in Southern Philippines, has long struggled with the impacts of armed conflict, poverty, and underdevelopment factors that continue to affect nutrition outcomes. Conflict-related displacement, disrupted livelihoods, and weakened health systems limit access to nutritious food and healthcare, particularly for women and children. Compounding this are poor data systems, limited internet connectivity, and a shortage of health professionals. With a 2021 poverty rate of 42.5%, Basilan ranks among the poorest provinces. Food insecurity and cultural beliefs further contribute to malnutrition. In response, the Provincial Nutrition Governance Program (PNGP), launched in 2020 by the Zuellig Family Foundation, was enhanced into the more adaptive Basilan Assistance Program (BAP) to address deeper systemic challenges. Objectives: BAP aims to: 1) strengthen inclusive health and nutrition systems aligned with Universal Health Care (UHC), 2) improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes, and 3) foster community-level behavior change. Methods: Using an implementation research approach, the program empowered local leaders and health workers through training, data systems improvement, and partnerships with civil society for food security initiatives. It engaged both incoming and outgoing political leaders, community health workers, Muslim religious figures, and even former MILF combatants. From 2020 to 2024, Basilan saw major strides in governance and service delivery. The province deployed 255 community health workers and trained former combatants as Bangsamoro Nutrition Workers. Nutrition funding rose from Php 7.2M to Php 27M. By 2024, stunting in children under two declined by 6.26 percentage points from 16.74% to 10.48%. Conclusion: The BAP shows that adaptive, locally driven approaches can improve nutrition outcomes in fragile, conflict-affected settings. Through strong leadership, community engagement, and multi-sectoral collaboration, Basilan is making progress in building a more resilient and equitable health system.
Keywords: Global Health Nutrition, insurgency, after care and public health nutrition, leadership and governance
