

PSMID is pleased to share the newest SPOTLIGHTS features of the Philippines and Malaysia highlighting the unique Network structures of the two newest QIS+D countries from Southeast Asia.
PSMID is part of a national collaboration with the Sustained Health Initiatives of the Philippines (SHIP) to reduce HIV-related stigma and discrimination in healthcare settings.
Calling all adolescents ages 12-17 and their parents!
We want to know your thoughts on COVID-19 vaccination for adolescents.
You may scan this QR code or go to the provided link to answer our survey: bit.ly/CovidVaccineSurvey_Main
Attached herewith is the National Vaccination Operations Center Advisory No. 54 entitled “Guidance on the Vaccination of the Immediate Family Members of Healthcare Workers under Priority Group A1” and its Operational Guidance.
The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly challenged humanity and continues to do so. Unfortunately, these challenges are made more difficult for our healthcare workers at the frontlines of COVID-19 care. There are times when the mission and expertise of our frontline health providers are criticized and maligned. Oftentimes, our colleagues bear the cudgels for our health systems’ weaknesses, even as they do their utmost to care for COVID-19 patients and save lives.
We have all lost family members and loved ones in this pandemic. Our shared losses enhance our empathy with all the others who have also lost their loved ones to COVID- 19. The Philippine Society for Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (PSMID), a non-stock, non-profit association of healthcare professionals dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of infectious disease – especially against COVID-19, is not spared from the perils of this pandemic.
In these challenging times, there is the temptation to cast blame and aspersions on frontliners in the face of loss and grief, without fully understanding the context and rationale of holistic clinical management and care. We urge the community to focus against the real enemy, COVID-19. Divisiveness only serves to weaken and demotivate our health workforce. PSMID maintains an open communication line and a collaborative stance as we continue to lead and serve despite the risks and obstacles.
The PSMID expresses confidence in the expertise of its infectious disease clinicians. We stand by the competence, professional integrity, and clinical judgment of our infectious disease practitioners. We, as PSMID, always strive to provide holistic, evidence-based, and compassionate patient care, despite the challenges of a stretched and under- resourced health system and the risks to our own lives.
The PSMID deeply thank the countless women, men, organizations, and institutions who quietly serve and continue to provide support and encouragement to our healthcare workers. We hope for kindness. We hope for understanding. The spirit of unity and solidarity is what gives us hope that we can overcome the challenges that take a significant toll on our frontliners’ physical and mental health.
“YOU [WE] WILL ACHIEVE MORE IN THIS WORLD THROUGH ACTS OF MERCY THAN… THROUGH ACTS OF RETRIBUTION.” -Nelson Mandela
PSMID Board of Councils and Advisers 2021
Download the PSMID Statement of Solidarity with Frontline COVID-19 Health Providers here.
The Healthcare Professionals Alliance Against COVID-19, the alliance of more than 160 health professions organizations in the country, is alarmed that some Filipinos are receiving vaccines against COVID-19 that have not been registered with the Philippine Food and Drug Administration (FDA). In relation to this issue, there are three critical points of concern:
1. In keeping with public safety, we strongly discourage the use of vaccines that are not yet approved by the Philippine FDA.
2. Even if a vaccine is approved in other countries, its storage, transport, and distribution are complex procedures. Improper handling can damage vaccines and can render them useless. This is why distribution channels and processes need to be transparent and regulated.
Read more “HPAAC: A Call for Safe and Transparent Use of COVID-19 Vaccines” →