Dr. Maria Asuncion Silvestre, a Filipina doctor, researcher, and advocate for exclusive breastfeeding, has been honored with the 2023 UAE Health Foundation Prize at the 76th World Health Assembly. Her outstanding work in promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improving the health of mothers and newborns earned her this prestigious recognition.
Collaborating with the Philippine government and other countries in the WHO Western Pacific Region, Dr. Silvestre successfully implemented the ‘First Embrace campaign for Early Essential Newborn Care.’ This campaign focuses on simple, cost-effective actions recommended by the WHO to ensure the well-being of mothers and their newborns during and after childbirth.
Dr. Silvestre’s efforts have made a significant impact at a national and international level, leading to improved newborn survival rates. Her advocacy emphasizes the importance of breastfeeding as a life-saving measure, with evidence showing that even receiving one of the recommended care steps significantly contributes to newborn well-being.
Having earned degrees in Zoology and Medicine, Dr. Silvestre is actively involved in academia, contributing to pediatric education and authoring chapters on infant and young child feeding. She currently chairs the Early Essential Newborn Care Independent Review Group and co-directs community-based programs for Unang Yakap and Breastfeeding in the Philippines.
The UAE Health Foundation Prize, established in 1993, recognizes individuals or organizations that have made exceptional contributions to health development. Previous recipients include prominent figures like Hillary Clinton and organizations such as Médecins sans Frontières. Dr. Silvestre was presented with the award by distinguished officials, including the WHA76 president and the director-general of the WHO.
The Philippine ambassador to the UAE, Alfonso Ver, extended his congratulations to Dr. Silvestre and expressed gratitude to the UAE for acknowledging her remarkable achievements. He emphasized the impact of her work in saving lives and improving the well-being of mothers and newborns in the Philippines and beyond, reflecting the significant contributions of Filipinos in the UAE.
