As we approach the International Day of Intersex Solidarity on November 8, 2024, we are reminded of the ongoing need for global support to address the urgent healthcare inequities that intersex individuals continue to face, particularly for children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) in low-resource settings like in the Philippines. This year’s event, “Enhancing Access to Life-Saving Medicines, Diagnostics, and Medical Care for Intersex Children with CAH,” seeks to address these challenges by fostering solidarity among healthcare professionals, patient organizations, and intersex advocates, with a dedicated focus on life-saving solutions for intersex infants and children with CAH.
Understanding CAH and the Urgency of Access
Webinar Highlights and Perspectives
The International Day of Intersex Solidarity 2024 webinar will bring together an esteemed panel of healthcare leaders, community advocates, and international health experts, each offering unique insights into enhancing healthcare access for intersex children with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH) in the Philippines. The event opens with Jeff Cagandahan, Executive Director of Intersex Philippines and Chair of Intersex Asia, setting the tone by highlighting the importance of this solidarity event and acknowledging the historical challenges faced by the intersex community.
The keynote speakers include Dr. Jedeane Aragon, President of the Philippine Society of Pediatric Metabolism and Endocrinology. Dr. Aragon will explore “The Healthcare Landscape for CAH Patients in the Philippines,” shedding light on the systemic barriers these children face, from diagnostic limitations to challenges in accessing essential medications. Her expertise in CAH management offers invaluable insights into the healthcare interventions needed to ensure life-saving support for these patients.
Following Dr. Aragon, Dr. Kate Armstrong, Founder and President of CLAN (Caring & Living As Neighbours), will present “Global Perspectives on CAH: Building Communities and Healthcare Access.” Her talk will focus on the Knowledge to Action (KTA) framework, a strategic approach to mobilizing resources, building resilient CAH communities, and advocating for sustainable healthcare improvements. Dr. Armstrong’s experience in creating affordable, family-centered support for children with chronic health conditions across Asia and the Pacific will provide a roadmap for how CLAN’s pillars of support—affordable medication, family empowerment, and community resilience—can be adapted for CAH patients in the Philippines.
The third keynote, Carmen Auste, CEO of Cancer Warriors Foundation and Vice President of Cancer Coalition Philippines, brings over two decades of advocacy experience. She will discuss “Navigating Pathways to Equitable Healthcare Access,” drawing from her work in building cross-sector partnerships that have lowered medication costs and secured policy support for vulnerable children. Her insights on overcoming bureaucratic challenges and fostering collaborations with government agencies and NGOs will be crucial as we consider similar strategies for CAH patients in the Philippines.
An interactive panel led by Alain Yap, President of CAHSAPI (Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Support Group of the Philippines), will conclude the session. As the founder of CAHSAPI, Alain brings firsthand experience in developing community-based solutions to healthcare access issues. His segment will explore the foundational role CAHSAPI has played in advocating for CAH patients, creating essential support networks, and collaborating with international partners like CLAN to address diagnostic and treatment gaps. This discussion aims to identify actionable strategies that can strengthen advocacy efforts, promote policy reform, and ensure sustainable healthcare access for intersex and CAH communities.
This event promises to be a crucial moment for uniting stakeholders around immediate and long-term solutions for healthcare access. The collective insights from these experts will be instrumental in building a stronger, more equitable healthcare system that meets the needs of intersex children with CAH in the Philippines.
A Call for Solidarity and Support
In conjunction with the webinar, Intersex Asia, CAHSAPI and Intersex Philippines are hoping to seek your endorsement of a Call for Solidarity, inviting supporters worldwide to elevate this call and advocate for improved healthcare policies and resources for families of intersex children with CAH in the Philippines. This letter calls upon the government, healthcare providers, and policymakers to address critical needs, such as including essential CAH medications in national formularies, expanding diagnostic capabilities, and ensuring financial support under the Rare Diseases Act (RA 10747) of 2016. By signing and sharing this letter, supporters can amplify the voices of intersex children and their families, underscoring the urgency of sustainable solutions to improve their quality of life.
Affirm this call by signing the Call for Solidarity Form
Join the Movement for Change
The International Day of Intersex Solidarity is more than a symbolic date—it is a rallying call for actionable change. We invite you to participate in this movement by:
- Registering to attend the webinar here: Registration link
- Signing the Call for Solidarity Form , and assist us in advocating within your networks.
Together, let’s make a tangible impact by working toward a future where intersex children with CAH have the healthcare, respect, and opportunities they deserve.
