Vergil M. de Claro

Vergil de Claro is a Policy and Health Systems Specialist with 20 years of experience in the Philippine health sector supporting the implementation of UHC reforms at the national and subnational levels with a focus on health financing, strategic purchasing, primary care, governance, and health systems strengthening. His achievements include developing national health financing strategies, assessing program implementation, and conducting health policy and systems research to support evidence-informed decisions. 

Before transitioning to a career in global health development, he held various technical and managerial positions at the national health insurance agency in the Philippines. He played a pivotal role in institutionalizing policy research by establishing a research fund and agenda-setting process and spearheaded initiatives to enhance research engagement and improving research utilization. 

In his current capacity, Mr. de Claro serves as Policy and Health Systems Senior Advisor for USAID’s ReachHealth project in the Philippines which aims to strengthen and enhance access to essential maternal and newborn care, as well as family planning services across the country. In this role, he contributes his expertise to drive positive changes and improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. 

Mr. de Claro is a member of Health Systems Global and the Philippine Association of Public Health Physicians.