Institute of Child Health and Human Development

           On April 15, 1999, the Institute of Child Health & Human Development (ICHHD) was created to promote, develop and implement relevant research programs and activities that will improve the health and enhance the development of the child.  The vision of the Institute is to be a nationally and internationally recognized research center committed to contributing to the improvement of child health and development through the promotion, advancement and implementation of relevant research programs and activities that will improve the health and enhance the development of the child.

            Since its inception, the Institute has conducted researches on diverse topics, translating into local international policies and guidelines. In 2000, it has collaborated with Wayne State University, US National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), in conducting longitudinal studies on fetal exposure to environmental toxicants and its impact on children’s growth and development. Results from this study had led to changes in the composition of insecticides worldwide.

            In 2013, the Institute embarked on a multi-pronged project for Tuberculosis (TB) by doing a community-based surveillance. This project, conducted in collaboration with the National Telehealth Center (NTC) of the UPM-NIH was made possible through the funding provided by Hanako Foundation (Singapore). This was later expanded to focus on TB in children and this is being funded by the USAID Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research Health (PEER-Health) program.

            The Institute also became a collaborating center for the establishment of nationwide surveillance programs with the Department of Health. The Neuroschistosomiasis Registry (2013) and the National Guillain Barre Syndrome (GBS) Surveillance (2014) are ongoing studies that are meant determine the burden of these diseases in the Philippines.

            The Institute has also partnered with the World Health Organization in various studies that provide important information that will guide policies on vaccine-preventable diseases such as hepatitis B, rotavirus, and rubella in our country.

            Aside from research, faculty members have become content and technical experts for various national and international organizations on other vaccine preventable diseases (e.g. cholera, Japanese encephalitis, polio, hepatitis B), tuberculosis, environmental pollution and toxicants, nutrition, and neurologic infections. Their respective expertise have been utilized in training and education, clinical practice guideline development, and policy-making relevant to child health.

            Several partnerships are underway, including more studies from the national government and international organizations. The Institute is led by its Director, Dr. Anna Lena Lopez, and has 2 research faculty, 2 university researchers and ~20 study staff. In addition, ICHHD hosts the Vaccine Study Group  (VSG) that conducts clinical trials of vaccines for licensure by the US Food and Drug Administration (US FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and other countries’ institutions.

Vision

ICHHD shall be a leading global partner in developing and implementing research in child health, development and welfare.

Mission

To develop and implement relevant research programs and activities that will foster the health, development and welfare of the child.

Ongoing Projects:

1. Neuroschistosomiasis Registry in 12 Endemic Regions of the Philippines
2. National Gullain Barre Syndrome Surveillance in the Philippines
3. Surveillance for tuberculosis in the Philippines
4. Effectiveness of the monovalent rotavirus vaccine in the Philippines
5. Impact of monovalent rotavirus vaccine in Agusan
6. Enhancing childhood tuberculosis identification and treatment in the Philippines
7. Randomized Controlled Trial comparing the Efficacy and Safety of Calmoseptine Ointment and Desitin Maximum Strength 40% Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Paste in Diaper Dermatitis in Neonates and Infants
8. A Phase III, Randomized, Observer blind, study on the Efficacy of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine GSK2321138A (FLU D-QIV),
9. Efficacy and Immunogenicity Study of Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine
10. Community and Hospital burden of Norovirus disease
11. Assessment of inactivated poliovirus vaccine introduction on healthcare provider and infant caregiver attitudes and practices in the Philippines

Director

Anna Lena Lopez, MD, MPH

Assistant Director

Ma. Esterlita V. Uy, MD

Immediate Past Director

Aida M. Salonga, MD

University Researcher

Josephine G. Aldaba, MD

Michelle C. Ylade, MD

Visiting Scientist

Enrique M. Ostrea, Jr., MD

Adjunct Research Professor

Jacqueline L. Deen, MD

Study Group:

Vaccine Study group

Convenors:

• Lulu C. Bravo, MD
• May B. Montellano, MD
• Salvacion Gatchalian, MD                      

 Study Coordinator:

• Edwin Y. Redulla Jr., RN

Child Abuse, Neglect & Exploitation (CANE) Study Group

Convenor:

• Bernadette Madrid, MD

Administrative Staff Member

​Brendalyn P. Red, RN