Biography

Dr. Marian Frances C. Ysaac is a Medical Officer in the National HIV and AIDS and STI Prevention and Control Program at the Department of Health (DOH). After graduating from the University of the Philippines College of Medicine, Dr. Ysaac pursued her public health career at the Davao Center for Health Development, one of the Philippine regional DOH offices. She initially headed the Health Facility Development Unit, where she actively provided technical assistance in implementing public health programs, such as the National Voluntary Blood Services Program. She subsequently transferred to the Philippine National AIDS Council, where she collaborated with national government agencies and civil society organizations to address the country's HIV and AIDS epidemic. Dr. Ysaac moved on to working as the Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) focal person for the DOH Disease Prevention and Control Bureau, where she was recently capacitated on the roll-out of the Minimum Initial Service Package for Sexual and Reproductive Health. Dr. Ysaac actively advocates for STI screening, treatment, and care among high-risk vulnerable groups, such as men who have sex with men, young key populations, and pregnant women, ensuring that these groups have consistent and continuous access to safe, quality, non-judgmental, and people-centered services.