

Philippines
Apple Charm Agulto
Apple Charm Agulto is a digital health advocate passionate about developing innovative, data-driven solutions to advance health equity in marginalized communities. As the founder of an emerging digital health startup, she leverages technology to bridge healthcare gaps and support evidence-based decision-making at local and national levels. Early in her career, AC developed a simple yet transformative Excel tool that improved operational efficiency and transparency, securing a 200% budget increase for a local health office. Since then, she has continued to revolutionize digital health systems by designing cost-effective, scalable solutions that empower underserved communities. One of her key initiatives, the Unserved and Underserved Areas Profiling Tool, helps identify geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas in the Philippines, enabling equitable and evidence-based resource allocation. AC also provides expert consultation in field epidemiology and data management, spearheading capacity-building efforts and public health system overhauls across the Cagayan Valley region and beyond. As an active member of local and international public health epidemiology and surveillance networks, she mentors professionals, contributes to global research initiatives, and drives public health advancements. Through collaborative partnerships and sharing of strategies within the Equity Community, AC hopes to continue creating and advocating for sustainable, scalable, and equitable digital health solutions that foster meaningful change in resource-limited settings.