In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
The Department of Health’s “National Safe Motherhood Program” which focuses on the health and welfare of pregnant women addresses the increasing trend in the Philippine maternal mortality and morbidity. The program centers on prevention and promotion initiatives as well as addressing avoidable factors that cause death during pregnancy, labor or the postpartum period to minimize maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality and to promote maternal and neonatal health.
The program aims to contribute to the national goal of enhancing women’s health and well-being by:
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Collaborating with Local Government Units in establishing sustainable, cost-effective approach of delivering health services that ensure access of disadvantaged women to acceptable and high quality maternal and newborn health services and enable them to safely give birth in health facilities near their homes
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Establishing core knowledge base and support systems that facilitate the delivery of quality maternal and newborn health services in the country.
What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
- Providing easy access to emergency obstetric care.
- Wider and equal access to safe motherhood services especially in the rural/underserved areas and universal access to reproductive health services such as family planning.
- Strengthen maternal health education by conducting programs, seminars, symposiums, and etc.
REFERENCES:
National Safe Motherhood Program. (2018, October 17). Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program
Philippines: Maternal Mortality Rates Not Making Sufficient Progress to Meet MDGs. (2009, April 7). United Nations Population Fund. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.unfpa.org/news/philippines-maternal-mortality-rates-not-making-sufficient-progress-meet-mdgs#:%7E:text=Crucial%20to%20reducing%20maternal%20deaths,two%20years%20of%20adequate%20training.