- In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
- In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, one of the current programs by the Department of Health is called National Safe Motherhood Program which addresses the health and welfare of pregnant women during the stages of their pregnancy by providing access to quality care for a positive pregnancy and delivery (Department of Health, nd). Through this program, maternal mortality and morbidity rate may decrease by providing cost-effective health services and education to mothers to facilitate safe pregnancy. It also focuses on meeting the needs for family contraceptives of women until 2030.
- What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
- In order to decrease the Philippines’ maternal mortality and morbidity rate, I think it is important to implement proper health education, to provide adequate antenatal care, and to advocate for allocation of funds to address women’s health.
- Health Education- Health education should be prioritized to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity rates. Young men and women should be well-informed about reproduction and fertilization as well as contraceptive use to prevent unwanted pregnancies, leading to abortion. To also ensure safe and healthy pregnancy, proper nutrition education should also be taught which should help the mother as well as the fetus get the adequate amount of nutrients. Proper information about the risks of pregnancy at a certain age, medications, importance of immunity, and available healthcare services should also be discussed especially to first time mothers.
- Adequate Antenatal Care- As future nurse, it is our job to make sure that we are providing skilled and holistic care to our clients before until after childbirth to prevent complications. Maintaining hygiene through regular handwashing is one of the ways to prevent the spread of infection during child delivery. Postpartum care is also important as some mothers are not given this specific care, contributing to increasing maternal mortality and morbidity rate. It is our job as healthcare workers to ensure that the mother gains enough knowledge to take care of herself after birth and to monitor the mother for abnormal bleeding.
- Allocation of Funds- Limited funding for women’s health has been a problem in the Philippines especially for the poor who cannot afford to go for monthly checkups during pregnancy. I believe it is only right to advocate for allocation of more funds towards women’s health to provide them the best healthcare and to help them be aware of the potential problems they may encounter during the course of their pregnancy. Now that we are in the midst of the pandemic where checkup has declined due to the anxiety of contracting the virus, it is only right to provide a safe place for the pregnant women to give birth and to have their monthly checkups.
References:
Department of Health. (n.d.). Department of Health website. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://doh.gov.ph/health-programs/safe-motherhood-program#:%7E:text=The%20National%20Safe%20Motherhood%20Program,its%20priority%20agenda%20until%202030.
Murray, D. (2021, October 23). Chances of Dying in Pregnancy and Childbirth Around the World. Verywell Family. Retrieved February 15, 2022, from https://www.verywellfamily.com/maternal-mortality-rate-causes-and-prevention-4163653