1. 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 National Safe Motherhood Program is an initiative that the Department of Health has implemented to promote the health, safety, and welfare of women throughout pregnancy and childbirth. It aims to ensure the accessibility of health services for Filipino women (Department of Health, 2018). Under this program are two components: Component A focuses on supporting LGUs and establishing quality maternal and newborn health services; Component B focuses on supporting national capacities, such as advocating for family planning, providing skills training, and monitoring and supervision of private midwife clinics. The program is guided by Republic Act. No. 10354: Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH Act of 2012). Under Administrative Order 2008-0029, health reforms are instituted to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The Department of Health has collaborated with several national agencies, various media outlets, local and non-governmental organizations, and international organizations to fulfill the program’s objectives.
2. What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
- Strengthen the capacity of local health centers - One of the contributing factors to increasing maternal mortality and morbidity in the country is the inaccessibility of healthcare services, both geographically and financially. As an archipelagic country, access to quality health care and skilled birth attendants is hard to achieve, especially in rural areas. The provision of maternal care can be devolved to address this issue. Local or barangay health centers must be sufficiently equipped with resources and health professionals so that they could provide accessible and safe maternal health services. Access to contraceptives and consultation regarding family planning must also be present in local areas. By lessening the barriers, expecting mothers can receive maternal care and education.
- Provide education and awareness campaigns - Providing factual information regarding safe motherhood would equip women of all ages with the knowledge that can guide them towards positive health behaviors and lifestyle modifications to achieve safe motherhood. Additionally, sex education and family planning methods must be taught and destigmatized to reduce incidences of unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions. These education and awareness campaigns could take place through local programs held in barangays when the pandemic subsides. Other platforms, such as social media, broadcasting media, and print media could also be utilized to reach a wider audience since they can be easily accessed by the public, especially during these times.
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Allocate sufficient funds for the health sector - The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has overwhelmed the already underfunded health system in the country. As such, the issue of scarcity of resources and manpower has continued to increase. This issue remains one of the contributing factors to increased maternal morbidity and mortality. Sufficient funds must be allocated to provide a budget for enough medical equipment and resources, training programs for health professionals, health insurance, and proper compensation to healthcare providers.
Reference:
Department of Health. (2018, October 17). NATIONAL SAFE MOTHERHOOD PROGRAM. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program