One of the current programs implemented by the Department of Health in the Philippines is the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) Strategy, wherein it aims to achieve pregnancy that is safe and wanted, pregnancy that is adequately managed, delivery that is managed by skilled birth attendants and/or health professionals, and that every mother and newborn receives proper postpartum care. This program does not only aim to improve maternal health, but also to reduce newborn mortality as well. The program also acknowledge the factors which affect maternal and neonatal deaths, and aim to prevent them through widening access to NCHN Core Package of services and interventions for women of reproductive age, establishment of a Service Delivery Network at all levels of care, organized use of instruments for health systems development, and rapid build-up of institutional capacities of DOH and PhilHealth. (Department of Health, 2011)
One of the suggestions that I have to decrease maternal mortality and morbidity in the Philippines is the accessibility of adolescents to proper sex education, to keep them informed and knowledgeable about their own bodies. This will help decrease the risk for unwanted pregnancy and encourages safe sexual practices, which would then help decrease the incidence of the third most common cause of maternal mortality—unsafe abortion.
Another suggestion I could have is the accessibility to proper healthcare. In our country, the healthcare system is still heavily flawed, and I have firsthand experience when it comes to its accessibility. Emergency services were very difficult to contact, whether it be a public or private hospital. If there are hospitals that are responsive, not a lot of people have access to them. Something I would like to propose is the improvement of the 911 system of the country, and making sure that everyone is well-aware of its purpose.
The last program that I would like to suggest is something that would decriminalize abortion, even if it may have several conditions attached to it, but atleast to make it accessible to women who need it most, such as the victims of rape, or those with health conditions that may get worsened with pregnancy. Living in a conservative country that is heavily influenced by religion, it is difficult to promote women’s rights to their own bodies. Through this program, it may be a step closer to ensuring that every women has the safest way of abortion and not risk endangering their lives for the improper way of doing it.
REFERENCE
Department of Health. (2011). MNCHN Strategy Manual of Operations. https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/MNCHNMOPMay4withECJ.pdf