- In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
A sustainable, cost-effective system approach is needed to improve maternal health and pregnancy outcomes. With the aim of making pregnancy safer, the National Safe Motherhood Program “is committed to provide rational and responsive policy direction to its local government partners in the delivery of quality maternal and newborn health services with integrity and accountability using proven and innovative approaches guided by the Department of Health FOURmula One Plus thrust and the Universal Health Care Frame” (Department of Health, 2018). In collaboration with local government units (LGUs) and development partners, the program is divided into two components: local delivery of the maternal-newborn service package and national capacity to sustain maternal-newborn services. This brings the nation a step closer to achieving SDG 3, which encompasses maternal and child health, by expanding health services availability to disadvantaged women and ensuring continuum of care across all systems.
Other government strategies include reforms in laws and provision of relevant polocies that are responsive to maternal health needs:
- Republic Act No. 10354: Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Law (RPRH Act of 2012)
- Administrative Order 2008-0029: Implementing Health Reforms to Rapidly Reduce Maternal and Neonatal Mortality
- Department Order 2009-0084: Guidelines Governing the Payment of Training Fees relative to the Attendance of Health Workers to Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Skills Training Course at Duly Designated Training Centers
- Administrative Order 2011-0011: Establishment of Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care Training Centers in Regional Hospitals and Medical Centers
- Administrative Order 2015-0020: Guidelines in the Administration of Life Saving Drugs During Maternal Care Emergencies by Nurses and Midwives in Birthing Centers
- Administrative Order 2016-0035: Guidelines on the Provision of Quality Antenatal Care in All Birthing Centers and Health Facilities Providing Maternity Care Services
- Administrative Order 2018-0003: National Policy on the Prevention of Illegal and Unsafe Abortion and Management of Post-Abortion Complications
- What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
Every year 2,400 women in the country while more than half a million women worldwide die from complications in relation to pregnancy and/or childbirth. Almost all these deaths could have been prevented if these women had access to basic education, healthcare, and social services at the very least. The key to saving countless more women from meeting the same fate is by addressing the root causes of the problems in a strategic and sustainable system approach.
- Reinforce the healthcare sector (e.g. equip medical facilities, upgrade medical equipment, train healthcare professionals)
- Provide accessible and comprehensive sexual, reproductive, and maternal health information and services
- Strengthen the capacity of LGUs and the private sector for the provision of health services in order to expand the coverage of maternal health care down to the community level
- Enhance the effectiveness of health interventions through the participation of local communities, the private sector, and even non-governmental organizations
- Invest in preconception care and health reform programs focused on preventing and alleviating chronic conditions and other common diseases causing death among women
- Ensure proper implementation and management of policies targeting maternal health
- Empower women with autonomy and education to make informed decisions regarding their health and lifestyle
- Promote male involvement and emphasize their equal responsibilities in family planning, maternal health care, and newborn health
Reference:
National Safe Motherhood Program. (2018, October 17). Republic of Philippines: Department of Health. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program