In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
- One program in the country that seeks to address maternal mortality and morbidity is the National Safe Motherhood Program of the Department of Health. The objective of this program is to be able to establish sustainable and cost-effective health services that are accessible to disadvantaged women. This is in order to ensure a safe delivery in health facilities which are nearby their own homes. Another essential objective of this program is to be able to establish core knowledge and support systems that ensure quality maternal and newborn health services. With the help of local government units (LGUs), they seek to establish local delivery of the maternal-newborn service package, and national capacity to sustain maternal-newborn services. The services included in this program include:
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PhilHealth Benefit Package
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Maternity Care Benefit Package
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Newborn Care Benefit Package
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Trainings
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Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care for Doctors and Nurses
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Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care for Midwives
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Maternal Death Surveillance and Response
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Implementation Support Materials
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Pregnancy, Childbirth, Postpartum and Newborn Care (PCPNC) Manual
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BEmONC Module for Midwives
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Maternal Death Reporting and Review System: A Guide to LGU Users
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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 country’s maternal mortality and morbidity, I would suggest the following.
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A comprehensive reproductive health education in schools and communities. One of the factors that may contribute to a high maternal mortality and morbidity is the high rate of teenage pregnancies in the country. With the implementation of a reproductive health education in schools and communities, teenagers may become more aware of safe sexual practices, reducing the transmission of HIV/AIDS and other STDs, and protection to both the mother and the child from infectious diseases. This would allow people to have knowledge about pregnancy, infertility, prenatal care, and post-childbirth care of both the baby and the mother.
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Strengthening the healthcare system by allowing universal access to healthcare. Some women, even though they are experiencing symptoms of pregnancy and may even have a positive test result, may avoid getting their routine check-ups in the hospital or facilities because of the possible cost. By making healthcare accessible to all, especially those living in poverty and areas far from the towns, women will not hesitate to have their prenatal check-ups. Furthermore, people should also be given access to contraceptives and other family planning methods.
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Continuous support from the country’s government. Although much can be done to decrease the maternal mortality and morbidity in the country, it cannot be done without the support of the government. Poverty is also a main problem in the country that contributes to maternal mortality and morbidity, especially those who do not have enough money to buy medicines and go to health facilities. In this way, the government including LGUs and other sectors may organize different volunteer drives or community events that cater specifically to women, children, and prenatal care.
References:
BYJU’s. (n.d.). Why is reproductive health necessary?. https://byjus.com/biology/importance-reproductivehealth/#:~:text=It%20helps%20in%20educating%20every,to%20deliver%20a%20healthy%20baby.
Department of Health. (2018). National safe motherhood program. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program