- In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
According to the World Health organization, in 2017, roughly 810 women have died daily from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes that may have been avoided. In supplement to that, 94% of maternal mortality often occurs in low and lower-middle-income countries (WHO, 2019). The Philippines being classified as a lower-middle-income country, the goal to improve maternal health in our country is highly crucial. One program of the Department of Health in our country to address maternal morbidity and mortality is the National Safe Motherhood Program which aims to maximize the health and well-being of women by:
- Collaborating with Local Government Units in establishing sustainable, cost-effective approach of delivering health services that ensure access of disadvantaged women to acceptable and high quality maternal and newborn health services and enable them to safely give birth in health facilities near their homes
- Establishing core knowledge base and support systems that facilitate the delivery of quality maternal and newborn health services in the country.
Othe policies and laws implemented to address the problems are:
- 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
2. What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
- Community health teachings regarding safe pregnancy and delivery.
- Formal and up-to-date training for midwives, nurses, and also physicians assisting in the delivery.
- Securing the proper implementation of the laws and policies responding to maternal needs.
- Providing accessible health information regarding family planning, the use of birth control pills, and other forms of contraceptives.
- Providing better access to adolescent sexual and reproductive health services in general.
References:
National safe motherhood program. (n.d.). Welcome to Department of Health website | Department of Health website. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program