In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
MNCHN Strategy. In response to the declining rates of maternal and newborn mortality in the country, the DOH issued the Administrative Order 2008-0029 “Implementing Health Reforms for Rapid Reduction of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality. This policy outlines the strategy for lowering maternal and neonatal fatalities by providing a package of maternal, newborn, child health and nutrition (MNCHN) services across the country. This strategy aims to achieve four intermediate outcomes, namely: (1) Every pregnancy is wanted, planned and supported; (2) Every pregnancy is adequately managed throughout its course; (3) Every delivery is facility-based and managed by skilled birth attendants/skilled health professionals; and (4) Every mother and newborn pair secures proper post-partum and newborn care with smooth transitions to the women’s health care package for the mother and child survival package for the newborn.
National Safe Motherhood Program. This program is primarily concerned with the health and welfare of pregnant women. It also prioritizes preventing adolescent pregnancy and satisfying women's unmet needs for family planning contraceptives through 2030. This initiative strives to provide quality healthcare to Filipino women in order to ensure a safer pregnancy and delivery. Its goal is to improve the health and well-being of Filipino moms. The program offers a variety of services such as PhilHealth benefit package (for maternity care and newborn care), trainings (basic emergency obstetric and newborn care for doctors and nurses and for midwives, and maternal death surveillance and response), and implementation support materials (PCPNC manual, BEmOnc module for midwives, and maternal death reporting and review system: a guide to LGU users)
What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
Provide proper education or conduct community health teachings. The inadequate information on sex education, pregnancy, and maternal and child health plays a vital role in the increase of maternal mortality and morbidity in the country. By providing access to information to women, especially adolescents in socio-economically poor areas, it is possible to decrease the probability of short birth intervals and unwanted pregnancies (that may result in unsafe abortions) and to increase antenatal healthcare use, potentially owing to changes in women’s cognitive skills, economic resources, and autonomy. Such were observed in a study conducted by Weitzman (2017) in Peru regarding the effects of women’s education on maternal health.
Identify and address factors that affect women’s decision on seeking and receiving treatment and care throughout their pregnancy. By understanding the conditions that prevent women from acquiring the necessary and proper care throughout their pregnancy, we will be able to address the root of the problem. The health, societal and cultural barriers that prevent pregnant women from acquiring the proper care they deserve will be and should be taken into consideration when creating programs and policies from which these women shall benefit.
Empower women to take the lead in their pregnancy care. By encouraging women to practice their autonomy and to participate in their pregnancy care, we give them the control and confidence in their ability to make their own educated health decisions. This allows them to be aware of the possible complications/consequences that may occur due to their pregnancy, the alternative ways to approach their pregnancy, and the services that are available to them. Patient autonomy and participation in their own health care lead to improved health outcomes, enhanced quality of care and of life, fewer medication errors, and adherence to medication/health plans.
REFERENCES
- Department of Health. (2011). MNCHN Strategy Manual of Operations, 2nd edition. Manila: Philippines.
- Department of Health. (n.d.). Safe Motherhood Program. https://doh.gov.ph/health-programs/safe-motherhood-program
- Weitzman A. (2017). The effects of women's education on maternal health: Evidence from Peru. Social science & medicine (1982), 180, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2017.03.004