In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity?
With the rapid increase of maternal mortality and morbidity in the Philippines, the government issued Manual of Operations of Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition through "Implementing Health Reforms towards Rapid Reduction in Maternal and Neonatal Mortality". One program launched for this cause is the National Safe Motherhood Program where it aims in ensuring safe motherhood and healthy newborns. All women of reproductive age (15-49) and newborns up to 28 days of life are target of interventions and services. The strategies that will be used shall be culture-based and gender-sensitive. In relation to WHO Pregnancy Safer, our national program also focus on ensure a quality maternal and newborn care by providing accessible and available health care facilities, by providing essential supplies and equipment, by providing continuity of care and checkup, by involving client in decision-making, by offering economic and social support to those in need, and many more.
What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country?
Despite the nationwide policy that was implemented for the purpose of reducing maternal mortality and morbidity in the Philippines, there are still strategies that are not properly executed. Hence, its goal is not fully met.
1. The local government units must be prepared in the implementation of such policies. Though women's health services are underinvested, the Women’s Health and Safe Motherhood Program in 1995-2002 has enough budget for upgrading facilities and services. Despite this, the budget is returned as LGUs are not prepared due to lack of personnel with medical and technical skills and a lack or absence of medical facilities and equipment to implement the program.
2. Interventions for vulnerable population groups should be emphasized. There must also specific objectives and action to guarantee the quality of life and health services women in difficult circumstances (women in armed conflict situations, victims of domestic violence, in prostitution, in prison, or solo parents) will get . Rather than relying in the presence of NGOs and other civic group, the government should have resources and programs intended in those situations.
3. Promote health education. Sex education and information about contraceptives and family planning are important. Maternal age influences maternal mortality and morbidity. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls age 15-19 years.
Reference:
Department of Health. (2004). Basic emergency obstetric. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://www.jica.go.jp/project/philippines/0600894/04/pdf/bemoc_guide.pdf
MHLW. (n.d.). Country report philippines. The Mother and the Unborn. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://www.mhlw.go.jp/bunya/kokusaigyomu/asean/asean/kokusai/siryou/dl/h18_philippines1.pdf
Office of the Ombudsman. (n.d.). Maternal health - ombudsman.gov.ph. Office of the Ombudsman. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://www.ombudsman.gov.ph/UNDP4/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Maternal-Health.pdf
World Health Organization. (2020, January 31). Adolescent pregnancy. World Health Organization. Retrieved April 1, 2022, from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy#:~:text=Pregnancy%20and%20childbirth%20complications%20are,women%20aged%2015%E2%80%9349%20years.