MAKING PREGNANCY SAFER
Answer the following and post your answers here. Cite references of your answers as much as possible.
In response to Making Pregnancy Safer, what are the current programs in the country to address maternal mortality and morbidity? Cite at least 1.
To respond to the challenges regarding the unavailability of resources in the country, the government proposes efforts to attain “Making Pregnancy Safer” in which the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) Strategy is established to diminish maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. Moreover, the Department of Health also established the Safe Motherhood Program in 2008, which adheres to providing Filipino women equitable access to quality healthcare for a safer pregnancy and delivery through rational and responsive policy direction to local government partners. Consequently, in the implemented National Family Planning Program, DOH hopes that through universal access to excellent family planning information and services, Filipino women and men may attain their chosen family size while also fulfilling reproductive health and rights for everyone. Finally, the Micronutrient Supplementation Program was also launched as micronutrient deficits can have long-term repercussions. Hence, the degree of health care and nutrition received by women during and throughout pregnancy, during childbirth, and soon after delivery must be heightened as this has a substantial impact on the survival, growth, and development of the baby.
What can you suggest in order to decrease our maternal mortality and morbidity in the country? Give at least 3 suggestions.
Provide education and increase awareness campaigns on safe motherhood
Informing the public on measures to ensure safe parenting would provide women with knowledge that can direct them toward beneficial health behaviors and lifestyle changes that will lead to safe parenthood. Information facilitation may occur through programs hosted in local government units and the utilization of social media platforms should be promoted in order to reach a wider audience.
Advocate for safe contraceptive utilization
Sex education and family planning methods must be taught as this would significantly have an impact on the diminishment of the number of undesired pregnancies and unsafe abortions. Women of reproductive age must be taught about the essentiality of contraception to aid in protection and ensure a healthy pregnancy and limit the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.
Provide adequate funding for the healthcare industry.
Evidently, the country suffers predicaments from an underfunded healthcare system which owes to inequitable healthcare services and access. The paucity of resources and labor which influences the quality of maternal healthcare provided contributes to increased maternal mortality and morbidity. Sufficient finances must be given to provide a budget for adequate medical equipment and resources, health professional training programs, health insurance, and enough remuneration to healthcare practitioners as well as access to advanced medical technology.
References:
Department of Health. (2018, October 17). NATIONAL SAFE MOTHERHOOD PROGRAM. https://doh.gov.ph/national-safe-motherhood-program
Department of Health. (2011). The MNCHN Manual of Operations 2011. Department of Health (Second). Department of Health, National Center for Disease Prevention and Control. Retrieved March 17, 2022, from https://doh.gov.ph/sites/default/files/publications/MNCHNMOPMay4withECJ.pdf.