In 2021, 2,478 Filipino women died due to complications from pregnancy or childbirth, according to the United Nations Population Fund. Moreover, 14% of pregnant women in the country do not get regular check-ups and the other necessary medical care that they need during their pregnancy. One in 10 Filipino women do not give birth in health facilities or receive assistance from skilled healthcare personnel during childbirth.
During the recent Health Connect media forum with the theme “Healthy Mom, Happy Baby: Advocating for Safe Motherhood,” maternal health experts delved into the challenges Filipino women face, from preconception to postpartum. The forum also highlighted the need for comprehensive policies and multi-stakeholder collaboration to improve maternal and child care. Health Connect is led by the Philippine Medical Association, the Philippine Foundation for Vaccination (PFV), the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines (PHAP), and its member Sanofi.
Dr. Maria Lorena Santos, president of the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology, revealed that their organization has been working with Representative Ciriaco Gato, Jr. (Batanes, Lone District) on the enactment into law of House Bill 9354 which provides for comprehensive maternal healthcare, including immunization for pregnant women.
There are other maternal health-related bills currently pending in Congress. Senate Bill No. 1416 or “An Act Safeguarding the Health of.