In the Philippines, Giving Birth Kills: Maternal Mortality in the Philippines

Summary

The video script addresses the alarming maternal mortality rates in the Philippines, highlighting the stark contrast with countries like Canada. It emphasizes the preventable nature of these deaths and the role of traditional birth attendants, or 'helots', in this silent epidemic. The script calls for improved access to skilled birth attendance, better prenatal care, and the importance of the reproductive health bill in reducing maternal mortality. It underscores the need for a collective effort from government, NGOs, and society to ensure safe pregnancies and childbirths, advocating for a healthy population as a foundation for national development.

Takeaways

• 🌎 Maternal and child health is a global measure of a country's health system efficiency.
• 😔 The scale of maternal mortality is high but not well-known; it's considered a silent epidemic.
• 📊 In 2008, the Philippines had a higher maternal mortality ratio compared to Canada, with 11 Filipino mothers dying daily.
• 🤰 Complications during pregnancy can be fatal, with the World Health Organization identifying five main causes of maternal mortality.
• 🚑 Most maternal deaths are preventable, and the United Nations aims to improve maternal health through skilled care during pregnancy and childbirth.
• 👶 In the Philippines, about 36.4% of pregnant women receive assistance from traditional birth attendants, known as 'helots'.
• 🛑 The lack of training for helots can lead to inadequate care and increased maternal mortality risks.
• 🏥 Access to healthcare is a significant issue, with various barriers such as lack of permission, money, and transportation.
• 📈 The three delays model in maternal health includes decision-making delays, accessibility and transport delays, and delays in the provision of appropriate care.
• 🏛️ Initiatives like the MNCHN strategy and local campaigns aim to reduce maternal mortality by improving access to skilled birth attendance and healthcare facilities.
• 🌱 The reproductive health bill, if passed, would provide a comprehensive health care program to improve maternal health, including family planning and education.

Q & A

What is considered a measure of the efficiency of a country's health system?

Maternal and child health is considered a measure of the efficiency of a country's health system.

Why is the high maternal mortality rate not well known despite its scale?

The high maternal mortality rate is not well known because it is often overshadowed by other diseases and lacks public and policy maker awareness.

According to the United Nations Children's Fund, how many Filipino mothers die daily due to pregnancy and childbirth complications?

According to UNICEF, 11 Filipino mothers die every day due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

What is the maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines in 2008, and how does it compare to Canada's?

In 2008, the maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines ranges from 94 to 160 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is significantly higher than Canada's ratio of 12 per 100,000.

What are the five natural causes of maternal mortality as identified by the World Health Organization?

The five natural causes of maternal mortality are hemorrhage (25%), infection (15%), unsafe abortion (13.3%), eclampsia (12%), and obstructed labor (8%).

What is the United Nations Millennium Development Goal five aiming to achieve?

UN Millennium Development Goal five aims to improve maternal health through access to skilled care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first month after delivery.

What is a traditional birth attendant (helot) in the Philippines?

A traditional birth attendant (helot) is a person who assists mothers during childbirth, having initially acquired skills through self-teaching, observation, or apprenticeship.

Why do women still choose to have their babies delivered by helots despite the risks?

Women may choose helots due to cultural and financial reasons, as well as the personal care provided by helots, which may not be as personalized with professional midwives.

What are the three levels of delay in the Thaddeus and Maine's framework model of maternal mortality?

The three levels of delay are decision-making at the community level, accessibility and transport to a health facility, and the availability and quality of appropriate care.

What is the MNCHN strategy implemented by the Department of Health in the Philippines?

The MNCHN (Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health, and Nutrition) strategy aims to improve maternal health by organizing a service delivery network at the community level, basic emergency obstetrics and newborn care, and comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care.

What is the significance of the reproductive health bill in improving maternal health in the Philippines?

The reproductive health bill, if passed, would provide an integrated health care program that includes family planning, maternal and infant health services, and other measures to significantly improve maternal health in the country.