PASAY CITY, 24 AUGUST 2023 – The Department of Health (DOH) and the World Health Organization (WHO), with funding from the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), have been accelerating efforts to improve maternal, child and adolescent health in the Philippines through the second phase of the Subnational Initiative (SNI).
On 24 August 2023, a Midterm Review and Conference was held in Manila for SNI Phase 2, also known as “Strengthening Health Care Provider Network (HCPN) with Enhanced Linkage to the Community for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH)”. The Midterm Review and Conference was an opportunity to assess the progress made towards achieving its objectives since it started in 2020 in Aklan, Davao, and Agusan del Sur.
According to the Field Health Service Information System 2022, infant mortality rate in the country is at 10.36 (target is 15 per 1,000 live births), maternal mortality rate is at 64.68 (target is 70 per 100,000 live births), and adolescent birth rate is at 24.36 (target is 37 per 1,000 females aged 15-19 years old). Although the national figures reflect an improving trend compared to the previous years, figures at the subnational level remain alarming. MMR in the subnational level, for instance, ranges from 29 to 152.
Since the launch of SNI Phase 2 in 2020, the initiative has recorded significant milestones. About 94% of women who gave birth in Aklan had at least four antenatal care visits compared to only 56.4% in 2020. Evidence indicates that a higher frequency of antenatal contacts by women and adolescent girls with a health provider is associated with a reduced likelihood of stillbirths and other complications. Meanwhile, Davao demonstrated an increase in facility-based deliveries from 90% in 2020 to 92.3% in 2022. Deliveries assisted by properly trained health personnel reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.
In 2022, 96.9% of newborns in Agusan del Sur were initiated on breastfeeding immediately after birth compared to 60.73% in 2020. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, starting within an hour of birth.
“KOICA firmly believes in the importance of multisectoral collaboration to create synergy in improving RMNCAH services in the community. KOICA, as a key partner of the Philippines, remains committed to supporting the Subnational Initiative. Together, we can make a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals, leaving behind a legacy of enhanced healthcare and improved well-being,” said KOICA Philippines Country Director Kim Eunsub.
The Performance Accountability System (PAS) introduced by the initiative allowed local chief executives to be more accountable to the health status of their constituents. In Davao, for example, a local council increased its budget allocation for health by eight-fold as a result of the initiative’s series of workshops on PAS.
Information, education, and communication (IEC) materials that serve as a visual guide in delivering correct and appropriate health education and information dissemination were also distributed.
Through the initiative’s Facility Readiness and Essential Service Availability Assessment (FRESAA) tool, over 1,000 primary care facilities were assessed in Davao region, with plans to assess an additional 336 facilities across Agusan del Sur and Aklan.
In addition, the initiative has donated over PHP 21.8 million worth of medical supplies and equipment to the provincial health offices of Aklan, Davao, and Agusan del Sur, supporting safe childbirth, enhancing maternal and newborn care, and saving lives especially in underprivileged communities.
“WHO’s recommendations to improve health services for women and girls by integrating reproductive health into national and local strategies and programmes can save lives in the Philippines. The Subnational Initiative is one of WHO’s efforts to support the DOH and the Philippine Government in getting back on track to achieving Sustainable Development Goals targets. WHO is committed to making safe childbirth a reality for every Filipina,” said Dr Rui Paulo de Jesus, WHO Representative to the Philippines.