Maternal and Child Health in the Philippines

Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health in the Philippines

• The Philippines has laws and policies to improve care for mothers, newborns, and young children.

Current Situation of MCH in the Philippines

• FHSIS (Field Health Service Information System) 2022 Data:

  • Infant Mortality Rate: 10.36
  • Maternal Mortality Rate: 64.68
  • Adolescent Birth Rate: 24.36

• Major Problems/Obstacles:

  • Literacy
  • Poverty
  • Peace and Order problems

• Public Healthcare:

  • Despite universal healthcare, unequal access to medical care exists. Standards vary, excellent in urban areas but poor in rural areas.

MCH Program in the Philippines

• The MCH Program provides care for pregnant mothers and their babies until the child reaches six years of age.

• Leading Cause of Maternal Mortality & Morbidity:

  • Eclampsia was the leading cause of maternal death in 2021.
  • Maternal infections and parasitic diseases were the second leading cause of maternal death (14.4%).

• Other Challenges:

  • Underserved populations continue to suffer from high prevalence of TB, including multi-drug resistant TB, HIV epidemic, and rising infectious diseases (including measles, dengue, and zoonotic diseases).
  • High unmet need for family planning
  • High teenage pregnancy rates

National Safe Motherhood Program

• The Department of Health launched the National Safe Motherhood Program (NSMP).
• Its goal is to provide Filipino women full access to vital health services for safe pregnancies and deliveries.
• It collaborates with Local Government Units (LGUs) for maternity and newborn services.

Factors Affecting Maternal & Child Health in the Philippines

• Maternal Nutrition:

  • Maternal factors like education, health, and nutrition account for 50% of the gap in child stunting.
  • Undernutrition in women, assessed for iron and vitamin A deficiencies, is monitored.

• Infections:

  • Infections during pregnancy can affect fetal development, leading to premature birth and low birth weight.

• Smoking:

  • Smoking during pregnancy can cause preterm birth, low birth weight, fetal and neonatal deaths, respiratory problems, and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).

• Social Determinants:

  • Conditions that women are born into, grow in, work in, including life in general before, during, and after pregnancy.

• Socioeconomic Factors:

  • Factors like income inequality, educational gaps, and employment conditions impact access to healthcare services, which affects maternal health outcomes.

• Age:

  • Pregnant women younger than 18 and older than 35 are at higher health risk.

• Education:

  • Women with only elementary education are at higher health risk.

• Poverty:

  • Women in the poorest 20% of households are at higher health risk.

• Armed Conflict:

  • Women in areas experiencing armed conflict have higher health risks.

Genetics & Genetic Counseling in the Philippines

• Genetic services are mainly located at tertiary facilities. Plans are in place to establish more access in peripheral areas.

• Genetics:

  • The study of how genes transfer and traits are passed down.
  • Genes affect health, appearance, and personality.

• Genetic Counseling:

  • Guidance on genetic disorders by a professional (genetic counselor) to individuals or families.
  • Counseling covers the condition's natural history, pattern of inheritance, testing methods, management, prevention, support resources, and research.

• Benefits of Genetic Counseling:

  • Genetic tests can reveal increased risks of specific diseases, prompting early action.
  • Example: familial breast and ovarian cancer risk can be screened for mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

Genetic Testing

• Genetic testing identifies changes in genes, chromosomes, the genome, or proteins.
• This is also commonly called DNA testing.
• The test's results can advise on medical care options.

Types of Genetic Testing

• Newborn Screening
• DNA Paternity Testing
• Amniocentesis
• Chromosomal Tests

Newborn Screening

• A public health program to screen infants for treatable conditions immediately after birth. Conditions may not be apparent initially.

Newborn Screening Tests

• Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency
• Phenylketonuria
• Congenital Hypothyroidism
• Galactosemia
• Sickle Cell Disease
• Maple Syrup Urine Disease
• Homocystinuria
• Biotinidase Deficiency
• Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Newborn Screening Procedures

• Blood test (heel stick): A small blood sample is taken from the baby's heel and placed on a card for lab analysis.
• Hearing screen: Checks for hearing loss. Tests are simple, safe, and given while the baby is asleep.
• Pulse oximetry: This measures oxygen levels in the blood; used to detect congenital heart defects.