The curious case of CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region): Healthcare workers are key to improving maternal health outcomes
https://doi.org/10.47895/amp.v56i16.5983
- Author:
Gene A. Nisperos
1
;
Basil Stephen S. Cagayan
2
;
Hyacinth Babag
3
;
Mary Christine R. Castro
4
;
Maria Stephanie Fay S. Cagayan
5
,
6
Author Information
1. Department of Family and Community Medicine, College of Medicine and Philippine General Hospital, University of the Philippines Manila
2. University of the Philippines Manila
3. Benguet General Hospital
4. Nutrition Center of the Philippines
5. Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila
6. Perinatal Association of the Philippines
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Maternal;
Prevention;
Outcomes
- MeSH:
Mortality
- From:
Acta Medica Philippina
2022;56(16):89-95
- CountryPhilippines
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:Understaffed and underfunded Rural Health Units (RHUs) in Luzon struggle to provide Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) services, resulting in high rates of maternal morbidity and mortality. The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) is different. Despite limited BEmONC-capable facilities, the region has maintained excellent maternal health outcomes.
Objectives:This study describes the status of BEmONC-capable RHUs in CAR and how these relate to the maternal and child health outcomes in the region.
Methods:This study uses the BEmONC Survey Toolkit to determine facility functionality based on the three categories of institutional capacity, service capacity, and personnel capacity. Focused Group Discussions were conducted to gather insights from community members, health personnel, and local stakeholders.
Results:The study evaluated 31 facilities; only one was adequately functional. The service capacity of BEmONC
RHUs in CAR (7.19) was significantly lower than that of Luzon (14.16). The overall functionality score of CAR (58.10) was also slightly lower compared to that of Luzon (60.42). Yet CAR still had some of the best outcomes in terms of maternal and child health. Maternal mortality from 2000 (23 deaths) to 2018 (13 deaths) was consistently low.
Conclusion:The case of CAR reiterates the importance of having health personnel on the ground, maintaining the trust of the populace for health promotion to increase health awareness, and timely intervention in difficult situations. These directly impact health service delivery and improve health outcomes.
- Full text:5983-Article Text-79639-1-10-20220915.pdf
