AFTER the three-year implementation of the Accelerating Convergence Efforts through Systems Strengthening for Maternal and Newborn Health (Access for MNH) project, the Department of Health in Davao region (DOH 11) recorded a decrease in maternal and infant deaths in the region between 2014 and 2017.
The agency reported a 53-percent decrease in maternal death and 32-percent reduction in infant deaths in Davao region in 2017 from the 2014 baseline figure. However, the data have yet to be released by the agency.
The project was piloted in 10 projects sites in Davao Region -- Santa Maria, Malita and Don Marcelino in Davao Occidental; New Corella and Tagum City in Davao del Norte; Maco, Mabini, and Pantukan in Compostela Valley; and Cara and Manay in Davao Oriental.
In a press conference Thursday, September 6, at Marco Polo Davao, DOH 11 regional director Annabelle P. Yumang said the Access for MNH project aims to strengthen the health systems to help save the lives of the mothers and newborn babies. This is done by enhancing governance, improving service delivery, and creating demand for maternal and newborn health services.
In creating demand, the project involves the full commitment of a multi-sectoral health team called "Team D" that is designated to track down and follow-up on all pregnant women in the community and navigating them towards seeking MNH services in the health facilities.
It was funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (Koica) in partnership with DOH and World Health Organization.
With the success of this project, Yumang plans to expand this to other areas in the region.