Health forum flags gaps in maternal, newborn care despite gains

Insider Spotlight

• Maternal mortality declines but remains above global targets
• Fragmented programs slow progress in maternal, newborn care
• UHC rollout seen as opportunity to unify policy and delivery
• New partnerships aim to scale evidence-based interventions
  
  
  

A national health forum is calling for tighter coordination across the Philippines’ healthcare system to accelerate gains in maternal and newborn outcomes, even as recent data show modest improvements.

The big picture

Maternal mortality has declined in recent years, but the pace remains insufficient to meet global targets. Neonatal mortality has also improved only marginally, underscoring persistent gaps in care during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.

At the NurturePH forum, stakeholders said programs across government, local units, and development partners remain fragmented, limiting their collective impact. The event gathered more than 100 participants spanning national agencies, professional groups, and international organizations.

Why it matters

As the country advances Universal Health Care, alignment in policy, financing, and service delivery is increasingly critical to ensure consistent and equitable access to quality care.

“When communities are informed and empowered, better health outcomes follow,” Gloria J. Balboa, Undersecretary of the Department of Health, said in a press statement. 

“To improve outcomes, we must address the ‘Three Delays’: delays in seeking, reaching and receiving quality care,” said Dr. Grace Viola of United Nations Population Fund. 

By the numbers

Maternal mortality fell from 151 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020 to 119 in 2024, still far from the Sustainable Development Goal of fewer than 70 by 2030.

Speakers highlighted the first 1,000 days of life as a critical intervention window, with growing support to extend care focus up to the first 2,000 days to improve long-term health outcomes.

Local innovations are emerging, including culturally sensitive care in MIMAROPA and adolescent pregnancy interventions in Ozamiz City that integrate education and health services.

Bottom line

Jhpiego, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, and Unilab Foundation signed an agreement to strengthen collaboration, focusing on workforce capacity, integrated services, and evidence-based care.

NurturePH reinforced a unified goal: ensuring every Filipino mother and newborn receives timely, respectful, and life-saving care under a more coordinated UHC system. —Vanessa Hidalgo | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma