Mother and child
Was it my fault that my newborn baby had an infection?“ Every single time that I get asked this question, I would always remind myself to explain it in a manner that can easily be understood and provide the needed reassurance. It is a fact that the chances of being less at risk lie in proper and timely prenatal care. One wonders how much of the general population has access.
I placed a call to a good friend, an obstetrician-gynecologist to ask about the state of maternal health in our country. Her expertise, experience, and exposure to both government and private institutions make her an ideal resource person. Allow me to share parts of our conversation.
Foremost, we do have existing government programs and both the society and other private organizations are in constant collaboration. To her knowledge, almost all local government units, except in geographically inaccessible areas, provide free antenatal care, including screening tests for hepatitis B, HIV, and syphilis. However, these services remain underutilized due to logistical challenges and financial constraints, such as lack of money for transport to the facility and fear of out-of-pocket expenses, which greatly impact their decision-making. In addition, those who are classified as having high-risk pregnancies, who would require specialized care, seek consult at a later date. Timely referral and transfer to higher-level facilities for further management can spell a big difference in both maternal and child outcomes.
Beyond the basics provided by the government, what would be ideal? What follows is a wish list: additional tests for other sexually transmitted diseases like chlamydia and gonorrhea; testing for bacteria like Group B streptococcus (GBS), which is the most common cause of neonatal sepsis; immunizations for tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis (Tdap) and influenza; and if warranted, genetic screenings. Soon, the respiratory syncytial virus vaccine (RSV) for pregnant women would be made available, and the principle behind it, just like Tdap, is to provide passive immunity long before infants are eligible for vaccination.
Admittedly, what is ideal comes with a cost. However, if each local government unit adopts the mindset of a conscientious mother who is able to prioritize the needs and apportion the budget appropriately for her children and the whole family, then we stand a chance at building on what we have.
As citizens how can we help? As the problem is multifactorial, the first step and the most practical way is to increase awareness of the existing programs within our own household or with people under our employ. Encourage them to seek and avail of these opportunities which might be unknown to them.
Second, if you are a voice of influence, an authority on the issue, or a stakeholder, make your presence felt and be heard. Believe that there are still people left who genuinely care to be of service and would look out for the interest of the majority. With the election just a few months away, there are partnerships that can be explored. You are no stranger to calls to action. You may have the expertise and they have the machinery, use these to your advantage. In connection, if you happen to hold the purse strings, please cut the red tape and install a system that would enable a more efficient delivery of services.
Third, let us not be a party or turn a blind eye to corrupt practices. For those who have the means, please leave the free health and social services to those who are truly in need. This is the right and the decent thing to do.
Fourth, know that there is wisdom in restraint. The issue of teenage pregnancy has been in the news recently, and with the various opinions being expressed, what is to be hoped for is a rational, inclusive, and collective solution that does not distract from this urgent problem. Know your place and refrain from standing in judgment or being a barrier to a solution. Little knowledge and understanding make one a contributor to igniting ill feelings and negativity. Be a doer and a problem solver.
With a contestable national budget on top of President Donald Trump announcing his pullout from the World Health Organization and withholding foreign aid, I wonder how huge of an impact this double blow will have on our country’s maternal and child health. Maybe as early as now, we should focus our energies on conserving whatever resources we have and start preparing for contingency plans in any case that we are left to row our own boat.
Our being resilient as a people has always been romanticized in times when we are caught in a bind. Don’t you think that we should have enough of this excuse?
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timmygimenez@gmail.com
