Insights on Maternal Health in the Philippines from National Health Surveys and Maternal Health Policies

Abstract

Background: The Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG) took effect after many of the world's developing countries failed to meet the previously set Millennium Development Goals (MDG). Despite advances in crucial maternal health metrics, the maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines is still increasing. This study aims to document the progress in maternal health in the Philippines and analyze the patterns in maternal mortality reduction in relation to various maternal health metrics and contextual factors.

Methods: Data from 36,664 livebirths were analyzed from the five published Philippine Demographic and Health Surveys. Direct estimation was used to project the different maternal health metrics within the 20-year period. Data from the Philippine Health Statistics (PHS) reports were also used to plot the maternal mortality ratio in the Philippines throughout the years. Correlation with contextual factors such as government budget, maternal health policies and reports was also done.

Results: Despite the improvements in facility-based delivery and coverage of skilled attendants, there was no direct progress observed in the maternal mortality ratio. Relative inequalities in maternal health indicators between urban and rural settings have also shown considerable improvement. There were also notable milestones in maternal health, including the adoption of MDGs, development of various guidelines and policies, and the passing of the reproductive health law.

Conclusion: Findings indicate that the programs to improve maternal healthcare in the Philippines have not succeeded in improving maternal mortality. For the Philippines to meet SDG3, these programs should be designed to incorporate socioeconomic and contextual factors.