RECENT data from the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Western Visayas are distressing. Despite targeted mortality rates of 7, 11, and 16 per 1,000 live births for neonatal, infant, and under-five age groups, respectively, the region is witnessing increasing mortality rates across these critical early stages of life.
At the heart of these rising mortality rates is the inadequate provision of maternal and child health services. The period immediately following birth — the first 28 days of life, known as the neonatal period — requires enhanced care and attention, yet it remains a vulnerable phase for many newborns in the region. The RDC’s Western Regional Development Plan for 2023 – 2028 cites this vulnerability, noting the fluctuating trends in fully immunized children, which only range from 66 to 71 percent, and the incidence of low birth weight among newborns standing at 6.96 percent in 2021.
Without a doubt, improving these statistics is a must. But this is not merely a matter of reaching targets. Ensure the health and survival of children is a necessity, and this calls for a significant increase in healthcare funding and the expansion of infrastructure specifically designed to enhance maternal and child health services. The region must prioritize the establishment of well-equipped healthcare facilities that are accessible to all, particularly in rural and underserved areas where healthcare disparities are most pronounced.
The wide gap in the nutritionist-to-population ratio is another alarming concern that must be addressed. Proper nutrition is a cornerstone of child development and well-being. Ensuring that every child has access to nutritional guidance and support can dramatically change the landscape of public health in the region.
RDC’ has committed to reverse the increasing trends in child mortality but this must be supported by tangible actions. This includes not only improving direct healthcare services but also enhancing support systems that provide holistic, inclusive, and equitable healthcare. From prenatal care to old age, a life course approach to health services — which considers health-related processes across an individual’s lifespan — should be the guiding principle of our regional health strategy.
And why not explore public-private partnerships to support these initiatives? This could help ensure that necessary resources such as laboratory services, medical imaging, and essential medicines are readily available. This collaborative effort can lead to a more robust health service delivery system, one that meets the needs of every mother and child.
The goal is to foster an environment where every child can thrive from birth. The health of our children is a reflection of the health of our society, and as such, it should be among our highest priorities.
