One of the key elements to have a healthy outcome from pregnancy is having appropriate and regular antenatal care (ANC). It is one of the evidence-based interventions to decrease the probability of unfavorable health outcomes for mothers and their newborn babies. It will also prevent complications as well as any possible infection-transmission to their new offspring. This prevention of mother to child transmission (PMTCT) activity named as the Buntis Assembly was successfully conducted in the City of Zamboanga specifically in the Barangays of Sangali (in their covered court), Bunguiao (Bunguiao Elementary School), Bolong (Bolong Barangay Hall) on April 12,19 & 26, 2022 respectively.
The activity aims to facilitate the process of healthy pregnancy by providing a comprehensive health promotion and education as well as to deliver prevention and early intervention techniques to maintain positive maternal health. It also focuses on giving importance to prenatal that includes discussions on safe motherhood and the first 1000 days of the child, campaign on facility based deliveries and skilled birth attendance, promotion of family planning and responsible parenthood, advocacy on sexually transmitted infections (STIs and HIV/AIDS) among pregnant women, the simultaneous syphilis, HIV testing and blood typing.
In support to this activity, the Human Resources for Health (HRH) of the Department of Health Region IX (DOH9) assigned in Sangali Health District with their team leader NDP Mr. Jeepee Nicolas T. Salig, RN, MN and District Nurse Mr. Garry L. Agtarap, RN successfully delivered a one-time free basic laboratory service to 150 pregnant women who attended the entire course of the event. It was facilitated by the DOH-HRH, City Health Office, Rural Health and Nutrition Workers assigned in the said barangays, and they also served as the resource speakers.
Indeed, this activity truly shows that the maternal and child health program of Zamboanga City is consistent with the DOH’s mission to continuously improve the quality and coverage of maternal health services in the entire city.
PNFP- Karla P. Calapardo, RND
References:
Mr. Jeepee Nicolas T. Salig, RN, MN
Mr. Garry L. Agtarap, RN