Issue
The health of children in the Philippines has improved in the past decade. Infant and child mortality rates have significantly decreased. The underfive mortality rate in 1990 of 62 deaths per 1,000 live births was to 32 deaths in 2006. The Philippines is on track to achieve the Millenium Development Goal of reducing underfive mortality rate by two-thirds by 2015. Furthermore, the country was certified polio-free in 2000. Child malnutrition and high maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain the key challenges in achieving a better health situation in the country. Roughly 2.4 million Filipino children 0 to5 years old are underweight, and 26.3 per cent are stunted . The 2006 UNDP Human Development Report reveals 19 per cent of total population is undernourished. The 2003 National Nutrition Survey (NNS) revealed that micronutrient deficiencies persist among Filipinos. Seven in every 10 infants have iron-deficiency anaemia and four out of every 10 pregnant women are anaemic. An estimated 11 women die every day in from complications of birth. Most maternal deaths occur due to extensive bleeding, obstructed labour and widespread infection. Many of these could be prevented if more women had access to prenatal care and health facilities had more skilled birth attendants. Moreover, facilities in impoverished and far-flung areas need more comprehensive emergency obstetric services. A significant contributor to child malnutrition in the country is improper and inadequate feeding during early stages of childhood. Breastfeeding is the best way to feed children during the first years, but unfortunately, more and more mothers opt not to breastfeed. Current studies have shown a significant decline of breastfeeding rates in the country. Consequently, neonatal death and incidence diarrhoea, upper respiratory infections, and malnutrition continue to be among the top causes of child mortality and morbidity.
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