In honor of Women’s day the Philippine Infectious Diseases Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology (PIDSOG), alongside with the support of Dr. Conception G. Lat from the City Health Office (CHO) Antipolo, championed safe motherhood by conducting lay lectures on maternal health and provided free vaccination for pregnant women in Sitio Otto, Lower San Isidro, Antipolo Rizal on March 30, 2023. This event served as a tribute to women and their right to health, which PIDSOG celebrates every day.
“When we protect mothers and their infants from vaccine-preventable diseases, we reduce the risk of complications and contribute to a healthier, safer future for the whole family,” said Dr. Maria Lorena L. Santos, President of PIDSOG.
1 in every 10 Filipino mothers die everyday due to pregnancy-related complications and childbirth, while 13 to 14 out of 1000 babies die within their first 28 days of life. Pregnant women and newborns are highly vulnerable to infectious diseases due to changes in the immune system of the expectant mother and underdeveloped immune response in newborns.
In 2022, the Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) saw an increase in the number of maternal deaths in the first six months, with over 468 Filipinos dying from obstetric deaths. This was a 10.1% increase compared to the same period from 2021. In order to prevent more maternal mortalities, health awareness and access to appropriate, quality services is crucial.
Maternal immunization is important for pregnant women, as it helps to safeguard them against infections. Vaccines for diseases such as flu and tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) can provide protection against certain diseases that can cause complications that can possibly harm the mother and the baby. Maternal immunization is proven to be safe and effective in protecting both the mother and the baby against infectious diseases that can have serious health consequences. Vaccinating pregnant women not only protects the expectant moms but also provides some degree of protection against vaccine preventable diseases for their newborn babies at least for the first few months after birth.
PIDSOG’s lecture discussed prevalent health issues experienced by mothers due to the many changes occurring in women’s bodies during pregnancy. After the discussion, provision of free immunization against flu and Tdap were also given to mothers.
Also present at the event were various medical professionals from PIDSOG, Dr. Patricia Malay-Koh, Dr. Monette Millar-Aquino, Dr. Henrietta Lucasan, Dr. Erwin de Mesa, Dr. Catherine Jane Costa, Dr. Analyn Fallarme, Dr. Florida Taladtad and Barangay Health Workers from Lower San Isidro.
The activity was made possible through the generous support of Kusum Health, who provided transportation and meals for all participants and staff, Sanofi for providing medical educational grants and the printed vaccination cards, Anmum for the free milk supplements and Biofemme for the free vitamin and calcium supplements.
Moreover, PIDSOG and the Department of Health (DOH) are working closely together to assess the existing Maternal Health and Immunization Program by revising recommendations and guidelines, and enhancing pregnant women’s access to recommended vaccines during their pregnancy.
