CCF Philippines Takes Major Step in Helping Pregnant Women

Richmond, Va. – September 2, 2008 - For mothers-to-be in Pili, Camarines Sur, the Philippines, giving birth will soon become much safer and less worrisome. Thanks to funding from the Sky Siegfried Fund and Christian Children’s Fund (CCF), six new birthing centers will be officially launched in Pili, Camarines Sur on Sept. 9, 2008.

CCF Philippines, partnering with Mt. Zion Family Development Association -Christ the King Center, initiated the project, “Saving Women’s Lives Through Improved Maternal Care.” Goals of the project include reducing vulnerability of women to the risks related to pregnancy; providing women access to safe maternal and newborn care; and improving community health.

“A primary objective of this project is to build partnerships with groups such as the provincial and municipal health offices, local government units and the communities,” said CCF Philippines National Director Ana Maria J. Locsin. “We want to emphasize the importance of bringing pregnant women to health care facilities, which is the most important factor in preventing maternal and newborn mortality.”

Pili, Camarines Sur, is located in the Bicol Region of the Philippines. More than half of the pregnant women in this rural area have traditionally received care from traditional birth attendants, also known as hilots.

The new facilities will allow pregnant mothers quicker access to health care. According to the Rural Health Unit of Pili, only 40 percent of total pregnancies in 2006 were attended by professional health workers. This is consistent with findings from the National Demographic and Health Surveys, which show that women residing in rural areas usually receive little or no care from health professionals and are not informed of the dangers of pregnancy.

The new facilities offer patients access to trained health care workers. As part of the nearly $200,000 project, pre- and post-natal obstetric and pediatric care training was conducted by specialists from the Bicol Medial Center to 16 health professionals composed of midwives and nurses. Midwives, rural health nurses and volunteer nurses also attended a five-day training workshop on community-managed maternal and newborn care. Five village pharmacies have been formed and are ready to operate as well.

A formal ceremony launching the birthing centers will be held in Pili, Camarines Sur on Sept. 9. Dr. Sadia Parveen, CCF reproductive health specialist in Richmond, Va., and Locsin will be guests of honor at the ceremony.

CCF Philippines is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization that has been working in the Philippines since 1971. Its mission is to create an environment of hope and respect for needy children of all cultures and beliefs in which they have opportunities to achieve their full potential and provide practical tools for positive change to children, their families and communities.