The ongoing conflict has affected over 20,000 families in the four provinces of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Sulu and Basilan, according to the latest update from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Ministry of Social Services. This includes many women in need of maternal health services.
UNFPA estimates that there could be as many as 1,800 pregnant women among the displaced, with around 600 expected to deliver in the next three months. More than 1,100 women are thought to have given birth in the last six months.
These women require a range of essential services, including antenatal care, safe delivery services, post-partum health care, nutrition support, and hygiene supplies.
“We’re working to ensure pregnant and lactating women have proper hygiene and nutrition, as well as access to life-saving reproductive health services such as emergency obstetric care and skilled birth attendance,” noted Dr. Elizabeth Samama, a provincial health officer with the Maguindanao Integrated Provincial Health Office.
In partnership with the BARMM Ministry of Health and with assistance from the Australian Government, UNFPA has provided 1,800 clean delivery kits that contain sterile supplies such as razors, plastic sheeting, gloves and other essential items to assist safe births.
In addition, UNFPA and Australia also provided medical equipment, including resuscitators, forceps and stethoscopes, to midwives, nurses and doctors.
But addressing the humanitarian crisis is not enough. The community and partners also need to focus on preparedness – including pre-positioning life-saving supplies as part of disaster risk reduction efforts – as well as building resilience and strengthening health systems. Development needs are intertwined with the region’s peacebuilding and humanitarian needs.
Original source: UNFPA
Published on 29 August 2019