THE number of maternal deaths in Barangay 23, Davao City, reduced to 40 cases in 2016 from more than 100 cases in 2015.
Integrated Gender and Development Division Action officer Lorna Mandin said during the I-Speak Media forum Thursday, March 23, that most of the victims are mothers in Barangay 23, though the number of cases has reduced.
"It was reported in Barangay 23, there are more than 100 women who died upon pregnancy, and a year later it was reduced to 40," she said.
The action officer said they are hoping that the deaths will be down to zero this year.
Mandin also said that reasons for the decrease was not revealed, but she assumed this is due to the fact that mothers are now going to birthing centers.
She said one of the main causes of maternal deaths is lack of awareness about government services, especially since many dwellers in the village came from different parts of Mindanao.
Mandin said other mothers also violate the memorandum circular of the Department of Health not to give birth in their houses.
"This is for the number of reasons like hemorrhage for example," Mandin said.
She said Barangay 23 is not the only village that has maternal deaths, but it is among those with highest recorded cases.
Mandin said a women's health situationer during a Safe Motherhood seminar held in Barangay 22 revealed that Barangays 21 and 22 noted zero maternal death in the year 2016, while Barangay 23 still had cases of maternal deaths.
She said these three barangays are among the highly populated areas within the city.
Mandin said most of the houses in the area are very close to each other and other residents do not have PhilHealth coverage.
"Doctors from Poblacion district encourage mothers to go to health centers and avail free food supplements, check-up, pre-natal and laboratory tests, and they should see a doctor or health worker once in every three months," she said.