Typhoon Bopha/Pablo Situation Report (20 December 2012): RH missions address needs of pregnant women

UNFPA and the Davao Oriental Reproductive Health Working Group conducted a reproductive health medical mission in Baganga on 20 December, serving a total of 45 pregnant and 53 lactating women. Clean delivery kits and dignity kits were also distributed in barangays Mahan-ub, Central, Lupon and Baculin.

UNFPA also distributed hygiene kits to 245 women (including 27 who are pregnant) in barangay Tapia, an indigenous people’s community in Montevista, Compostela Valley. A Health Information Session was also conducted by two nurses and three midwives from the rural health unit of Montevista.

Pregnant and lactating women in affected communities and evacuation centers still do not have access to reproductive health services including family planning. There is a need to organize the youth and adolescents in the affected municipalities and conduct activities that would improve their knowledge, behaviors and practices especially on adolescent reproductive health, early pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.