Unfortunately there are several inter-related threads concerning the RH Bill, health of mums and kids, and malnutrition in filipino kids. This does make it difficult for interested members to keep up . Rather than offer further internet links, here is my opinion – ONLY an opinion, and already stated - about health of mums and kids and how it may be improved in the Philippines. This is in addition to family planning.
• Spend more of the GDP ( Gross Domestic Product ) on a better coordinated and locally available health service.
• More health insurance.
• Train – and retain in the Philippines - more specialist doctors. There are enough nurses/midwives.
• Vaccinations – routine use of rotavirus vaccine ( already planned ) to reduce childhood diarrhoea cases ; pneumococcal vaccine for childhood pneumonia ; BCG for tuberculosis ; hepatitis B vaccine ( prevents commonest form of hepatitis and liver cancer in later life ); vaccines for other childhood infections such as measles ; HPV ( human papilloma virus ) vaccine for 12-13 year old female teenagers ( prevents adult cervical cancer ; cervical screening still necessary). Dengue vaccine – not yet available ; rabies vaccine should be more readily available. Polio has been eradicated ; AIDS and malaria – no vaccines yet, but not major problems.
• Health and Safety – reduce chances of serious injuries, whether on the roads, as a result of “ natural disasters “, or in the home.
• Better / earlier diagnosis and treatment of congenital abnormalities.
• Malnutrition – many factors inter-relate here :- cost and knowledge about healthy / unhealthy foods. Teenage mums especially have poor eating habits, together with smoking, drinking alcohol, and taking illicit drugs.
• Obesity – ironically, also a problem which leads to adult health risks similar to those in the UK. Screening for diabetes is cheap.
• Cataracts – simply and effectively treated – are a major problem. Poor nutrition, measles, and prematurity are others affecting eyesight.
• Better dental care – for a start, regular brushing of teeth with fluoridated toothpaste.
• Obviously some – maybe most - of this is wishful thinking, but it concerns all of us with connections to the country.