BAGUIO CITY – In a recent Kapihan sa Baguio press conference held on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, the Department of Health – Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) delved into a vital discussion on women’s health during the 2024 National Women’s Month, led by Jocelyn Loquio, Midwife IV.
Under the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!”, Loquio provided insights on key policies, health demographics, common diseases, and preventative measures.
She highlighted key legislative frameworks supporting women’s health in the Philippines such as The Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health (RPRH) Law (RA 10354), the First 1,000 Days Law (RA 11148), and the Universal Health Care Act Law (RA 11223) that collectively aim to provide access to contraceptives, critical early child care interventions, and accessible healthcare for every Filipino woman.
Furthermore, health demographics of the Cordillera region revealed that the 2024 projected population of 1,857,123 includes 48.67% women, emphasizing the importance of addressing their health needs.
Loquio presented statistics, including the adolescent birth rate, skilled birth rate attendance, demand satisfaction for modern family planning, and the maternal mortality rate. She identified the ten leading causes of death of women in the Cordillera region which included cardiovascular diseases, pneumonia, cancer, heart attack, and diabetes.
In addition, the discussion explored strategies to lower the risk of heart disease and cancer. Emphasizing avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, following a balanced diet, ensuring quality sleep, managing stress, and undergoing regular check-ups as effective preventative measures.
Loquio outlined the available health care services for women, ranging from primary care services like reproductive health and vaccinations to secondary care services including consultations, surgeries, and support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. Tertiary care services, involving advanced procedures and inclusive rehabilitation, were also emphasized.
In addition to Loquio and Nurse V Genny Austria of DOH also urged the completion of daily check-ups to mitigate health risks.
“It is also to note no.. yung causes of mortalities natin nine out of ten non-communicable diseases so alam natin ang non-communicable diseases ay preventable and manageable naman po yung iba dyan and treatable and we hope po no na– early diagnosis and yung pag apply natin nung preventive practices natin ay mababawasan natin yung risk na yan..”, she stated.
As the Cordillera Administrative Region prioritizes women’s health, the DOH-CAR remains committed to aiding a society where women thrive in health and wellness. The extensive approach presented at the press conference signifies a critical step towards building a healthier and more empowered future for women in the region.
~Izl Jem M. Rabanillo~
**Photo courtesy: Pixabay – Pexels**
