AT LEAST 600 mothers and their newborns from Quezon City’s different barangays will be enrolled by the Health department under the Batang 1000 Days program to provide maternal and child health care.
“Our objective has been to improve the survival rate of our newborns and reduce maternal mortality,” Mayor Herbert Bautista said.
The 14 barangay health centers in Damayan Lagi, Commonwealth, Masambong, Bagong Silangan, Payatas, Old Balara, Pansol, Tatalon, Gulod, San Bartolome, Tandang Sora, Pasong Tamo, Damayang Lagi and North Fairview have been designated to provide health care services.
In his Oct. 17 state-of-the-city-address, Bautista called on young mothers to register for the program, describing as vital in the city’s bid to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, especially in underprivileged communities in the city.
Under the program, expectant mothers shall be provided pre-natal care and nutritional and breastfeeding support in the designated health centers during their nine months of pregnancy.
On the other hand, their newborn shall be provided with free immunization, supplemental feeding, multivitamins supplement and nutritional support up to two years of age.
The city’s health department tapped the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society, Philippine Pediatric Society Inc. and Kabisig ng Kalahi to implement the program to run until 2019.
