Health workers take refresher course on reproductive health

Some 107 barangay health workers (BHWs) in Baguio underwent a refresher course on responsible parenthood and reproductive health, Oct. 15.
The event started with the health workers’ involvement in the implementation of the intensified National Program on Population and Family Planning, a special project that runs until December, of the Commission on Population and Development.
Included in the training course are updates on modern family planning methods and strategies to link delivery of health services to the communities.
PopCom city coordinator Benjamin Castillo said the BHWs will also help profile the estimated 8,500 women of reproductive age to determine the existence of “unmet needs” in Baguio.
“Unmet needs” involve couples and women who are sexually active and want to limit or space their children through any modern method of contraception but have no access, according to Executive Order 12 s. 2017.
“BHWs are critical because through their information drives, they help sustain model families which are the foundation of exemplary communities,” Castillo said.
According to Regional Director Magdalena Abellera, Baguio is next to Benguet with the highest estimated number of women of reproductive age.
“Our main goal for the training is to teach BHWs how to echo responsible parenthood in their communities,” Abellera said.
Responsible parenthood is the capacity of parents to provide the various needs of the family and ensure their children will be healthy and be able to achieve their wellbeing and aspirations,.
The 2018 annual data of the PopCom shows there are 12,922 unmet needs in family planning identified in Baguio.
Abellera said linking the women to their choice of family planning method is a vital strategy to reduce unplanned pregnancies, maternal and infant death, and as economic strategy to reduce poverty.
“This enables them to achieve their desired number, timing and spacing of children within the context of responsible parenthood,” she said.
Women who want to avail of family planning methods may consult their barangay health centers for proper information on which services suit them best. – Press release