According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 10 percent of pregnant women and 13 percent of women who just gave birth experience some form of mental disorder, primarily depression. Such conditions have prompted various organization to observe May as Maternal Mental Health Month as a means of raising awareness of mental health issues pertaining to mothers and soon-to-be mothers.

WHO outlines various objectives in combating maternal mental health issues, such as providing mental health and social care services on the local level, offering strategies in promoting psychosocial well-being and preventing mental disorder, introducing maternal and child health initiative and reproductive health programs, strengthening information systems, among others.

Last November, non-governmental organization Philippine Business for Social Progress, which provides a service called Safe Motherhood Caravans, made a stop in Bago City. The program seeks to provide information on childcare and, at this event, a teenage mother recounted her experience raising a child at a young age.

According to a press release at the time, around 13,000 women have been helped by the program, which also paid visits to Bacolod City, Himamaylan City, and Kabankalan City.

“The good thing about the Safe Motherhood Caravan is that it really teaches women and mothers how to properly plan for a family,” said Angie Licañel, a nurse for the Bago City Health Office.

Participants also received free prenatal consultations, implant application, vitamins for their children, HIV testing, and other medical services./WDJ