Physicians’ group ups awareness on maternal deaths via concert

Physicians’ group ups awareness
on maternal deaths via concert

In an effort to improve maternal health and attain Millennium Development Goal 5, the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society (POGS) Cebu chapter will stage a fundraising concert on Friday at the Atlantic Hall of Waterfront Hotel Cebu.
“A Drop of Love… A Night of Music: Save a Mother from Hemorrhage” featuring Broadway performer Jon Joven will muster funds to support indigent women who are suffering from obstetrical hemorrhage or excessive bleeding during pregnancy or childbirth, as well as raise awareness among the public.
The concert will also feature the chorale group of the Cebu Institute of Medicine (CIM) and ballet performances by Cebu Center for Dance.
Obstetrical hemorrhage is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths worldwide along with hypertension and maternal infection.
POGS Cebu chapter president Dr. Virginia Abalos said the organization aims to help mitigate maternal deaths by educating people about hemorrhage and come to the aid of pregnant women who might be genetically predisposed.
“Excessive bleeding among women during pregnancy or delivery is the most manageable case among the three leading causes of maternal death so we are zeroing in on this disease,” she said.
According to a survey conducted by the World Health Organization in 2014, the Philippines ranked 74th among 184 countries with the highest incidence of maternal deaths.
POGS earmarks a minimum of P100,000 to POGS-registered hospitals as aid for at least ten women procure blood from blood banks.
This aid is exclusive for women belonging to low-income groups diagnosed with obstetrical hemorrhage who are in need of immediate blood transfusion during pregnancy or childbirth.
Tickets are available at P1,500 each at OB-GYN departments of all major hospitals in Cebu City. /Marketing writer Dominic Yasay