PH among the toughest places in the world for moms

MANILA, Philippines – The country’s ranking in a global index measuring the well-being of mother and newborns has slipped four places to 105 out of 178 countries, one spot below Iraq which is facing significant violence and conflict.

According to the 15th global “State of the World’s Mothers” report released by international non-government organization (NGO) Save the Children, the Philippines’ rank has been dropping despite improvements in the economy.

“The Philippines has slipped despite a 30 percent drop in lifetime risk of maternal death and despite 26 percent drop in mortality,” Ned Olney, Country Director of Save the Children Philippines said in a press conference Tuesday.

“Other countries are making faster, more rapid progress than the Philippines. Philippines has been stalling,” he said.

In the Southeast Asian Region, Philippines is behind Singapore (15th), Malaysia (68th), Thailand (72nd), and Vietnam (93rd).

Philippines ranks above Indonesia (113th), Laos (129th), Cambodia (132nd), and Myanmar (157th).

Finland topped the list, making it the most conducive place to be a mother, while Somalia ranked the lowest.

The index measures five factors to come up with the rankings: Lifetime risk of maternal death, under 5 years-old mortality rate, expected number of years of formal schooling, gross national income per capita, and participation of women in national government.

“Philippines is not making the progess it should be,” especially in the maternal mortality and under 5 years old mortality,” Olney said. –Matikas Santos, INQUIRER.net

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