reach52 has partnered with Save The Children to launch a new telehealth service for expectant mothers in Metro Manila in the Philippines during the COVID-19 pandemic. The service is part of the ‘STEP UP MNCHN (Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition)’ project of Save The Children Philippines, sponsored by Johnson & Johnson and supported by the City Health Offices of Paranaque and Mandaluyong.
The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant disruption to maternal health services over the last few months, increasing risks to mothers and their babies. Some women in these areas had not received a single antenatal care (ANC) contact during the first 6 months of their pregnancy compared with the minimum eight ANC contacts recommended by the World Health Organisation for the entire 9 months. The right quality and quantity of antenatal care is essential for ensuring a health pregnancy and ensuring risks are identified and treated.
reach52 has developed a new chatbot service for pregnant mothers available via Facebook Messenger on their mobile phones, through which they can access information and answer questions on their pregnancy. Mothers are contacted for telemedicine consultations with trained OB-GYNs at the appropriate time or can call if they have any concerns across their trimesters. The restrictions on MNCHN services during the pandemic has left many isolated, so a Facebook group has also been established for the expectant mothers, where they can get information about their pregnancy at any time from experts as well as support from others mothers in the area.
Additionally, we have conducted research into the knowledge, attitudes and practices of the mothers to enhance future maternal health services and programs. The findings will be shared later this year.
reach52 is collaborating with organisations to expand access to quality maternal health care and services across South and South East Asia. If you’re interested in partnering with us, please just reach out.