Around 2.4 million Filipino women become pregnant every year. As many as 40% of them develop some pregnancy or delivery related medical problems (Situational Analysis of the Population in the Philippines, 2003). The United Nations Population Fund also reports a disturbing truth: worldwide, one mother dies in childbirth for every minute that passes with another 20 or more who may suffer from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth.

Women who give birth with too short intervals or who have given birth more than three times may suffer from several health problems such as anemia, osteoporosis, and vitamin deficiencies. Their babies may also suffer from malnutrition, low birth weight, and sickness. In the most extreme conditions, maternal and infant deaths occur.

Recognizing the health risks to the mother and child is a major concerns the well- being and future of every Filipino family. Mothers should at least allow a two-year interval between pregnancies to ensure her and her baby’s good health. With proper birth spacing, health complications are greatly reduced. The Trust Family Program is a partner to couples in planning their families by promoting responsible parenthood and maternal and child health, and providing reliable information and high quality contraceptive products. By equipping the couples with the right information and access to products and services, the Trust Family Program helps couples make informed and practical decisions about reproductive health issues and practice.

The Trust Family Program reaches out to communities through its two banner programs, the Trust Movers and the Popshop Franchise. The Trust Movers is mobile outreach initiative carrying out innovative and creative promotions and education in hard-to-reach communities. The Trust Movers focus on a broad range of topics, from HIV/ AIDS to contraceptives and maternal and child health. The Popshops are specialty retail outlets located within health centers and clinics to make contraceptive products accessible to couples who need them.

The Trust Family Program is intensifying its effort to educate the Filipino communities with the message that proper family planning can improve their family’s well being, and more importantly, it can save lives.

For more information on Trust Family Program, you may call (02)6333837 or send a message at 0917-8231111.

PUBLISHED BY: RHEALTH, The Magazine on Reproductive Health Management, Volume 1 No.2, page 42.