The 2025 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) in Western Visayas showed an increasing percentage of women availing of services from skilled providers during antenatal and postnatal care.

The 2025 NDHS maternal health information was obtained from women aged 15-49 who had given birth two years before the survey.

In a dissemination forum on Tuesday, Philippine Statistics Authority analyst Merissa Campaniel said the percentage of women who received antenatal care (ANC) from a skilled provider, including a doctor, nurse or midwife for the most recent live birth increased slightly to 98.5 percent in 2025 from 96.7 percent in 2022.

Meanwhile, the percentage of women who received a postnatal check from a skilled provider within the first two days following a live birth increased to 91.4 percent in 2025 from 87 percent in 2022.

“Healthcare services during pregnancy, childbirth and after delivery are important for the survival and well-being of both the mother and the infant,” Campaniel said.

About 47.7 percent or five out of 10 women in the region who had a live birth completed at least eight ANC visits, ranking Western Visayas sixth among all regions.

“Western Visayas recorded the highest percentage of women receiving postnatal checks with 91.4 percent or nine out of 10 women during the first two days after birth,” she said.

Further, about four in five, or 82.8 percent of women aged 15-49 years, received tetanus injections to protect their baby against neonatal tetanus, indicating an increasing trend, from 80 percent in 2022 and 79.2 percent in 2017.

Dr. Jose Martin Atienza, Medical Officer IV at the Family Health and Nutrition Section of the Western Visayas Center for Health Development of the Department of Health, said the increasing trend may reflect strengthened maternal health programs, improved health-seeking behavior of pregnant women, and better access to antenatal care services across the region.

“While access to antenatal care services is generally high, the completion of the recommended visit remains a challenge. Strengthening of ANC registration, continuity of care, health education and follow-up mechanism remain essential to improve maternal and newborn outcomes,” Atienza added.

He also emphasized the significance of sustained post-partum care in early detection and management of maternal and newborn complications in improving maternal and child outcomes. (PNA)