TACLOBAN – In a major initiative to enhance adolescent health and reduce teenage pregnancies in Eastern Visayas, the United Nations and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) have introduced two mobile health units. These units will provide free medical services to the provincial governments of Samar and Southern Leyte.
The mobile clinics, called TrucKABATAAN, are part of the Joint Programme on Accelerating the Reduction of Adolescent Pregnancy in Southern Leyte and Samar. This program is a collaboration involving the Korean Government, KOICA, the Philippine Government, the United Nations Population Fund, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Health Organization. The initiative aims to benefit approximately 275,000 adolescents.
“Reducing teenage pregnancies is a key goal for the Philippine government, and the United Nations and our partners are committed to helping achieve this by mobilizing knowledge, resources, and opportunities for the youth,” said Gustavo Gonzalez, United Nations Philippines Resident Coordinator. “These mobile health facilities provide essential services that empower young people.”
The program addresses the urgent issue of adolescent pregnancy in the Philippines, a national priority. Despite a slight decline in teenage fertility rates from 8.6% in 2017 to 5.4% in 2022, the number of adolescent mothers, especially those aged 10-14, continues to rise.
KOICA Country Director KIM Eunsub emphasized the agency’s support. “KOICA stands with you in improving adolescent health. Celebrating 75 years of Philippines-Korea diplomatic relations and 30 years of KOICA in the Philippines, we assure you of our continued support for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health and reduced adolescent pregnancies.”
Eastern Visayas, one of the poorest and most typhoon-affected regions in the Philippines, has high rates of teenage pregnancies. The 2021 Young Adult Fertility and Sexuality Study revealed that this region has one of the highest percentages of female youths aged 15 to 19 who have begun childbearing.
“We have implemented various programs to reduce adolescent pregnancy in the region,” said Exuperia B. Sabalberino, Regional Director of the Eastern Visayas Center for Health Development. “With the Universal Health Care Act, we are making significant progress. The TrucKABATAAN mobile clinic will bring essential health services directly to young people, including sexual and reproductive health education and maternal and child health services.”
The partners are collaborating with the Department of Health, the Department of Education, and the governors of Samar and Southern Leyte. They aim to provide adolescent-friendly services, enhance community health service capacity, integrate comprehensive sexuality education in schools, and conduct research on adolescent pregnancy.
UNFPA Philippines Country Representative Dr. Leila Saiji Joudane highlighted the importance of preventing adolescent pregnancy. “Adolescence is crucial for growth and education. Pregnancy can disrupt these processes and poses significant health risks. We must ensure access to quality healthcare and education to protect their health and empower them.”
Adolescent pregnancy can lead to various health issues, including anemia, sexually transmitted infections, unsafe abortions, postpartum hemorrhage, and mental health disorders. It can also result in low-birth-weight infants and childhood stunting, perpetuating a cycle of malnutrition.
“All adolescents have the right to good health and well-being. Investing in their health builds strong economies and inclusive communities,” said UNICEF Representative to the Philippines Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov. “These mobile clinics provide young people with essential services and opportunities to participate meaningfully in their communities.”
WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus emphasized the need for sustained collaboration to prevent adolescent pregnancy. “This public health concern requires a whole-of-society effort. These mobile facilities will bring services closer to those in need.”
The TrucKABATAAN mobile clinics will travel with a medical team to visit adolescents aged 10-19 in at least 20 local government units in Southern Leyte and Samar. They will provide compassionate and confidential care, holistic healthcare, education, early intervention, and community engagement.
The features of TrucKABATAAN include air-conditioned rooms, a medical bed, an audio-visual system, laboratory equipment, solar panels, and satellite internet connectivity. Local governments will provide the necessary staff and medical team.
Last year, young people from Eastern Visayas contributed to the design of the trucks, ensuring they are appealing to their peers.
