By Sherrie Ann C. Labid
CATBALOGAN CITY- In its commitment to address Sustainable Development Goal No. 3, which is to “ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages,” Samar State University (SSU), represented by the Executive Director for Research Sherrie Ann Cananua-Labid and her team conducted the first collaboration meeting with some health units of the Province of Samar on November 14, 2022, 2:00 PM at Mare e Monte, Catbalogan City.
Maternal Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition (MNCHN) Coordinator of the Provincial Health Office Ms. Salome Patosa, Provincial Population Officer IV of Samar Ms. Melba Gruta, Community Development Worker of the Family Planning Organization of the Philippines Plan International Mr. Mark Bons Fernandez, San Jose de Buan Nurse Ms. Shalom Baile, and Samar Provincial Youth Development Officer (YDO) Mr. Jhunlie Escala were in attendance.
Topics discussed during the meeting included the alarmingly high rate of teenage pregnancies, malnutrition, and the prevalence of HIV/AIDS, among other significant and growing health issues in the province.
The meeting ended with the affirmation to collaborate in implementing some University-approved research projects and extension programs including Factors Associated with Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes among Deliveries in Healthcare Facilities in the Province of Samar, Philippines; Adolescent Lifestyle, Sexual and Reproductive Health: Knowledge, Practices, and Challenges; and Enhancing Awareness of Young Adolescent Fertility and Sexuality (EA-YAFS) in Samar.
