Jusay, J. M. S. (2017). Enhancement of maternal care initiatives to promote safe motherhood on goegraphically isolated and disadvantaged areas of Lupon, Davao Oriental (Unpublished master's thesis). Graduate School of Public and Development Management, Development Academy of the Philippines.

Graduate School of Public and Development Management Health Systems and Development Batch 7 Thesis (MPM-HSD)--Development Academy of the Philippines.

Maternal mortality has always been a chronic problem globally with it being one of the most common causes of premature death in women within the reproductive age. In the Municipality of Lupon, data shows that progress with regards to maternal health is underway but the reality is there is a clear disparity in the status of the different barangays particularly in the Geographically isolated and Disadvantage Areas (GIDA). This action, plan and project focuses on the three GIDA baranagys of Lupon namely Barangay Don Mariano Marcos, Calapagan and Marayag or collectively known as DonCaMar. The objective of this study is to become an instrument in creating sustainable strategies that will serve as a turning point to achieving safe motherhood in the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas of Lupon and ensuring equity in health services in the municipality. The study utilzed an action research design. Sociodemographic factors that caused poor facility based delivery were identified through survey of mothers who had home delivery. Gaps on current health care initiatives were then identified through focused group discussion with health staff assigned in DonCamar. Strategies to address the identified gaps were then devised and implemented during the time period of the study. The results of the findings demonstrates the effects of social determinants of health, such as low income coupled with poor financial risk protection, low educational attainment, exposure to health education and other uncontrollable factors such as distance from health facility and peace and order situation, in creating a high risk environment for the mothers in DonCaMar. Strategies addressing the whole aspect of the health system as guided by the six building blocks of Universal Health Care which included health financing, service delivery, medical products and technologies, health human resource, health information and governance was able to improve maternal health indicators. However, recommendations for establishment of a safe birthing facility in DonCaMar, strict implementation of Ordinance prohibiting home delivery and practice of Traditional Birth Attendants at the Barangay level and increasing coverage of financial risk protection which was not implemented during the time period of the study are very important factors that can make a sustainable impact in ensuring safe motherhood in DonCaMar.