On the fourth day of the study tour, the EPF delegation focused on maternal health and family planning, exploring key challenges in maternal mortality, access to contraception, and policy commitments to reproductive healthcare. The day's programme included a visit to a leading maternity hospital and an evening engagement with stakeholders during a solidarity dinner.
The delegation visited Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital, a key institution providing maternal and newborn care in the Philippines. The tour offered an in-depth look at the maternity wards, neonatal units, and family planning services, allowing delegates to engage with healthcare providers and mothers about their experiences.
A highlight of the visit was the Kangaroo Mother Care ward, where premature and low-birth-weight babies receive skin-to-skin contact with their mothers and fathers to promote bonding and improve health outcomes. Delegates witnessed first-hand the dedication of the hospital staff and the resilience of the women receiving care. The visit reinforced the importance of ensuring access to high-quality maternal health services and supporting policies that prioritise safe pregnancies and childbirth.
In the evening, the delegation gathered with civil society organisations, embassy representatives, and advocacy groups for a solidarity dinner. This final event provided an opportunity to reflect on key learnings from the study tour and discuss ways to strengthen international cooperation on SRHR.