COTABATO CITY__ In a significant stride toward securing the health and future of mothers and newborns across the Bangsamoro region, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) successfully conducted a series of Maternal and Neonatal Death Surveillance and Response (MNDSR) training sessions from April 6 to 17, 2026. This initiative represents more than just a training program; it is a vital consolidation of expertise and commitment designed to address the preventable loss of life and improve clinical outcomes within the healthcare systems of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
A Collaborative Foundation for Life-Saving Change
The success of this initiative is rooted in a framework of multi-sectoral collaboration. Made possible by the generous support of the Government of Japan, the program is implemented under the UNFPA BABAE (Babaeng Bangsamoro Arkitekto, ng at Ehemplo para sa Pagbabago) Project, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health (MOH-BARMM) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society, Inc. (CBCS). It also features technical participation by national and international partners, including the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), JIN Corporation, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the Department of Health (DOH) Central Office. This convergence of resources and expertise underscores a unified resolve to bridge the gap between mortality data and effective, community-based interventions.
The Training Architecture: Bridging Theory and Action
The program is a four-day intensive training course designed to equip provincial and city health review teams with the skills needed to translate theoretical frameworks into actionable health outcomes. The methodology was highly interactive, incorporating case-based discussions, individual and group exercises, and simulated mortality audit cycles to ensure that participants were prepared to tackle real-world clinical challenges.
To maximize regional reach, the training was organized into two impactful batches: The Island Delegates convened from April 6 to 13, 2026, at the Ever O in Zamboanga City, while the Mainland Delegates gathered from April 13 to 18, 2026, at the Blue Lotus Hotel in Davao City. In total, 43 delegates representing key health sectors—including CHO Cotabato, IPHO Maguindanao, SGAHFO, IPHO Lanao del Sur, CHO Marawi, IPHO Tawi-Tawi, IPHO Basilan, CHO Lamitan, and IPHO Sulu—successfully completed the training.
The “No Name, No Blame” Policy
The most transformative element of the training is the adoption of the “No Name, No Blame” policy. Recognizing that audit processes can sometimes be perceived as punitive, this approach fosters psychological safety. By prioritizing transparency over finger-pointing, healthcare providers are empowered to identify the root causes of maternal and neonatal deaths without fear of reprisal. This cultural shift is essential for candid reflection, enabling systemic vulnerabilities to be uncovered and addressed with precision.
Technical Rigor and the Road Ahead
Participants moved beyond informal review processes and received training to implement a standardized six-step audit cycle. This structured approach ensures that data collection and analysis are conducted with high accuracy and clinical reliability. By integrating advanced methods, such as the ICD-11 classification system, the program ensures that the Bangsamoro health system aligns with international standards for surveillance and response.
Foundational Program Context
In December, the UNFPA and DOH trained the Regional Core Team, including obstetrician-gynecologists, pediatricians, nurses, and municipal health officers from the MOH, the Cotabato Regional Medical Center, the Amai Pakpak Medical Center, and the Bangsamoro Regional Hospital and Medical Center. To ensure that they provide honest, evidence-based medical reviews and prompt, high-quality health responses, Dr. Kusum Thapa, the master trainer for the workshop and the current president-elect of the South Asian Federation of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Dr. Annette Macayaon, Chair of the Philippine Obstetrical and Gynecological Society’s (POGS) Subcommittee on Maternal Death Reduction, supported the training.
The Regional Core Team will conduct the Provincial MNDSR rollout by 2026. The ultimate goal of this MNDSR rollout is to foster continuous quality improvement. By integrating the knowledge gained into their respective annual health plans, local leaders are laying a robust foundation to eliminate preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. This initiative serves as a powerful reminder that every systemic barrier identified is an opportunity to save a life. Through strategic planning and a steadfast commitment to evidence-based responses, the leaders of the Bangsamoro region are ensuring that the safety of mothers and children is not just an aspiration but a tangible, achievable reality.
WRITER: Monawara M. Kumayog, Project Officer
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