Davao: A total of 79 maternal deaths were recorded in Davao Region in 2024, with the highest number occurring among mothers aged 25 to 29, according to data released Wednesday by the Philippine Statistics Authority in Davao Region (PSA-11).
According to Philippines News Agency, the agency said the figures highlight persistent risks in maternal health, particularly among women in their prime childbearing years. Across the region, the highest number of maternal deaths was reported in Davao City with 30 cases, followed by Davao del Norte with 16, and Davao de Oro with 13. Davao Occidental recorded the lowest at four deaths.
Maternal death is defined by the World Health Organization as "the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days of termination of pregnancy, irrespective of the duration and the site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes."
PSA-11 emphasized that maternal death data are vital for identifying risks and gaps in maternal care, guiding targeted health interventions, and strengthening policies to prevent avoidable maternal deaths.
Of the total maternal deaths, the highest number occurred among mothers aged 25 to 29 years (18 cases), followed by those aged 30 to 34 years and 35 to 39 years (14 cases each). Maternal deaths were also recorded in the 20 to 24 age group (nine cases) and among adolescents aged 15 to 19 (five cases), indicating risks even at younger ages. Fewer cases were observed among older mothers, with only two deaths recorded in the 45 to 49 age group.
The PSA data comes as the Department of Health continues to implement the Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition strategy, which aims to reduce maternal mortality through improved access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and family planning services.
In a separate bulletin, PSA-11 also released population data from the 2020 Census of Population and Housing, showing Davao Region had a total population of 5.2 million. Of these, 51.3 percent (2.6 million) were males and 48.7 percent (2.5 million) were females. Children under 15 years made up 31.3 percent of the population.
The agency noted that in each age group up to age 54, men outnumbered women. However, beginning in the 60 to 64 age bracket, women began to outnumber men, a trend that became more pronounced in older age groups-a demographic pattern consistent with longer female life expectancy nationwide.
Health officials said the population data, when viewed alongside maternal mortality figures, underscores the importance of investing in reproductive health services, particularly for women of childbearing age who comprise a significant segment of the region's population.
