Temporary shelter for a mother’s safety

When you are a poor pregnant woman living in a far-flung area and about to give birth, there is a risk you do not reach the clinic on time.

In several of Zuellig Family Foundation’s (ZFF) partner municipalities, maternal shelters have been built close to birthing facilities so women and their care providers, usually family members, can have a place to temporarily stay for free for a few days before and after giving birth.

Such is the maternal home in Salcedo, Eastern Samar. The shelter was constructed with funds from the US-Philippines Society (USPS), and turned over last December.

Salcedo was also ravaged by super typhoon Haiyan (local name: Yolanda). Following the “Recovery Assistance Program for Mothers,” the municipal health leaders also underwent training so they could complete the development of a resilient local health system with assistance from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and ZFF.