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Overview of SRHR in the Philippines

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Sexual and reproductive health and rights are essential human rights that have been recognized globally, including the Philippines. These rights include the right to access information, products, services, and education related to reproductive health and to make decisions concerning reproduction without discrimination, coercion, or violence.

The Philippines has made significant progress in improving SRHR in recent years. However, there are still several challenges that need to be addressed to ensure that no one is left behind when it comes to accessing high-quality sexual and reproductive health information, products, and services.

Adolescent Pregnancy

The Philippines has one of the highest rates of teenage pregnancy in Southeast Asia, with approximately 5.4% of girls aged 15 to 19 having experienced pregnancy or giving birth. This phenomenon poses numerous challenges to the reproductive health community, including increased risks of maternal and infant mortality, limited access to quality prenatal and postnatal care, and higher chances of experiencing complications during childbirth.

Addressing this issue requires comprehensive efforts such as improved sex education, access to contraceptives, and supportive policies to empower young individuals and provide them with the necessary resources and support to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

HIV

The country has witnessed a steady rise in HIV cases over the years. The prevalence of HIV not only poses grave health risks to individuals but also places a considerable burden on healthcare systems and resources. Moreover, the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV further exacerbate the challenges faced by affected individuals, hindering access to testing, treatment, and support services.

By promoting open dialogue and awareness, we contribute to the prevention and reduction of HIV transmission rates, fostering a healthier and more informed community in the Philippines.

When it comes to conception and family planning, statistics state that *one in two Filipino women no longer desires more children. This highlights the importance of providing accessible and comprehensive family planning services that cater to the diverse needs and preferences of individuals and couples. With **41.7% of women aged 15-49 who are currently not using any form of contraceptives, there is still a significant unmet need for family planning services in the country.

At DKT Philippines Foundation, we are passionate advocates of family planning because we believe that it can make a significant difference in the lives of Filipino families. We work on ensuring to fulfill everyone’s family planning demands through access to affordable, high-quality family planning products and services.

*Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). 2022 NDHS Key Indicators Report [PDF]. Page 25.
**Philippine Statistics Authority. (2022). 2022 NDHS Key Indicators Report [PDF]. Page 26.

Why We Do the Work We Do

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To Promote Reproductive Health:

By establishing sustainable partnerships with government and non-government stakeholders and providing a range of affordable and accessible contraceptive options, we hope to empower individuals and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and improve their overall well-being.

To Reduce Unintended Pregnancies:

We recognize the importance of reducing unintended pregnancies by providing a wide range of modern family planning options, including pills, condoms, injectables, IUDs, and sterilization.

To Empower Women:

Access to education and modern methods of family planning is an essential component of women's empowerment. By providing women with the means to manage their fertility, we aim to promote gender equality and improve women's socio-economic status.

To Improve Child and Maternal Health:

Access to modern methods of family planning can significantly improve child and maternal health outcomes by reducing the incidence of maternal and infant mortality, preventing unsafe abortions, and improving the spacing and timing of pregnancies.
DKT Philippines Foundation

Capacity Advancement for Midwife Professional (CAMP.PH)

With the help of the Phil Harvey Fund, this program aims to reintegrate registered midwives who are no longer actively practicing by providing comprehensive training on modern family planning methods and behavior change communication. Through this program, midwives are equipped to engage and educate those using traditional contraception methods, guiding them toward more effective, modern family planning options.

Long-Acting Reversible Contraception Program

This program focuses on empowering healthcare providers–including doctors, midwives, and community health volunteers–by providing hands-on training in long-acting contraceptive methods such as IUDs and two-rod implants. By equipping medical professionals with these essential skills, the program aims to increase access to effective, long-term contraception, helping more women make informed reproductive health decisions and enhancing family planning services within communities.

SODEX Mobile Clinic

Launched in May 2024, the Service Outreach and Distribution Extension (SODEX) Mobile Clinic made possible by TRUST Reproductive Health Choices is the first family planning ambulatory clinic in the Philippines. This program is a groundbreaking initiative that seeks to expand the access to safe and accessible modern family planning methods and bring them closer to Filipinos in remote areas, free of charge.

Family Planning Trainings

The program includes training on various family planning methods, including the use of postpartum intrauterine devices (IUDs). Through this program, healthcare providers will receive hands-on training on how to insert and remove postpartum IUDs, as well as how to counsel patients on the benefits and risks of this method.

The Work We Do - Family Planning Trainings

Service Outreach Distribution Extension (SODEX) Program

We are the only outreach service in the country that provides these services, including free Bilateral Tubal Ligations and counseling on the use of pills, injectables, condoms, and other modern types of contraception. Through the help of LGUs, we are committed to provide high-quality and affordable family planning options to all Filipinos, regardless of their socio-economic status or geographic location.

Non-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)

Non-Scalpel Vasectomy (NSV)

We provide continuous campaigns to educate the public about Vasectomy. Through engaging television and radio advertisements, informative online content, and community outreach programs, the foundation seeks to dispel myths, misconceptions, and cultural taboos surrounding vasectomy. We also give reverence to the annual World Vasectomy Day by holding simultaneous campaigns throughout the country. By providing accurate information on the procedure's benefits, simplicity, and reversibility, DKT Philippines Foundation strives to empower men and couples to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

We offer a no-scalpel vasectomy procedure, which is a safe and minimally invasive and permanent form of male contraception. The procedure is performed by experienced medical professionals and is free of charge to eligible participants. We aim to make this form of contraception accessible and convenient for individuals who may not have the financial resources to pay for the procedure and ultimately, encourage males to take charge of family planning by considering vasectomy as a responsible and effective option. We also provide information about our partner clinics and the application process.