Health Updates Webinar #277 “Is My 16-Year Old Girl At Risk for Pregnancy?” Findings from National Research

The University of the Philippines,
in partnership with the UP Manila – National Institutes of Health,
and in cooperation with UP Philippine General Hospital and UP College of Medicine,
would like to invite you to attend this webinar!

Registration slots are limited to this HEALTH UPDATES webinar
So sign up NOW:
bit.ly/HealthUpdatesWebinar277

Webinar #277
March 13, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 noon
Is My 16-Year Old At Risk for Pregnancy?
Findings from National Research

Presenter:
DR. Mario R. Festin
Founding Director, Institute of Reproductive Health
National Institutes of Health
University of the Philippines Manila

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Webinar #277
March 13, 2026 (Friday), 12:00 noon
Is My 16-Year Old At Risk for Pregnancy?
Findings from National Research

The persistent challenge of adolescent gestation in the Philippines represents not merely a localized sociological concern but a multifaceted public health crisis that demands an integrated, evidence-based clinical response. Frontline healthcare workers are indispensable in navigating the intricate biological and psychosocial landscapes associated with teenage pregnancy.

In this week’s episode, we will attempt to dissect the current trajectory of adolescent maternal health within the Philippine archipelago. Our discussion will move beyond superficial statistics to address the physiological complexities of early-onset pregnancy, including the heightened risks of pre-eclampsia, systemic gestational hypertension, and the long-term sequelae of adolescent pelvic disproportion. We will also explore the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering a continuum of care that prioritizes patient autonomy and ethical counseling.

The urgency of this dialogue is underscored by the evolving digital landscape and its impact on health literacy among the youth. As we analyze the shifts in health-seeking behaviors, our discussion will also encompass the implementation of youth-friendly health services and the optimization of referral pathways within the primary care network.

Our main discussant is Dr. Mario R. Festin, who is the Founding Director of the Institute of Reproductive Health of the National Institutes of Health, University of the Philippines Manila. Join us as we synthesize clinical excellence with strategic communication to catalyze a more resilient and informed healthcare workforce. Together, we can redefine the standard of care for the next generation, ensuring that every encounter at the frontline of medicine becomes a pivotal moment for intervention, education, and holistic