Collaboration Is Essential to Improving Maternal and Newborn Health in Indonesia

September 14, 2018It ' ll  take a nation to change the numbers for Indonesia ' s  moms and babies.As Indonesia celebrates its 73rd year of independence, most people are aware of the country ’s impressive economic development over the past few years. But perhaps fewer are aware that, every hour, across this massive archipelago, two mothers and eight newborns die.The country still faces unacceptably high levels of maternal and newborn mortality. This is a multi-faceted and complex issue, which requires collaboration between all elements of society to ensure effective measures are taken to improve maternal and newborn wellbeing.The Intercensal Survey of 2015 estimated that the maternal mortality is 305 per 100,000 live births. The Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey 2017 data suggests newborn deaths are 15 per 1,000 live births.The country aims to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births.Despite less maternal and newborn mortality between 1990 and 2015, Indonesia fell short of the Millennium Development Goals that require countries to reduce mortality rates by three quarters. In Asia, Indonesia ranks behind Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Myanmar on this front.Reducing maternal and newborn deaths is part of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), a United Nations-led agenda guiding countries worldwide to work together to tackle global challenges over the next 15 years. Under Goal 3, countries agree to ensure healthy lives and promote well-b...
Source: IntraHealth International - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Authors: Source Type: news