2 hours ago
8
March 13, 2025 | 03:15 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The UK government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Health and midwifery stakeholders, launched the Midwifery Capacity Advancement for Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (MARCH) project on March 10, 2025, in Jakarta.
The project aims to empower midwives as key agents in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Indonesia. Investing in midwives’ competence is critical to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes and advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH & RR).
The project's launch coincided with the Faculty Development Programme Training, bringing together 48 midwifery lecturers from various educational institutions. This training focuses on equipping lecturers with the skills to deliver an international standard competency curriculum, thereby cultivating a new generation of highly skilled midwives. The Ministry of Health and UNFPA plan to expand this training to all 37 health polytechnics with midwifery programs.
Reports indicate that a woman in Indonesia dies every hour from complications during pregnancy, birth, and post-delivery. With a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 189 deaths per 100,000 live births (Long Form Population Census, 2020), access to quality maternal healthcare is essential.
Midwives are the backbone of Indonesia’s maternal health system. With over 351,000 registered midwives, they provide crucial services, including antenatal care, deliveries, and family planning. They often serve in remote communities, making them indispensable.
The Midwifery Capacity Advancement for Equitable Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (MARCH) project initiated by the UK Government and UNFPA, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and midwifery stakeholders. The project aims to empower midwives as key agents in reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in Indonesia. Investing in midwives’ competence is critical to improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes as well as advancing Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights (SRH & RR). UNFPA Indonesia/Itsnain Bagus
The MARCH project will also focus on developing a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) framework and training programs for in-service midwives. This initiative aims to enhance their skills and well-being, ensuring they can meet the evolving healthcare needs of their communities.
In a press release received today, Mitra Kadarsih, a member of the Indonesian College of Midwifery (ICoM) said, “Through the training, we reflected and identified a few gaps, for which we sought the shared solutions, such as the ratio between students and lecturers, standardisation of student candidates, and capacity building opportunities for lecturers.”
Yuli Farianti, Director General for Human Resources for Health, emphasized the need for continuous capacity development and curriculum adaptation to international standards. "I appreciate UNFPA’s support, and I hope that the MARCH project will benefit all of us. I hope beyond this project we will continue to do the work to achieve the goal of reducing maternal and infant mortality,” she said.
British Charge d’Affaires Matthew Downing reiterated the UK’s commitment to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Reproductive Rights, emphasizing the importance of a robust regulatory framework and quality education.
"We are proud to collaborate with UNFPA and the Government of Indonesia through the MARCH Project as we work together in strengthening the capacity of midwives - one of the frontlines of healthcare services," he remarked in the same press release.
Hassan Mohtashami, UNFPA Indonesia Representative, stressed the tragedy of preventable maternal deaths and the critical role of competent midwives. Through the MARCH project, funded by the UK government, Indonesia is taking a significant step towards ending preventable maternal deaths and improving the health and well-being of women and their families.
Editor's Choice: Indonesia, Malaysia Hold Talks on Border Dispute
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Over 500,000 Indonesians Registering for Free Health Checks, Ministry Says
1 hari lalu
According to data from the Ministry of Health, 500 thousand people across Indonesia have registered for this year's free health checkup program.
Survey: Support for PM Keir Starmer Rises Among Britons
3 hari lalu
UK PM Keir Starmer is considered to have performed well. Support for him has increased compared to before.
France, Germany, Italy, UK Support Egypt's Plan for Gaza Reconstruction
3 hari lalu
France, Germany, Italy, and the UK are backing the plan led by Arab countries for the reconstruction of Gaza, absorbing a budget of Rp800 trillion
The 10 Most Beautiful Places in the UK to Visit: Idyllic and Peaceful Destinations
6 hari lalu
If you're after the most beautiful places in UK to visit, this article uncovers some worth-exploring destinations. Explore the full list here.
New Zealand Sacks Ambassador to UK After He Questions Trump's Grasp of History
6 hari lalu
New Zealand's foreign minister Winston Peters had sacked the country's ambassador to the UK after comments on Donald Trump.
France and UK Propose Partial Ceasefire in Ukraine
9 hari lalu
France and the UK have proposed a limited ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.
UK PM Gives Full Support to Ukraine After Meeting Zelensky
10 hari lalu
UK PM Keir Starmer reaffirms his country's full support for Ukraine when receiving President Volodymyr Zelensky in London
The 10 Best Law Universities in UK for 2025, Oxford Tops the List
21 hari lalu
With their commitment to excellence, these best law universities in the UK ensure that graduates are well-equipped to navigate the real world.
Here Are Several Ministries' Responses to Prabowo's Budget Cut
29 hari lalu
Indonesian President Prabowo's budget cut policy has caused concern in several ministries and sectors.
Kadin Indonesia Ready to Support Free Health Check Program
31 hari lalu
Kadin Indonesia has also expressed its willingness to support and promote national development in the field of Health.
