On September 18, 2023, the TAKENUSA Project (Tekad Bersama untuk Kesehatan Perempuan Nusa Tenggara Timur) was inaugurated in So’e, South Central Timor District, East Nusa Tenggara. This 4-year project, which was jointly initiated with the Indonesian Initiative for Change in Access to Health (IPAS) Foundation, aims to support the efforts of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Government in reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).
Overall, the TAKENUSA Project was conducted in 3 regions: Kupang District, South Central Timor District, and East Flores District. Working together with relevant agencies and primary and secondary health facilities, TAKENUSA aims to strengthen the delivery of comprehensive postnatal care services, increase access to rights-based family planning services, and provide reproductive health information and education that meets the needs of women and adolescent girls.
At the same time, TAKENUSA will collaborate with other NGOs to strengthen cadres in the community. Ultimately, it is hoped that women and adolescent girls will receive information, education and skills to use quality and reliable reproductive health services. In South Central Timor District, the TAKENUSA Project will assist 2 Puskesmas, namely Puskesmas Oinlasi and Puskesmas Panite, which operate for 2 sub-districts, namely South Amanatun and South Amanuban sub-districts, as well as 4 assisted villages.
The Regent of South Central Timor, Egusem Pieter Tahun, in his speech welcomed the TAKENUSA program. The TAKENUSA project has contributed well to the reduction of maternal and child mortality in TTS district, especially in the 4 assisted villages, namely: Bena Village, Linamnutu Village, Lanu Village and Sunu Village”, he said. He also said that in implementing the program, it is necessary to involve the Social Affairs Office and the Village Community Empowerment Office (PMD) so that there is sustainability after the assistance from the IPAS ends.
Representing the IPAS Indonesia, Doctor Eliza Permatasari, Health System Strengthening Advisor, expressed her appreciation to the TTS District Government for accepting the TAKENUSA Project. The cross-sectoral working model that will be used by this project is expected to strengthen the existing structures and mechanisms in TTS District to respond to the challenges of reducing MMR which can then contribute to the quality of a healthy and stunting-free younger generation. She also emphasized that reproductive health of women and adolescent girls is our common issue.
“It is very important to provide comprehensive and complete information and education, according to the needs of women and adolescent girls,” she said. Equally important is to work together with the closest environment such as family, community, community leaders, and religious leaders in order to create an environment that allows women to make the best decisions for their reproductive health.
