The TAKENUSA (Joint Determination for East Nusa Tenggara Women’s Health) project was officially launched in East Flores Regency on November 7, 2023. The four-year project, initiated by Yayasan Inisiatif Perubahan Akses Menuju Sehat (IPAS) Indonesia, aims to support the efforts of the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Provincial Government in reducing the Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR).
Specifically, TAKENUSA aims to strengthen the delivery of Comprehensive Post Abortion Care (PPA) services, increase access to rights-based family planning services, and provide reproductive health information, access and education that meets the needs of women and adolescent girls. The project collaborates with relevant agencies and primary and secondary health facilities as well as NGOs to strengthen cadres in the community.
Representing IPAS Indonesia, Dr. Eliza Permatasari, Health System Strengthening Advisor, expressed her appreciation to the East Flores District Government for welcoming the TAKENUSA Project. She said that the cross-sectoral working model that will be used by this project is expected to strengthen the existing structures and mechanisms in East Flores District to respond to the challenges of reducing MMR, which can then contribute to the quality of a healthy and stunting-free younger generation.
It is the hope of the IPAS Indonesia Foundation that the TAKENUSA project, which will run for the next four years, will receive support and cooperation from the local government, the Health Office and other agencies, sub-district heads, heads of health centers, village heads, and related communities. Thus women and adolescent girls get information, education and skills to use quality and reliable reproductive health services,” said doctor Eliza in her speech at the Hall of the Regional Development Planning, Research and Development Agency of East Flores Regency, Tuesday (7/10/2023).
The Acting Regent of East Flores Regency, Drs. Doris Alexander Rihi, M.Si, in his speech positively welcomed the TAKENUSA program because the responsibility of reproductive health to the community is not only in the hands of the local government but also social institutions. Therefore, he invited all parties to work together to support the project.
“Hopefully, today’s launch of the TAKENUSA project can be used as a moment to equalize thoughts and support collaboration between regional apparatus in improving health services, especially Women’s Health, for the realization of our common goal to build East Flores with joy and the spirit of togetherness and kinship,” said Drs. Doris Alexander Rihi, M.Si when opening the TAKENUSA project launch event.
In East Flores, the TAKENUSA project will be implemented in three health centers, namely Ritaebang Health Center, Waiwerang Health Center, and Ile Bura Health Center with a focus on assistance in three sub-districts namely West Solor Sub-district, East Adonara Sub-district and Ile Bura Sub-district with six assisted villages.
