The TAKENUSA Project (Joint Determination for Women’s Health in East Nusa Tenggara) was officially launched in East Flores Regency on November 7, 2023. This four-year project, initiated by the Foundation for Access to Health Initiative (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 provision of Comprehensive Post-Abortion Care (PAC) services, increase access to rights-based Family Planning (FP) services, and provide information, access, and reproductive health education tailored to the needs of women and adolescent girls. The project collaborates with relevant agencies, primary and secondary healthcare facilities, and Non-Governmental Organizations to strengthen community cadres.
Representing IPAS Indonesia Foundation, Dr. Eliza Permatasari, Health System Strengthening Advisor, expressed appreciation to the East Flores Regency Government for warmly welcoming the TAKENUSA Project. She stated that the cross-sectoral working model to be employed by this project is expected to strengthen existing structures and mechanisms in East Flores Regency to address the challenge of reducing MMR, which can then contribute to the quality of a healthy and stunting-free younger generation.
“IPAS Indonesia Foundation hopes that the TAKENUSA project, which will run for the next four years, will receive support and cooperation from the Regional Government, Health Office and other relevant agencies, Sub-district Heads, heads of Community Health Centers (Puskesmas), village heads, and related communities. This will enable women and adolescent girls to obtain information, education, and skills to utilize quality and reliable reproductive health services,” said Dr. Eliza in her address at the Hall of the Regional Development Planning, Research, and Development Agency of East Flores Regency, on Tuesday (October 7, 2023).
The Acting Regent of East Flores Regency, Drs. Doris Alexander Rihi, M.Si, in his speech, positively welcomed the TAKENUSA program, emphasizing that the responsibility for community reproductive health rests not only with the local government but also with social institutions. Therefore, he invited all parties to synergize in supporting the project.
“May the launch of the TAKENUSA project today serve as a moment to align perspectives and foster collaboration among regional government entities in improving health services, especially Women’s Health, to realize the shared aspiration of building East Flores with joy and a spirit of togetherness and kinship,” said Drs. Doris Alexander Rihi, M.Si, when officially opening the TAKENUSA project launch event.
In East Flores, the TAKENUSA project will be implemented in three Community Health Centers (Puskesmas): Puskesmas Ritaebang, Puskesmas Waiwerang, and Puskesmas Ile Bura, with a focus on assistance in three sub-districts: West Solor Sub-district, East Adonara Sub-district, and Ile Bura Sub-district, covering six assisted villages.