Declining population prompts IVF programme as solution for indigenous Papuans
Nabire (ANTARA) — The Central Papua Provincial Government has adopted an in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) programme as one of its solutions to sustain the population growth of indigenous Papuans (Orang Asli Papua/OAP), which is considered to be on a declining trend due to various reproductive health problems.
Central Papua's Head of Health Services, Agus, said in Nabire on Friday that the programme has been prepared free of charge for the public through a policy of the Governor and Deputy Governor, despite the typically high cost of IVF services.
"The IVF programme is underway, so Papuan communities no longer need to seek treatment outside the region. They can simply come to Central Papua and it is free," he said.
He explained that based on health data, the birth rate in Central Papua has been declining, influenced in part by reproductive tract infections in both men and women resulting from poor health behaviour patterns.
In addition to the IVF programme, the provincial government is also promoting the KoHarus Sehat programme (Central Papua Special Autonomy New Hope Health Card), which has three main approaches: preventive-promotive measures through health screening and immunisation, health financing guarantees, and cross-government synergy.
He noted that Central Papua currently has 150 community health centres (puskesmas), but only 127 are registered and approximately 60 are accredited, meaning that strengthening basic healthcare services remains a priority.
Meanwhile, Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa emphasised that as a new province, Central Papua requires a specific approach to health development suited to its geographical conditions and community characteristics.
"This is a new province with diverse community characteristics, so we are seeking the right formula for more specialised and specific treatment," he said.
He added that the local government's primary focus is ensuring all communities can access healthcare services free of charge through strengthened cooperation with various hospitals.
Central Papua's Head of Health Services, Agus, said in Nabire on Friday that the programme has been prepared free of charge for the public through a policy of the Governor and Deputy Governor, despite the typically high cost of IVF services.
"The IVF programme is underway, so Papuan communities no longer need to seek treatment outside the region. They can simply come to Central Papua and it is free," he said.
He explained that based on health data, the birth rate in Central Papua has been declining, influenced in part by reproductive tract infections in both men and women resulting from poor health behaviour patterns.
In addition to the IVF programme, the provincial government is also promoting the KoHarus Sehat programme (Central Papua Special Autonomy New Hope Health Card), which has three main approaches: preventive-promotive measures through health screening and immunisation, health financing guarantees, and cross-government synergy.
He noted that Central Papua currently has 150 community health centres (puskesmas), but only 127 are registered and approximately 60 are accredited, meaning that strengthening basic healthcare services remains a priority.
Meanwhile, Central Papua Governor Meki Nawipa emphasised that as a new province, Central Papua requires a specific approach to health development suited to its geographical conditions and community characteristics.
"This is a new province with diverse community characteristics, so we are seeking the right formula for more specialised and specific treatment," he said.
He added that the local government's primary focus is ensuring all communities can access healthcare services free of charge through strengthened cooperation with various hospitals.