Indonesia and UNFPA prepare roadmap to reduce maternal and infant mortality

“We will be collaborating on PJPK issues to ensure we work even better toward our targets, including improving reproductive health, reducing maternal and infant mortality rates, and lowering the stunting prevalence,” Population and Family Development Minister Wihaji said.

This was conveyed at the inauguration of the UNFPA office at the headquarters of the Ministry of Population and Family Development in Jakarta on Wednesday.

In addition to reducing maternal and infant mortality, the ministry will also collaborate with the UNFPA on issues related to mental health.

Minister Wihaji underscored that creating a balance in the Total Fertility Rate (TFR) is a priority to prevent a fertility crisis in Indonesia.

“Globally, we need to discuss the downward trend of the TFR seen in almost every country. Our concept is balanced growth. Therefore, we must discuss and cooperate to synergize programs that address potential issues related to population,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, the Regional Director ad interim for Asia and the Pacific at the UNFPA, Aleksandar Bodiroza, stated that his organization continues to collaborate with the ministry to launch a new strategic plan.

He noted that both parties have an ambitious program for the next five years, which, he said, will contribute to Indonesia’s 2045 vision.

He further explained that the collaboration is driven by a vision to realize an Indonesia with zero maternal deaths and zero gender-based violence through improved family planning.

Bodiroza affirmed that through the joint strategic plan with the ministry, the UNFPA is also working to capitalize on the demographic bonus and prepare for the demographic dividend to foster higher-quality human resources for Indonesia by 2045.

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Translator: Lintang Budiyanti, Raka Adji