When it comes to growing better quality, next generations, we often forget something important. Instead of focusing on what is on the outside, let’s start from home. In this case, the health conditions of mothers and children. That is the same case with improving the health development in Papua and West Papua.
The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI or Lembaga Ilmu Pengetahuan Indonesia) stated that maternal and child health services for indigenous Papuans, particularly in West Papua, require increased availability and access to services and skilled resources, as well as health education for residents.
The Books About Papua’s Challenges In Health Development:
In late 2020, LIPI had a virtual launch of the books on “The Challenges and Solutions for the Papua Land In Terms of Population”. Widayatun, a LIPI researcher from their Population Research Centre (PPK or Pusat Penelitian Kependudukan), admitted this:
“Health services for mothers and children in this province has faced a variety of obstacles and challenges, either from the providers and the users themselves.”
The books which were launched included these titles:
- “The Health of Indigenous Papuan Mothers and Children: Between The Service Availability and Socio-cultural Challenges” (or “Kesehatan Ibu dan Anak Orang Asli Papua: Antara Ketersediaan Layanan dan Tantangan Sosial-Budaya”)
- “Education As A Path Of Light: Building Responsive Education To The Geographic, Demographic, Social, and Cultural Conditions of Indigenous Papuans” (or “Pendidikan Sebagai Jalan Terang: Membangun Pendidikan yang Responsif Terhadap Kondisi Geografis, Demografis, Sosial, dan Budaya Orang Asli Papua”)
- “The Indigenous Papuans: Social Demographic Conditions and Changes” (or “Orang Asli Papua: Kondisi Sosial Demografis dan Perubahannya”)
Widayatun stated that the low utilization of health services was influenced by the limitations and structural challenges, such as:
- Public health offices (Dinas Kesehatan)
- Public health centres (Puskesmas or Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat)
- Supporting public health centres (Pustu or Puskesmas Pembantu)
- Village maternity huts (Polindes or Pusat Bersalin Desa)
Meanwhile, the structural challenges that indigenous Papuans (especially mothers and children) often face are like this:
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A variety of geographical terrains
We all know that the land in Papua and West Papua consists of a variety of geographical terrains. It is easier to get health access if you live in the urban part of the island.
However, it is another story if the areas are hilly and somewhere in the forests. It is more than challenging to send off health workers deep in the forest. It requires more physical and mental challenges to the health workers themselves and more budget.
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Lack of infrastructure developments
In rural areas, not many people can access what most people in the city do—for example, access to electricity, basic sanitation like clean water, and communication tools. There are medical tools that require electricity, while communication tools can help the villagers seek help from the health workers in the urban areas.
Other infrastructures that need to be added and developed include roads, paths, and even bridges between rivers. The more accessible routes for health workers to go through, the quicker and easier the villagers can receive the healthcare they need.
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The limited housing, especially for health workers on the site
Forget the housing for the health workers. In some areas, even not all locals themselves have proper housing. The health workers need it, too, just in case they need to spend a much longer time on the site. Remember, some geographical terrains are not easy to go through. It may take days to go back and forth. Plus, they have to camp too, just if the weather gets bad and it rains during the journey.
With the proper housing, the health workers on duty will have a temporary place to stay. They can set up their makeshift clinic there. After all, they also need a proper place to store their health tools. It is even better with access to electricity.
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The fact that most of them do not go out as often as the adult men in their families
Let’s face it; most families in rural areas—including Papua and West Papua—are traditional families. Men or fathers go out for a hunt or work, while women stay at home with their children. Yes, sometimes the women shop for food and other household necessities at the local markets.
Meanwhile, the children either go to school or stay at home. During the pandemic, many of the children in rural areas have stopped going to school.
There is nothing wrong with keeping some traditional values. However, this makes it hard for women and children to be prioritized regarding health access. Many still rely on the head of the family to decide.
It is important to prioritize mother and child health for better quality generations in Papua and West Papua. That way, both provinces will build a better future. After all, every good thing must start from home.