TIMES JAZIRAH, MADIUN – The National Population and Family Planning Board (BKKBN) of Indonesia has conducted a training program for delegates from Kenya on the management of Family Planning (FP) and Reproductive Health (RH) programs. The event took place in the city of Madiun, East Java, from September 17 to September 23, 2023. 

It was attended by 11 participants representing the Kenyan government (NCPD), general practitioners, obstetricians and gynecologists, midwives, family planning and maternal and child health academics from Kenyatta University.

The training program, organized with the support of the Kenyan Embassy in Indonesia, also had three representatives from the International Organization Partners in Population and Development (PPD) as observers. Additionally, representatives from Bangladesh were present.

Professor Drh. Muhammad Rizal Martua Damanik, M.Rep.Sc, Ph.D, Deputy for Training, Research, and Development at BKKBN, explained that the international training was themed "Training on Improving Family Planning and Reproductive Health Programs for Kenya Government." He highlighted the collaboration between the governments of Indonesia and Kenya, both being members of the Population Development Partners and the South-South and Triangular Cooperation (SSTC).

Kenya was Inspired by Indonesia's success Way in Reducing MMR

In 2022, the National Council for Population and Development (NCPD) of Kenya expressed a desire to learn from Indonesia through training and sharing experiences. It was esppecially in managing Family Planning and Reproductive Health programs.

"Currently, Kenya has a Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR) of 342 per 100,000 live births, based on 2017 data. One of the strategies to reduce MMR is through contraception. The use of contraceptives allows spacing between children and protects mothers from four causes of maternal death," the Prof said. 

He also stated that Indonesia's success is a learning opportunity for other countries worldwide, particularly in Asia and Africa has become one achievement for the country that inspire other to do the same. In 2022, Indonesia received the United National Population Award 2022. 

As for now, Indonesia actively participates in international forums related to population and development issues, including the 54th session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD). This forum emphasizes the interconnection of nutrition, food security, reproductive health, and ensuring proper nutrition for pregnant women, mothers, and newborns. It also focuses on preventing newborn malnutrition and stunting.

Indonesian Programs to Fight Stunting

This tropical country with the fourth most populous country globally, with 270.6 million people,has actively addressed these concerns. Among its initiatives are the Healthy Kitchen to Combat Stunting program, which aims to enhance nutritional status through convergence approaches at the village level.

Another key initiative is the Electronic Ready for Marriage and Pregnancy (Elsimil) application, used for screening prospective couples and providing educational resources on marriage and pregnancy readiness. Elsimil also monitors medication adherence and pregnancy preparation.

Lastly, the Family Planning Village (Kampung KB) program integrates and converges at the village level to strengthen family institutions and improve human resources, families, and communities' quality of life.

The Mayor of Madiun, Drs. H. Maidi, S.H, M.M, M.Pd, expressed his appreciation for the participants and organizers of the international training. He highlighted the importance of international cooperation in accelerating stunting reduction, family planning, and reproductive health.

Maidi discussed the declining stunting rate in Madiun, from 12.4% in 2021 to 9.7% in 2022, attributing it to the city's dedicated efforts. Madiun's Human Development Index (HDI) reached 82.01 in 2022, ranking third in East Java and 22nd in Indonesia.

The international training program in Madiun, East Java symbolizes the commitment of Indonesia and Kenya to enhancing the quality of life, reducing stunting, and improving family planning and reproductive health programs. This collaborative effort leverages Indonesia's successful experiences and best practices to benefit the health and well-being of both countries' populations. (*)