NTT Has High Infant Mortality Rate

Kupang, NTT, Dec 21 (ANTARA) - The Regional Information and Study Center (Patiro), expressed concern with the high infant mortality rate in East Nusatenggara (NTT). Yulius Hendra, a Patiro leader, quoting a research figure, said infant mortality rate in East Nusatenggara averaged 8 percent , almost doubling the national infant death rate of 4.4 percent. Indonesia may fail to reach the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2015 because of the high mortality rate in NTT, he said here on Friday. Infant mortality rate is one of the factors to be considered in achieving the MDGs, he added. He cited a number of causes for the high mortality rate including lack of health awareness of the people. He said pregnant women choose to go to traditional midwives although health centers are already available in rural areas. "The fault lies not only in the people but the government and in all of us, for not giving enough information," he said. He said the main causes of the death of babies in NTT include infection, being born premature, bay weight being less than 2.5 kg and respiratory problem. High infant mortality rates were recorded in 14 regencies/cities in NTT including the city of Kupang, the regencies of Kupang, Timor Tengah Selatan (TTS), Timor Tengah Utara (TTU) and Belu, Sumba Barat, Sumba Timur, Manggarai Barat, Manggarai Timur, Ende, Flores Timur and Lembata. NTT has a long way to go to achieve the MDGs target in 2015, Yulius said.