Papua Has High Maternal Mortality Rate: BKKBN

Jakarta, Oct 31 (Antara) - The National Family Planning and Population Board (BKKBN) said the maternal mortality rate in Papua Province was still high. "The local government should give serious attention to the high maternal mortality rate. It should protect Papuan women and maintain the healthiness of their reproduction," Julianto Witjaksono, BKKBN deputy for family planning and reproduction health, said here on Wednesday. Therefore, the organization of cabinet ministers` wives (SIKIB) visited the Wulukubun village, Keerom District, in Papua to observe public facilities and family planning services there. It also inaugurated a local community activity center and a `smart` house in the district. Julianto Witjaksono said that about 500 mothers died of bleeding during labor every year in the district. It was also difficult for officials to provide family planning services for native Papuan women. "Of the many family planning service options, they prefer to use the pills, injection and implant methods," he said. BKKBN Head for Papua Nerius Auparay said meanwhile a new strategy was needed to introduce the family planning program to Papuan natives.