JAKARTA — The health initiative of Dompet Dhuafa, through its Midwives for the Nation Program, received a prestigious accolade at the PHC Award 2023. The award ceremony, organized by the Center for Indonesia’s Strategic Development Initiatives (CISDI), took place at the Shangri-La Hotel, Jakarta, on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. The program was honored as The Most Promising PHC Initiatives, recognized by CISDI for its effective local health initiative that has significantly enhanced primary health care services, crucial for a solid health system foundation.
The dates November 13–14, 2023, marked a pivotal assembly for primary health care service advocates in Indonesia, aimed at bolstering health development across the nation’s most remote regions through innovative basic health care services. This assembly, known as the PHC Award, was convened by CISDI to bring together various initiative leaders.
The PHC Award serves to commend those dedicated to improving the quality of basic health care services. The evaluation process included site visits to the semifinalist locations for direct observation of each initiative deemed to have the most promising potential for effecting substantial change.
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“We evaluated the initiatives based on their impact, innovation, leadership resilience, inclusivity, collaboration, and sustainability, which were vividly evident at these sites,” stated Olivia Herlinda, Chief Policy & Research at CISDI.
Seven initiatives were selected to showcase their health programs’ best practices. Representing Dompet Dhuafa, Yeni Purnamasari, the General Manager of Health, detailed the accomplishments of the Midwives for the Nation Program, currently active in Letekonda Village, Loura District, Southwest Sumba.
Initiated by Dompet Dhuafa in 2021, the Midwives for the Nation Program concentrates on maternal and child health, stunting prevention, and overall health enhancement. Remarkably, in just about three years, the program has led to the establishment of healthy zones and integrated with educational and economic initiatives, ensuring long-term sustainability and impact.
The tangible success of the Midwives for the Nation Program is not only reflected in the decline in maternal and infant mortality rates but also in the empowerment of local midwives, who have emerged as pioneers in addressing health workforce disparities in remote areas. The program now spans 8 regions across Indonesia, including Southwest Sumba (NTT), Gowa (South Sulawesi), West Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara), Aceh Besar (Aceh), Lebak (Banten), South Sumatra, Merauke (Papua), and South Buton (Southeast Sulawesi), with several areas evolving into comprehensive health zones.
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“Thanks to the Midwives for the Nation, there has been a notable decline in the number of mothers giving birth at home without professional medical supervision. From initially 3 out of every 10 mothers in 2021, we’ve reached a point where none did so in 2023. This proves that positive change is achievable and lives can indeed be saved,” Yeni shared during her presentation.
Martina Tirta Sari, Head of LKC Dompet Dhuafa Central, lauded the achievements of LKC Dompet Dhuafa.
“The dedication of the midwives in the Midwives for the Nation Program is commendable. Their patient education and community support play a crucial role in the program’s success, alongside the backing from local authorities and stakeholders. We aspire for this initiative’s benefits to continue to expand, fostering a better future for Indonesia,” she remarked.
One PHC Award jury member, Heru Prasetyo, noted that the evaluation focused on identifying the challenges addressed by the initiatives, their processes, and their impact on improvements. He commended the initiative leaders for their courage in exceeding standard efforts.
“Today’s awards highlight the clarity and effectiveness of these processes. We hope the awardees view this not as an endpoint but as the commencement of an enduring endeavor. Together, we strive to ensure that our collective efforts blossom,” Rudi expressed.
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Yeni Purnamasari also acknowledged the relentless efforts of health workers in driving community change.
“This award is dedicated to all Midwives for the Nation who have served in 8 Indonesian regions to date. Their significant contributions as health warriors are indispensable. Furthermore, the success of Dompet Dhuafa’s Free Health Care Services (LKC), which continues to foster change in these areas, is commendable. Congratulations to our extraordinary midwives and health workers for their commitment to residing, serving, and accompanying the community,” Yeni elaborated.
Citra Dewi Susanti, representing the Midwives for the Nation and serving as a midwife in Letekonda Village, expressed her heartfelt gratitude for the recognition. She emphasized that the midwives’ hard work transcends duty, embodying a deeper value in assisting others.
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“I am profoundly grateful for this acknowledgment, as health care provision in the community is our responsibility. This award serves as additional motivation to continue offering even better services to the community. To all Midwives for the Nation, maintain your enthusiasm and cherish the journey, for health care is not only our duty but also a means of charity by aiding others,” Citra conveyed with emotion.
Dompet Dhuafa remains steadfast in its commitment to fostering a healthier Indonesia, where every mother and child can access the necessary health care for an improved quality of life. (Dompet Dhuafa/Anndini)