IB2016/22 Indigenous Women, Antenatal Care and Childbirth in Papua, Indonesia

This In Brief presents some preliminary findings from qualitative research in progress on Papuan women’s use of health services for antenatal care and delivery. Papua presents the worst maternal and infant mortality rates in Indonesia, and indigenous Papuans experience poorer health than Indonesian migrants (BPS 2012). Maternal mortality is estimated at 362 per 100,000 live births compared to a national average of 220 per 100,000 live births (IPPA 2013). However, actual rates are probably higher due to under-reporting and lack of services in remote areas. Papuan women, most of whom live in rural areas, are less likely to have babies delivered by skilled personnel in a clinic or hospital than migrant women (BPS 2012:16).