Brief Summary
This consultation designed and implemented the baseline study protocol for the "Tekad Bersama untuk Perempuan Nusa Tenggara" (Takenusa) project, supporting evidence-based planning to improve access to family planning and post-abortion care (PAC) services in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia.
Despite progress in maternal health, Indonesia continues to face high maternal mortality—particularly in regions like East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which has one of the country’s highest maternal mortality rates. Addressing reproductive health issues, including high unmet needs for family planning and poor access to quality PAC, is crucial. The Takenusa project, implemented by Yayasan Ipas Indonesia (2023–2026), aims to strengthen reproductive health services in three NTT districts through policy advocacy, service delivery improvements, and community engagement.
Prior to full implementation, this consultation developed a mixed-methods baseline study to inform the project’s design and monitoring. The study examined the availability and quality of contraceptive and PAC services, as well as the individual, familial, and institutional barriers women face in accessing them.
The baseline used a multilevel framework addressing policy, health services, community/family, and individual factors. It included health facility assessments at hospitals and puskesmas, key informant interviews with district/provincial health officials and providers, and focus group discussions with reproductive-age women, older women, men, and community health cadres. In total, 21 key informant interviews, 28 FGDs, and 11 health facility assessments were conducted across Kupang, TTS, and Flores Timur districts.
Findings from the baseline are intended to inform a co-creation process for designing women-centered, voluntary contraceptive and PAC services, while also supporting local health system strengthening and evidence-based advocacy efforts. This study contributes to improving reproductive health equity in a high-need region and aligns with Indonesia’s national PAC guidelines and commitments to reduce maternal mortality.