International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics

The Indonesian government is unlikely to achieve its desired cut in maternal mortality rates under existing conditions, an expert has stated.

According to official figures, there were 228 fatalities for every 100,000 live births during 2007.

The government wants to cut this number by more than half, but the National Family Planning Board believes this will not be possible unless contraceptives become easier to access, the Jakarta Globe reports.

Sudibyo Alimoeso, director of the organisation, said this can only be achieved if city and district governments cooperate on the issue.

"If [mothers] are committed to using contraceptives properly, then they won't get pregnant and maternal mortality rates will go down," he commented.

Mr Alimoeso added that family planning is not universally known in Indonesia and that many people do not understand how it works.

"We have to empower the community to become agents of change," he said.

The Indonesian government is aiming to cut the maternal death rate in the country to 102 fatalities for every 100,000 live births.

Posted by Alexandra George