From the Field
FOHG trip report to Ende
May 2009
The Island of Flores in Western Indonesia is a tropical paradise, but the maternal and neonatal health (MNH) statistics give no indication of this. Hence, MNH is a priority program with the Indonesian Department of Health.
FOHG spent almost a year in the planning of a program which in collaboration with the Ende health authorities, commenced in May 2009. This Train the Trainer Program, held in the capital Ende, is supported by an AusAID grant. Delivered in bahasa Indonesian, as well as developing teaching skills in 4 local doctors and midwives the program is upgrading their knowledge, vital obstetric skills and neonatal practice.
Under the supervision of FOHG these 4 Trainers are transferring their skills to 16 bidan (midwives) selected from puskesmas in the surrounding district.
 
The enthusiasm from the participants has been rewarding. They have reported a steep learning curve in skills which will enhance their practice and lessen the dangers of childbirth. Under the program design, the bidan will provide in service sessions on their new found knowledge to other bidan who were not as fortunate to attend.
Ende is situated on the South coast of the Indonesian island of Flores.
It sits in a small bay and is surrounded by highly picturesque but mountainous country. The bidan often have to travel many kilometres to attend their 2 day portion of the week long program.
This distance from services is just one of the many obstacles the FOHG team have to develop life saving strategies for.
Another major issue is the lack of equipment the bidan have at their disposal. It is easy to teach midwives that blood pressure is an important health indicator, but when there are no facilities to take the blood pressure life becomes a risk which can not be justified.
With 3 further trips planned, the team are hoping to make significant inroads to sustainable health care through this program
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