One Indonesian mother¹ and seven newborns² die from preventable causes every hour. The government of Indonesia has called for increased attention on maternal and newborn health, focusing on areas where disparities are greatest. MOMENTUM supports local Indonesian governments by increasing access to and quality of services in health facilities, increasing the role of the private sector plays in providing these services, and supporting local governments to effectively monitor them.

In June, USAID Indonesia Mission Director Jeff Cohen visited Kartini Mother and Child Hospital in Makassar City, South Sulawesi Province, one of eight private hospitals working with MOMENTUM Private Healthcare Delivery in Indonesia. He learned about the progress of MOMENTUM’s mentoring program for hospital management and observed how hospital staff manage emergency obstetric care.

“[USAID’s] partnership strengthens coordination between public and private health providers and improves the quality of maternal and newborn health services in private facilities,” said Cohen.

Dr. Rina Previana Amiruddin, an obstetrician at Kartini Hospital, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership with MOMENTUM, saying, “The presence of a mentor team with the local health service office providing guidance is very useful for our hospital staff [as we work to] to improve the quality of maternal and newborn health services. I hope that this small hospital can have a direct contribution in reducing maternal and newborn deaths in the city.”

The MOMENTUM project, which began its activities in Makassar City in September 2021, has provided support to eight private hospitals by organizing capacity strengthening workshops in the areas of quality and patient safety, mentorship, and the use of digital applications for referrals.