Govt Devises Plan for Papua Malnutrition, Measles Outbreak

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Women Empowerment and Child Protection Minister Yohana Yembise revealed that one of the factors hampering the government`s attempt to help build the people of Papua is the local custom and religious figures.

“We feel that the government has a program but the ones who carry the people are local custom leaders and religious leaders,” said Yohana on Thursday, February 2.

Therefore, Minister Yohana is set to coordinate with the local regent, customary council, and religious leaders to give more attention to the victims of the measles outbreak in Papua.

“Most of the victims are women and children,” she explained.

Read: Child Protection Minister Claims Papua Unfit for Children

and: Measles Outbreak, 39 Health Professionals Dispatched to Papua

According to her, health and malnutrition issues in Papua are related to the tradition, habit, and behavior of certain tribes. However, she reminded that it still needs a more thorough study to determine the exact cause.

She also highlighted Papua’s women’s education that is still lacking. This problem also contributes to children’s health in Papua. Yohana argues that local customs can sometimes victimize members of the public in general.

The malnutrition and measles outbreak in Asmat District of Papua have claimed several fatalities. As many as 71 children have died since September 2017 up to January 28, 2018.

Meanwhile, 646 Papuan children are infected with measles while 218 children are suffering from malnutrition. 

Chitra Paramaesti