Rafidha Nur Alifah, Alfiana Ainun Nisa, Efa Nugroho, Sofwan Indarjo, Evi Widowati

Minimum Initial Service Package Readiness Assessment (MRA) for Reproductive Health in the Disaster Situation of Mount Merapi Eruption in Magelang Regency

Introduction

Minimum initial service package readiness assessment (mra) for reproductive health in the disaster situation of mount merapi eruption in magelang regency. Assess Magelang Regency's readiness for reproductive health services (MISP) in the Mount Merapi eruption disaster. This MRA study reveals suboptimal implementation & socio-cultural challenges.

Abstract

The Minimum Initial Service Package Readiness Assessment (MRA) was a comprehensive tool used to evaluate a region’s preparedness in delivering priority reproductive health services during emergencies, as outlined in the MISP. In Indonesia, the MRA had only been implemented in four provinces, including Central Java. This study was the first research conducted in Magelang Regency. It aimed to describe the implementation of the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for reproductive health during the Mount Merapi eruption disaster in Magelang Regency. A qualitative approach with a case study design was employed, involving 10 informants from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and evacuation site managers. Data were collected through observation, in-depth interviews, and document review, with data validity ensured through triangulation of techniques and data sources. The data analysis included data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicated that MISP implementation in Magelang Regency during the Mount Merapi eruption disaster remained suboptimal, particularly due to the absence of a dedicated reproductive health sub-cluster. Despite good coordination among government agencies, awareness and understanding of MISP among policymakers remained limited. Village midwives played a crucial role in health service provision at evacuation sites. However, socio-cultural constructs that perceived reproductive health issues during disasters as sensitive posed significant challenges.

Review

This paper addresses a critically important yet often overlooked area: the preparedness and delivery of reproductive health services during disaster situations, specifically utilizing the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) framework. The study, conducted in Magelang Regency following the Mount Merapi eruption, is particularly notable as it represents the first application of the Minimum Initial Service Package Readiness Assessment (MRA) in this specific region and contributes to a limited body of such research within Indonesia. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research systematically gathered insights from government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and evacuation site managers through observations, in-depth interviews, and document reviews, ensuring robust data validity through triangulation. The findings of this research offer a nuanced yet concerning picture of MISP implementation, indicating that overall preparedness remained suboptimal during the Merapi eruption disaster. Key weaknesses identified include the notable absence of a dedicated reproductive health sub-cluster, a structural gap that likely impedes coordinated service delivery. Furthermore, a significant challenge emerged from the limited awareness and understanding of MISP among key policymakers, suggesting a critical need for targeted education and advocacy. Despite these limitations, the study commendably highlights positive aspects such as good coordination among various government agencies and the indispensable role of village midwives in providing essential health services at evacuation sites. A crucial, overarching challenge, however, was the profound impact of socio-cultural constructs that rendered reproductive health issues during disasters sensitive and difficult to address effectively. This study makes a valuable contribution by rigorously diagnosing the strengths and, more importantly, the significant deficiencies in disaster reproductive health preparedness in a specific Indonesian context. The identified gaps – particularly the structural void of a sub-cluster, knowledge deficits among policymakers, and deeply ingrained socio-cultural barriers – provide clear actionable insights for improving future disaster responses. Future efforts should prioritize the establishment of dedicated coordination mechanisms for reproductive health, invest in comprehensive training and awareness programs for all stakeholders, and develop culturally sensitive strategies to address reproductive health needs during emergencies. The paper effectively underscores the complex interplay of structural, educational, and cultural factors that ultimately determine the success of humanitarian reproductive health interventions.

Full Text

Comments

You need to be logged in to post a comment.