East Java Recorded the Highest Number of Maternal Deaths Nationwide in 2021

The Indonesian Ministry of Health's family health program records report 7,389 maternal deaths in 2021. This figure represents a 59.69% increase from the previous year.

One of the main causes of the high maternal mortality rate in 2021 was infection with the coronavirus. The COVID-19 pandemic, which has been ongoing since 2020, has led to a rise in maternal deaths over the past two years.

East Java had the highest number of maternal deaths in 2021, with 1,279 deaths (17.31%). This was followed by West Java with 1,204 deaths (16.29%) and Central Java with 976 deaths (13.21%).

As is known, these three provinces recorded the highest number of COVID-19 deaths last year.

Conversely, North Kalimantan had the lowest number of maternal deaths last year, with only 29 deaths (0.39%). This was followed by West Papua with 49 deaths (0.66%), and Bengkulu with 50 deaths (0.68%).

The following are the causes of maternal deaths in 2021:

* COVID-19: 2,982 deaths
* Hemorrhage: 1,320 deaths
* Other causes: 1,309 deaths
* Pregnancy-induced hypertension: 1,077 deaths
* Heart disease: 335 deaths
* Infection: 207 deaths
* Metabolic disorders: 80 deaths
* Circulatory system disorders: 65 deaths
* Abortion: 14 deaths

The success of maternal health programs can be seen from the key indicator of maternal mortality rate (MMR). MMR is defined as all deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period caused by its management and not by other causes such as accidents or incidental events.

Based on the results of the 2015 Intercensal Population Survey (SUPAS), the maternal mortality rate in Indonesia reached 305 per 100,000 live births. This figure is lower than in 2012, which reached 359 per 100,000 live births.