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Government to meet IDPs in Bitun and Manado camps, North Sulawesi, and to 
explain the political and security situation in North Maluku. This was the 
first visit made by the North Maluku Government to these IDP camps. The 
delegation consisted of the Heads of the Satkorlak, Depsos and the Chief of the 
Returnees Monitoring and Evaluation Unit. 

International Aid Agencies attended a coordination meeting chaired by the 
acting Governor of North Maluku in Ternate on Thursday (21 Nov.) 

6. PAPUA 

Health 
Reports from various sources indicated that almost all sub-districts, Puskesmas 
and Pustu (Integrated Health Center) face two problems: staff availability; and 
shortage of medical facilities and medicine. The mortality rate of women, 
children and infants is still high in Papua. According to Drs Michael C. 
Rumbiak of Cendrawasih University, as quoted from a local newspaper Cendrawasih 
Pos on Wednesday (21 Nov.), significant actions must be taken via the 
development of education, health and economy sectors in order to effectively 
reduce the mortality rate, while the medical services provided by Puskesmas and 
Pustu should be considered as supporting measures. 

Education 
The Department of Education in Papua acknowledged the poor education 
performance in the area. Therefore, it initiated a new alternative programme 
called a Nine year Education Programme. This programme will be supported by 
UNICEF Papua with concentration in three districts of Jayapura, Jayawijaya and 
Manokwari. 

On Wednesday (20 Nov.), the Papua Governor, Jaap P. Solosa announced the 
allocation of Rp 1.8 billion fund for the rehabilitation and development of 
hostels for university students in Papua and Java (Bogor and Salatiga). 

This report and previous ones can be found at www.reliefweb.int 
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