Ciamis Health Department Launches Campaign to Reactivate Posyandu for Improved Community Health
The Health Department (Dinkes) in Ciamis, West Java, is rallying the local community to reinvigorate Posyandu (Integrated Health Posts) in every village. This initiative, aimed at boosting the capacity of health practitioners and promoting a healthy lifestyle, seeks to tackle issues like AKI (Acute Kidney Injury), malnutrition, stunting, and hypertension-related illnesses.
Kepala Bidang Kesehatan Masyarakat at Ciamis Dinkes, Eni Rochaeni, stressed the importance of active and self-sustaining Posyandu for improving community health. "To combat AKI, reduce malnutrition and stunting rates, and lower hypertension-related illnesses, we need all Posyandu to be active and self-sustaining, supported by competent health practitioners," she said.
Achieving this goal involves equipping practitioners with essential skills, including:
- Basic Health Skills: Accurate record-keeping, home visits, and explaining Posyandu services.
- Infant and Toddler Care: Demonstrating the use of the Integrated Health Record Book (KIA), promoting exclusive breastfeeding (ASI), and teaching maternal and child care skills.
- School Age and Adolescent Care: Providing balanced nutrition and physical activity guidance, and anemia prevention.
- Adult and Elderly Care: Conducting health education sessions.
Mid-level practitioners should master three key competencies, while senior practitioners need to excel in all aspects of Posyandu management and lifecycle care.
The campaign aims to create a robust network of health practitioners who can effectively manage Posyandu operations, reduce health disparities, and encourage a culture of preventive care.
