World Children's Day 2025, IDAI Message: Children Have Full Mental And Physical Health Rights

JAKARTA - Commemorating World Children's Day (World Children's Day) 2025 with the global theme My Day, My Rights launched by WHO and UNICEF, the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) affirms its commitment to be at the forefront of ensuring that every child's right to health is fulfilled.

The right of children to health, as stated in the UN Children's Rights Convention, includes not only the right to grow and develop optimally, the right to access quality health services, the right to adequate nutrition, the right to a safe and clean environment, as well as the right to be heard of their opinions in terms of influencing their lives, including health. Healthy children are the foundation of a nation's superior human resources, said DR Dr Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, SpA, Subsp Cardio(K), Chairman of the IDAI Central Management.

IDAI melihat adanya titik terang dan sinergi yang kuat antara tema My Day, My Rights dengan pinjir-butir penting dalam ASTA CITA Kabinet Merah Putih, khususnya pada poin:

1. Indonesian Quality Improvement: The largest investment for improving human quality begins early on, starting from the First 1000 Days of Life (HPK), fulfilling balanced nutrition, providing complete immunization, and proper stimulation to support the development of the child's brain. 2. Development Equity: IDAI encourages equitable access to quality child health services throughout Indonesia, including through increasing the capacity of children's health workers in underdeveloped, frontier, and outermost (3T) areas.3. Poverty reduction: Poverty is the root of many child health problems, such as stunting (short), malnutrition, and limited access to health facilities. Targeted social assistance programs must go hand in hand with specific health interventions.4. Strengthening Government Governance: IDAI is ready to support the government in drafting pro-child regulations and policies, such as regulating food and high- sugar, salt and fat drinks (GGL), child protection from cigarette advertising, as well as strengthening of the child disease surveillance system.

However, IDAI also noted that the health challenges of Indonesian children are still complex. Some of the critical issues that IDAI pays attention to are:

* Stunting and Nutrition Problems: Prevalence for stunting still requires accelerated reduction. IDAI continues to educate parents and health workers about the importance of nutrition in 1000 HPK, exclusive breastfeeding, and proper MPASI.

* Immunization Coverage: Optimal protection from immunization-preventable diseases (PD3I) is still a target. IDAI is active in the National Immunization Program and educates the public to reject hoaxes and misinformation about immunization. However, there are still challenges in the lack of efforts from local governments to distribute vaccines and medicines, especially in remote areas.

* Psychsocial Mental Health and Welfare: Pressure in the digital era, bullying, and the impact of the pandemic has increased the problem of mental health in children. IDAI encourages the integration of mental health services at the primary service level and increases the capacity of pediatricians in early detection of psychological problems.

* Infectious Diseases (PTM) in Children: Children's Obesity, allergies, and asthma are increasing. Healthy lifestyles, physical activity, and dietary settings must be instilled from an early age.

* Protection from Violence and Exploitation: IDAI, through the IDAI Child Protection Task Force and Youth Task Force, plays a role in identification, management, and reporting cases of violence against children, as well as advocacy for prevention.

In this momentum My Day, My Rights, IDAI calls on all stakeholders:

1. To the Government: We encourage adequate budget allocations for children's health programs, strengthening health systems, and implementing policies that protect children from products that endanger their health. 2. To Parents and Families: Be the best partner for children. Fulfill children's rights to nutrition, care that is full of affection, stimulation, and complete immunization. Listen to their voices and involve in decisions concerning their health. 3. To the Community and Media: Create a safe and healthy environment for children. Spread accurate and responsible health information, and stop stigmatizing children with certain diseases. 4. To All IDAI Members: Continue to improve competence, provide excellent service, and be a persistent advocate for the health rights of every Indonesian child wherever they are.

Every Indonesian child, wherever they are, has the right to be healthy, optimal growth and development, and is protected. Ensuring that these rights are fulfilled is not only the responsibility of parents and health workers, but a shared commitment as a nation. IDAI will continue to synergize with the government, according to the direction of ASTA CITA, to realize a healthy, intelligent, and character Indonesian Golden Generation. Today is their day, and the future is their right," concluded DR. Hikari Ambara Sjakti, SpA, Subsp. HemaOnk(K) - General Secretary of the IDAI Central Management.