Preventing Diseases With A Healthy Lifestyle, Mandatory Starting From The Family Scope

Illustration teaches children a healthy lifestyle by diligently washing hands (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Diseases that can be prevented such as pneumonia and diarrhea are still the main causes of death in children in Indonesia. This problem is further exacerbated by limited health information, the influence of habits to lifestyles that are difficult to change.

Many families, especially those living in rural areas, face challenges in adopting healthy living behavior that can protect their children.

In overcoming this problem, the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (GAVI), Unilever, and The Power of Nutrition synergize through the SIGAP Family (Siad Family Supports Health, Ready to Face the Future).

With the support of various Ministries, including the Ministry of Health, BKKBN, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Village Development, this program aims to encourage changes in a healthy lifestyle with a more family-based approach.

The pilot phase of the program run from January to June 2024 targets families with children aged 0-24 months in Bogor, West Java, and Banjar, South Kalimantan, areas that often have limited access to health services.

The final evaluation of this program shows very positive results. PCV1 vaccination coverage, which is very important to prevent pneumonia, has more than doubled from 28 percent to 64 percent.

On the other hand, the habit of washing hands with soap before feeding children also increased significantly, from 50 percent to 81 percent. This shows that changes in daily habits can have a major impact on improving family health.

The Director of Health Promotion at the Ministry of Health, dr. Elvieda Sarinati, revealed that this initiative is in line with the government's priority to improve the quality of life for Indonesian children.

"It is important for us to ensure that the immunization of children, wash hands with the right soap, and provide nutrition according to the needs of children aged 0-24 months is carried out properly. These simple habits have a very large impact on disease prevention," said dr. Elvieda.

The SIGAP Family Program focuses on changing family lifestyles through innovative training and a more interactive approach. Health workers and cadres are given training to educate families in a way that is easy to understand and fun.

Not only increasing family participation in Posyandu visits, but also helping them to change their daily behavior to be healthier and prevent disease.

"The SIGAP Family Program really helps us in educating the public, especially in areas that are difficult to reach. We see a significant increase in community participation in immunization and healthy living habits," said drg. Yasna Khairina, Head of the Banjar Health Service in Jakarta, Thursday, November 21, 2024.

In Bogor Regency, dr. Intan Widayati, Head of Public Health, added that this program has strengthened the capacity of health workers and cadres to convey health information in a more interesting and easy-to-understanding way.

"With the SIGAP Family, we involve the entire family, including fathers, to be more active in maintaining family health. Several villages have even started allocating funds for the sustainability of this program in the future," he said.

An evaluation study by Gadjah Mada University showed significant changes in behavior among families who took part in this program, including:

"We use creative media and fun tools to convey messages about healthy habits such as feeding the right food, washing hands with soap, and the importance of immunization. This makes it easier for parents to understand and practice behavior that can prevent disease," said Ardi Prastowo, Head of the SIGAP Family Program Team.

Success in the pilot area gives great hope for the expansion of this program. By 2025, the SIGAP Family program is planned to reach more families throughout Indonesia, in the hope of providing wider benefits for the community.

"Thank you to all parties, especially the government, who have supported the success of this program. We hope that the experience of this project can be implemented more broadly, bringing changes to a healthy lifestyle that has a big impact on Indonesia's future," concluded drg. Mirah.

By combining vaccination, hygiene, and nutrition, the SIGAP Family Program opens the way for a healthier future for every family in Indonesia.