Life expectancy is directly correlated with health. Thus, programs in the health sector, both preventive (efforts) and access to health services, continue to be improved.
Padang, W Sumatra (ANTARA) - The West Sumatra provincial government is aiming to increase life expectancy in the province to 70.17 years by 2024 by improving health access and services to the community.

"Life expectancy is directly correlated with health. Thus, programs in the health sector, both preventive (efforts) and access to health services, continue to be improved," West Sumatra Governor Mahyeldi informed here on Monday.

According to him, life expectancy in the province has continued to improve every year. In 2021, the province's life expectancy stood at 69.59 years. Then, in 2022, life expectancy reached 69.90 years, exceeding the target of 69.80 years.

For 2023, the life expectancy target is 69.89 years, and for 2024, 70.17 years.

The governor said that the life expectancy targets have been included in the 2021–2026 Regional Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMD).

The target has continued to increase each year, he added. However, because the realization in 2022 was higher than the target of 69.80 years, the target set earlier for 2023 seems lower.

"Nevertheless, we hope the realization in 2023 will also surpass the target," he said.

The increase in life expectancy, in general, has shown that there has been an increase in development in the health field and other supporting fields, Mahyeldi observed.

"Efforts for public health continue to be strived for by improving knowledge and awareness regarding health in the community through promotive and preventive efforts and the Community Healthy Lifestyle Movement (Germas), which is increasingly being promoted," he said.

Those efforts are being made to reduce stunting prevalence and improve residents' productivity as well as reduce the burden of costs for health services.

The provincial government, through the Health Office, has continued to improve health access and service quality for under-five children. Recently, the government launched a community health center in each village in the province.

The provision of health services at the village level is expected to accelerate stunting reduction as well as allow early detection of pneumonia and other diseases. That way, life expectancy can continue to increase.

The governor said he hoped for support from all parties, especially financial and legislative support, and optimization of village funds to improve the health of children in villages.

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Translator: Miko Elfisha, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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