"This is very important because, apparently, the number of deaths (in children) due to accidents is significant," IDAI chairperson Piprim Basarah Yanuarso said during a media briefing on “Safe Travel for Children,” which was followed online from here on Tuesday.
Road accidents are among the factors that increase children's mortality rate, he pointed out.
According to him, the efforts of pediatricians who are continuing to regularly monitor children's growth and development, immunization, and nutrition fulfillment will all be futile if travel safety is ignored.
Most of the accidents among minors involve teenagers, with a rising trend recorded in accidents involving adolescents aged 15–19 years in the 2018–2020 period.
He said this needs serious attention, both from the government and the community.
Some teenagers who are not of legal age are being permitted to drive motor vehicles without any sound or safety instructions, he pointed out.
"Do not let this be a significant contributor to the mortality of our children, especially adolescents. This is related to the homecoming trip, including in the villages," he said.
He emphasized that ignoring safety instructions or carelessness could lead to accidents during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
He then asked for the cooperation of each family member in ensuring children's safety, including their health, and checking any preparations that need to be made.
That way, children can avoid accidents and continue to grow and develop more optimally.
Meanwhile, he expected the government to work with IDAI in conducting strict monitoring and finding solutions to prevailing problems.
"Massive efforts, with the support of the government, mass media, and the community, can reduce (child) mortality so that they can grow and develop optimally and become a quality generation in the future," he said.
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Translator: Hreeloita S, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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