Speaking in Samarinda on Sunday, IDAI East Kalimantan chairperson Diane Meytha Supit said the initiative is part of a pediatric social responsibility program aimed at improving child healthcare services at primary healthcare facilities, such as community health centers (puskesmas), through mentoring by pediatric specialists.
"We began with educational sessions for health cadres, followed by community service activities and growth and development screenings at Lok Bahu Community Health Center in Sungai Kunjang Subdistrict, Samarinda," she explained.
Diane stressed that integrated health post (posyandu) cadres play a vital role in the early detection of growth and developmental disorders. Inaccurate height or weight measurements, she noted, can lead to healthy children being misclassified as stunted, or vice versa.
"Accurate data is essential for proper intervention. If detected at the posyandu level, children can be quickly referred to the puskesmas," she said.
Lok Bahu was chosen as the focal point due to its relatively high number of stunting cases, with around 100 children re-screened that day.
The program also extends to remote areas such as Mahakam Ulu District through the Mandatory Service for Specialist Doctors (WKDS) program.
Head of Public Health Affairs at the Samarinda Health Office, Rudy Agus Riyanto, said the city's current stunting rate is 20.2 percent, with a target of 18.3 percent by 2029 — below the national target of 19 percent.
"If the program continues consistently, the reduction could be faster. We also need media support to educate the public," he said.
IDAI East Kalimantan aims to expand healthcare coverage, especially in areas with high stunting rates, to build a healthier and stronger generation in the province.
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Translator: Primayanti
Editor: Anton Santoso
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