Starfruit (malangkota.go.id) – Immunization plays an important role in preventing various Immunization-Preventable Diseases (PD3I) such as tuberculosis, polio, and hepatitis. The still high number of PD3I cases encourages strategic and synergistic steps to increase immunization achievement in toddlers. Therefore, the Malang City Health Office (Dinkes) held an Advocacy and Socialization Meeting for the Immunization Program which was attended by various elements of society and related professions at the Atria Hotel, Malang City, Thursday (20/6/2024).
Head of the Malang City Health Office, dr. Husnul Muarif, MM said that immunization not only provides protection for individuals, but immunization will also form group immunity and provide cross-group protection. Immunization is important in preventing PD3I which is still common in Malang City.
"Even some cases become KLB (Extraordinary Events), such as diphtheria and pertussis. Thus we move together with the support of various parties, both agencies and non-agencies. Because immunization depends on community mobilization, community participation to come during the implementation of immunization which can be served at various health facilities," he explained.
Husnul emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration in mobilizing the community to be aware of the importance of immunization. "The Health Office cannot do it alone, there must be assistance from the community and other stakeholders. The hope is that the target for complete basic immunization is at least 95 percent of the total target in Malang City and the final goal is of course to have zero PD3I cases," hoped Husnul.
He further explained that currently the immunization achievement of Malang City is at 89,9 percent. Of course, this achievement must be increased so that it can match or even exceed the target. "At least 95 percent to prevent PD3I, because community immunity or herd immunity will be formed, because mobilization in Malang City is very high," he explained.
To support the increase in immunization achievement, the Malang City Health Office also developed the Toddler Immunization Support System Dashboard (DASSI BALITA) in an effort to increase immunization achievement to prevent PD3I. This program is used to monitor toddler immunization achievement.
"The application will be utilized well when data input is done routinely and accurately. This application is a means for the Malang City Government to monitor the achievement of toddler immunization and will be useful for policy makers and regional stakeholders to be able to formulate strategies so that immunization targets can be achieved," he explained.
Likewise, Acting Mayor of Malang Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM said that children's health is a big investment for the future of the nation, especially to prepare the generation that will color Indonesia Emas 2045. One of the efforts made to provide health protection for children is by providing complete immunization.
"Malang City Government is committed to increasing the coverage of complete routine immunization for children in Malang City to create a healthy, intelligent, and characterful generation," he said.
Wahyu also encouraged all parents to increase awareness and concern and invite their children to get immunizations. Including all elements of society to play an active role in supporting the immunization program in Malang City.
The number one person in the Malang City Government encouraged all health workers to improve immunization services well. "I am sure with good commitment and cooperation we will be able to achieve the target of complete routine immunization and can protect our children from PD3I," he concluded. (ari/yon)
