Indonesia has a program, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), to
vaccinate children from 1-5 years old. Hepatitis B Vaccines are the primary focus
because it is the most prevalent contributor to child morbidity and mortality in
Indonesia. The program also includes vaccines against Tuberculosis, Polio,
Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis and Measles.
Indonesia is fortunate to be the home of PT Bio Farma, which is the largest ‘halal’
pharmacy producer, hence the government has access to favorably priced
vaccines that are included in the program.
Although WHO has been supporting Indonesian Government for this program, it
does not mean that we do not have problem distributing the program in all
provinces. Every province has their policy related to the health program,
especially for the child vaccination, and its success depends on the commitment
from local government, operational cost and human resources.
However the biggest problem is in the perception of local people and their lack of
knowledge about vaccination, they have had (or heard of) bad experiences with
their children getting sick after receiving a vaccine. This is where GoldTeak
provides support, by providing support and giving knowledge to the people
(parents, teachers and the children) to understand why they need to be
vaccinated.
Cibening is a small village with less than 100 children who are 1-5 years old and
about 80 children who are 6-12 years old. Almost all the children who are 1-5
years old and 6-12 years old have received vaccines.
Mrs Neni is the health officer in Posyandu “Kemuning” (Pos Pelayanan Terpadu
or Intergrated Service Center) at Cibening explains that her duties are: to weigh
the babies (0-11 months and young children 1-5 years old). She keeps a record of
the childrens weight until they are 5 years old. Children who are 6-8 years old,
receive their follow up vaccines and Tetanus shots at school.
Mrs Teti is the health officer in Puskesmas (Pusat Kesehatan Masyarakat or
Local Health Center) in Bantar Gadung, a neighbouring village. She comes to
Cibening once a month to check the women who are pregnant, give assistance on
the birth control programs. She brings contraception pills or injection. And she
assists people to get the Jamkesmas service (Health Insurance for poor people).
