UNAIR NEWS – The UNAIR-UNICEF Indonesia partnership program has been commenced. The Cooperation Agreement Program is focused on addressing health problems in East Java. One of the activities is a workshop on “Strengthening Micro Planning and ToT to Increase Regular Immunization Coverage in East Java” held online on Thursday, September 16, 2021.
In this event, UNAIR and UNICEF Indonesia collaborated with the East Java Provincial Health Agency and some related stakeholders to support equal distribution of immunization coverage in 11 target regencies; Bangkalan, Situbondo, Pamekasan, Jember, Probolinggo, Sampang, Pasuruan, Jombang, Sidoarjo, Nganjuk, and Sumenep.
“Today’s event is part of the UNAIR-UNICEF partnership program. However, because we can’t work alone, we also invited the East Java Provincial Health Agency to disseminate to the health offices in 11 target regencies,” said dr. Nyoman Anita Damayanti, drg., M.S as the Program Focal Point.
She explained that the Covid-19 pandemic has affected regular immunization. According to a Ministry of Health and UNICEF survey, 84 percent of all health facilities reported putting on hold immunization services at both public health centers (puskesmas) and integrated health posts (posyandu).
In the regencies’ presentation session, many expressed problems related to the implementation of immunization, as found in Pamekasan Regency. One of the basic problems was the residents’ reluctance to get immunization because they feared the Covid-19 vaccine.
“Without immediate preventive action, the problems that arise will result in enormous occurrences of PD3I (transmitted diseases that can actually be prevented with immunization) in the future,” said Nyoman.
The event was opened by the Head of the Universitas Airlangga’s Partnerships and Development Management Board (BKMP), represented by Dr. Dewi Retno Suminar M.Si. Psychologist. On that occasion, the health agencies from 11 regencies participated. Dr. Armunanto, M.PH. from UNICEF Indonesia; Head of the East Java Provincial Health Agency; and the Dean of FKM UNAIR, Dr. Santi Martini, dr., M.Kes. were attending.
According to dr. Santi Martini, dr. M.Kes, this event is a form of community service by Universitas Airlangga, especially to improve the quality of human life.
“This is one of our roles to participate in providing solutions to health problems around us. It will work faster if we collaborate,” concluded Santi. (*)
Author: Erika Eight Novanty
Editor : Khefti Al Mawalia (YA/AP)
