Join Indonesia’s Free Health Screening Program Now for Better Public Health
Jakarta, Indonesia – The Ministry of Health in Indonesia is calling on the public to take advantage of the free health screening program launched to combat the triple burden of disease plaguing the nation. Rima Damayanti, the head of the ministry’s primary health service integration working team, emphasized the need for a strategic approach to raise awareness about the upcoming health screenings set to commence in February this year.
**The Triple Burden of Disease**
Indonesia is grappling with a complex health challenge characterized by three main categories of diseases: infectious diseases, non-infectious diseases, and emerging infectious diseases like Ebola, COVID-19, and H5N1. The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) shed light on various health concerns prevalent across different age groups within the population.
**Health Issues Across Age Groups**
In infants and preschool children, the survey revealed a stunting rate of 21.5 percent and wasting at 8.5 percent. Schoolchildren and adolescents were found to be grappling with smoking (7.4 percent), anemia (15.6 percent), and mental health issues (34.9 percent). The situation worsened among adults, with obesity affecting 23.4 percent of the population, hypertension at 30.8 percent, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1) at 1.6 percent.
**Underutilization of Health Screening**
Despite the pressing need for health screenings, data indicates that less than half of the population—only 39.87 percent—has undergone screening for non-communicable diseases. Shockingly, many individuals over 20 years old have never received essential health checks, with a large percentage failing to monitor critical health indicators like blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, weight, and blood pressure.
**The Importance of Early Detection**
Rima Damayanti emphasized the vital role of early detection through health screenings in mitigating disease severity, improving treatment outcomes, and optimizing healthcare expenditure. The upcoming health screening initiative aims to reach a significant portion of Indonesia’s 280 million residents, with screenings to be conducted at community health centers and privately owned clinics across the nation.
**Take Charge of Your Health**
As we navigate the complexities of our health, it’s essential to prioritize preventive care and early detection. By participating in Indonesia’s free health screening program, you not only safeguard your well-being but also contribute to the collective health of our nation. Let’s take proactive steps towards better public health outcomes together.
Remember, your health is your most valuable asset. Don’t wait—join the free health screening program today and invest in a healthier future for yourself and your community.
