This text describes a visit and discussion with health cadres in Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta, focusing on community-based surveillance and disease transmission. Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Enthusiasm and Role of health Cadres:
The author is impressed by the enthusiasm and health knowledge of the “cadre mothers” and the RW head. This demonstrates that citizens in metropolitan cities like Jakarta are willing to contribute to public health.
This citizen enthusiasm is a valuable asset for Jakarta’s programs and aligns with the slogan “Jakarta Burning.”
Community-Based Surveillance (SBM – based Surveillance):
The discussion centered on community-based surveillance.
Cadres initially understood “surveillance” as “survey” or “data collection.”
The author clarifies that surveillance is continuous data collection followed by appropriate actions.
Benefits of continuous data collection:
1.Trend identification: Understanding data development over time.
2. Early detection: Identifying increases in specific health problems from the outset.
3.Prompt action: Enabling immediate interventions to prevent health problems from escalating.
The author emphasizes that even pandemics start with unmanaged initial cases (“case index”).
Even though the cadres are primarily “jumantik” (larvae monitors for dengue), they are encouraged to monitor and report any health problems they observe to the Kebayoran Baru District Health Centre.
this type of community involvement is termed “SBM – Based Surveillance.”
Vectors and Disease Transmission:
The author explains the concept of vectors: organisms (animals or insects) that carry and transmit pathogens (disease-causing microorganisms) from one host to another. It’s crucial to understand that the vector itself is not the cause of the disease, but rather the microorganism it carries.
Two key points about disease transmission are highlighted:
1. Direct transmission: Some diseases, like COVID-19 and tuberculosis, are transmitted directly from person to person, not through vectors.
2. Non-communicable diseases (PTM): These diseases are not caused by infectious agents and can have risk factors linked to multiple diseases. For example, smoking is a risk factor for lung cancer, heart disease, and stroke.
conclusion and Future Outlook:
The meeting concluded with a group photo, met with enthusiasm.
The author hopes the enthusiasm of health cadres in Kebayoran Baru, and other Puskesmas and regions in Jakarta and Indonesia, will be nurtured by health workers and local leaders. These cadres are described as a vital “army” and “front guard” in addressing public health challenges.
* The author mentions an upcoming tuberculosis cadre training by the Indonesian Tuberculosis Eradication Association (PPTI) as another example of community organizations actively working in public health.
In essence, the text is a positive report on the engagement of community health cadres in Jakarta, highlighting their potential and the importance of their role in public health initiatives, especially in surveillance and disease prevention.
