Posyandu: a community based vehicle to improve child survival and development.

Abstract

The Indonesian government views health as a basic human need in order to live a productive life. HFA 2000 is a program that is part of Indonesia's national philosophy of Pancasila. Intercensal data indicates that women and children are not being reached by Indonesia's Health program, HFA 2000. Infant morality is 70/1000, maternal mortality is 4.5/1000 and the birth rate of 31/1000. These figures clearly show that the Trilogy of National development is not being shared by women and children. Indonesia developed a national health care system in the early 1980's in an attempt to bring progressive orientations and systems to mobilize all potential resources to increase health service coverage, community involvement, and intersectorial collaboration. In an effort to reduce infant and mother mortality and reduce the number of pregnancies, the 4th-5 year development plan formed an integrated service post called Posyandu which is the focus of this article. Special emphasis is paid to the role of Posyandu in efforts to overcome the major health problems faced by the women and children of Indonesia. The health care delivery system has several level, home and self care in 1st followed by community based preventative and promotive care (Posyandu), followed by basic professional care at health centers and clinics which are followed by 1st and higher referrals to district and advanced hospitals. Posyandu is a significant step towards HFA 2000 bring an integrated program of MCH, FP, nutrition, immunization and diarrheal control at the village level.