West Java Boosts Life Expectancy with New Health Program
Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- West Java province in Indonesia is committed to increasing life expectancy through strengthening integrated primary healthcare services.
- The provincial government launched the KITA SEHAT program, which aims to accelerate stunting reduction and improve toddler nutrition.
- The program, supported by the Australian government, focuses on preventive and promotive efforts to reach a wider population and improve national health targets.
West Java, Indonesia โ The provincial government of West Java is prioritizing the enhancement of integrated primary healthcare services to boost the life expectancy of its residents. This commitment was recently highlighted by Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan during the launch of the KITA SEHAT program in Jakarta.
"We are committed to improving the quality of public health services with the support of the KITA SEHAT Program. Strengthening primary healthcare services is not just about improving service quality, but a form of health governance reform to be more effective, equitable, and sustainable," Erwan stated. He believes the program is highly relevant to West Java's social and health challenges, particularly in speeding up stunting reduction and improving toddler nutrition.
We are committed to improving the quality of public health services with the support of the KITA SEHAT Program. Strengthening primary healthcare services is not just about improving service quality, but a form of health governance reform to be more effective, equitable, and sustainable.
The KITA SEHAT program is a collaborative effort expected to catalyze health transformation across 27 districts and cities in West Java. This initiative builds upon the province's existing "Dokter Desa" (Village Doctor) program, which deploys medical personnel to remote areas to ensure accessible, timely, and quality healthcare. The success of these health transformations in West Java is anticipated to significantly impact not only the province but also national health development targets.
Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin emphasized that increasing life expectancy is a key indicator of a healthy population. The government aims to raise Indonesia's average life expectancy from 74 to 76 years within the next five years. The primary focus, he noted, is on keeping people healthy before treating illness, making the strengthening of primary healthcare a top priority. He also urged the public to undergo regular annual health check-ups for early disease detection.
The main focus of the government is to keep people healthy, and then treat people who are sick. Therefore, strengthening primary healthcare services is a priority.
Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.