KADER POSYANDU: PERANAN DAN TANTANGAN PEMBERDAYAANNYA DALAM USAHA PENINGKATAN GIZI ANAK DI INDONESIA

Abstract

Children nutritional status is remain a public health problem in
Indonesia. The magnitude of problem depends on the
contribution of local cadres of integrated health office (called
as Kader Posyandu) in the area. Kader Posyandu is assigned
based on voluntary; and should be appointed, agreed and
trusted by the local community in their working area. Kader
Posyandu is expected to empower the community to solve
their own health and nutrition problems especially among the
family with under-five year children. However, there is
contradictory dilemma that they do not necessitate to have
appropriate knowledge and skill on health and nutrition to
perform their tasks properly. Limited incentive, material and
non-material supports frequently become their performances
constraints. No exclusive breastfeeding, too early or too late
complementary feeding practices, inadequate and unsafe
complementary food are commonly cause of growth impairment
among under-five children. Posyandu revitalization program
promoted by the government is not optimal executed by the
local governments. The implementation of nutrition training is
sporadic so that it is not reach throughout Indonesia area.
Therefore, a comprehensive and systematic solution to
empower Kader Posyandu is required. Development of
education program for community health worker is one of the
options to solve the problem. The program could produce
educators or teachers who able to train community health
worker to perform their tasks effectively and optimal.
Keywords: kader Posyandu, nutrition education, nutritional
status, under-five children, complementary feeding, food
safety