Jakarta (ANTARA) – General Chair of the Indonesian Midwives Association (IBI) Ade Jubaedah said that midwives are one of the frontline health workers in preventing iron deficiency anemia (ADB) in mothers and children considering that this type of anemia is the most common.
“The important role of midwives as one of the frontliners in screening for iron deficiency anemia (ADB) is a very positive thing that needs to be continuously improved,” said Ade at the launch of a collaborative initiative on recommendations for screening and preventing ADB for Indonesian mothers and children in Jakarta, Tuesday. .
ADB contributes greatly to causing various complications such as those related to obstetric complications which in turn increase the risk of occurrence hemorrhagic postpartum or even postpartum bleeding hemorrhagic antepartum or bleeding before pregnancy. For this reason, ADB screening is important for expectant mothers and expectant mothers.
Not only targeting mothers, Ade reminded that ADB screening also needs to be carried out on children. Especially considering that the Indonesian government aspires to give birth to a golden generation in 2045, so children’s health problems need to be resolved.
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Ade said, there are around 450 thousand midwives spread throughout Indonesia where they work in various health service facilities, with around 160 thousand midwives working in community health centers and around 44 thousand midwives working in independent midwife practices.
Quoting the 2018 Basic Health Research (Riskesdas), he stated that 82.4 percent of midwifery services were provided by midwives, of which 44 percent of services were provided by midwives at midwife independent practice sites. This data strengthens the role of midwives in health services on the front line.
Pregnant women who suffer from anemia are at risk of giving birth to stunted children.
Ade also expressed his gratitude to the government for involving midwives in the program to accelerate stunting reduction, where midwives act as coordinators in the family assistance team (TPK) which looks after mothers from pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, to post-pregnancy.
“This is also related to how we screen a mother for iron deficiency anemia, starting from the prospective bride or mother-to-be for three months, accompanied by a midwife along with another team, namely a PKK team and another family planning cadre,” he said.
Ade expressed his appreciation for various parties and strategic partners who have supported IBI in its efforts to eliminate iron deficiency anemia.
He hopes that the midwife profession can be strengthened by the government through regulations. Support from across ministries is also expected to become stronger, starting from the Ministry of Health, Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture, Kemendukbangga/BKKBN, Ministry of Villages PDT, to the Ministry of Home Affairs.
“Because the existence of health-oriented regulations is one of the very important things for midwives to continue to improve the quality of services, especially how to eliminate anemia,” said Ade.*
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The Iron Curtain of Anemia: Why Midwives are the Real Superheroes!
Gather ‘round, folks! It’s time to talk about a monumental issue happening over in Jakarta, and no, I’m not referring to the latest TikTok dance challenge. I’m talking about something even more vital for the health of mothers and little ones: iron deficiency anemia (or ADB, because who doesn’t love a good acronym?). As it turns out, midwives are stepping up like the A-Team of health care!
Midwives: The Unsung Heroes of Anemia Prevention
According to the General Chair of the Indonesian Midwives Association, Ade Jubaedah—seriously, if that name were a superhero, it would be Ade Jubaedah: The Anemia Avenger—midwives are at the forefront in the battle against iron deficiency. Imagine them whipping out their stethoscopes and capes, ready for action!
“The important role of midwives as one of the frontliners in screening for iron deficiency anemia (ADB) is a very positive thing that needs to be continuously improved,” Ade noted at the launch of a fabulous new initiative to tackle this health crisis. So, let’s give a round of applause for our midwife friends, who are not just professional birth attendants, but also the gatekeepers of our health. It’s like being a bouncer at the club of life—only, instead of checking IDs, they’re checking iron levels!
The Complications—Not Just Your Average Tuesday!
Now, you’d think anemia is just another boring medical term, but oh no! It can lead to some serious business if left unchecked. We’re talking complications like postpartum hemorrhage. Yes, you heard it right, folks! This isn’t something that will be entertaining at a dinner party—unless you’re into that sort of thing. If we want to avoid these drama-filled scenarios, then screening for anemia is crucial not only for mothers but for children too!
Building a Golden Generation, One Iron Molecule at a Time!
In a staggering twist, the Indonesian government has plans for a “golden generation” by 2045. But how can we whip up this dream team if the kids are running low on, well, iron? Ade emphasizes that it’s about catching these deficiencies early, starting from the bride-to-be phase. Talk about foresight! Midwives will now be involved in a life team, preparing our future MVPs from day one.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s get down to the facts, shall we? With around 450,000 midwives scattered across Indonesia, that’s a lot of iron-loving women ready to combat anemia! They account for a whopping 82.4% of midwifery services, particularly in independent practices. I mean, if midwifery were an Olympics event, let’s hope they’d win gold medals!
The Battle Against Stunting
Ade also tipped his hat to the government for engaging midwives in the fight against stunting—yes, now there are more superheroes in town! Midwives are essential coordinators in family health teams, ensuring mothers and babies remain healthy throughout their journeys. They’re like your nurturing best friend who never lets you go without a snack on the way to your goals.
Strengthening the Superhero Squad
To take this initiative further, Ade is calling for more government support to boost the midwife profession. Can I get a “Hallelujah”? Regulations need to back up these dedicated women and better the quality of services they offer. It’s like putting a user manual on how to save lives—essential reading, people!
Wrapping It Up
So, as we dive deeper into these health initiatives led by midwives, let’s cheer on the Iron Avengers of the healthcare world! They’re tirelessly working to ensure that no mother or child is left behind in the battle against ADB. Because let’s face it, when it comes to health—it’s a team effort, and every player counts.
What are the most significant challenges that midwives face in addressing iron deficiency anemia among mothers and children in Indonesia?
**Interview with Ade Jubaedah, General Chair of the Indonesian Midwives Association**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Ade Jubaedah! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the vital role that midwives play in health care, particularly in combating iron deficiency anemia (ADB).
**Ade Jubaedah:** Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to raise awareness about this critical issue.
**Interviewer:** To start off, can you tell us why iron deficiency anemia is such a pressing concern for mothers and children in Indonesia?
**Ade Jubaedah:** Absolutely. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it can lead to severe complications like postpartum hemorrhage, which poses significant risks to mothers during and after childbirth. For children, anemia can hinder proper growth and development. We need to address these health problems early to ensure a healthy future generation.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like midwives have a crucial role in this prevention effort. Can you elaborate on what specific initiatives midwives are undertaking to combat ADB?
**Ade Jubaedah:** Certainly! Midwives are on the front lines of screening for iron deficiency anemia. We’re implementing initiatives that involve checking iron levels not only in expectant mothers but also in children. For example, we’re encouraging screenings for brides-to-be starting three months prior to marriage. This proactive approach is essential in identifying and addressing nutritional deficiencies before they impact pregnancy and child health.
**Interviewer:** That’s fantastic! You mentioned a vision for a “golden generation” by 2045. How does addressing iron deficiency fit into that goal?
**Ade Jubaedah:** The government’s aspiration for a golden generation relies heavily on the health of our children today. If kids are battling deficiencies like anemia, it limits their potential. By involving midwives in community health initiatives, we aim to screen and support families right from pre-pregnancy to ensure healthier pregnancies, healthier children, and ultimately a prosperous future for Indonesia.
**Interviewer:** It sounds like midwives are doing much more than assisting in births; they’re integral to community health. What support do you believe midwives need from the government to enhance their capabilities in this area?
**Ade Jubaedah:** We are grateful for the support we receive, but we hope for stronger health-oriented regulations that empower midwives further. Increased collaboration among ministries, from health and human development to local governance, is crucial. This collaboration will improve the quality of our services and enhance our capacity to eliminate anemia effectively.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Ade Jubaedah, for sharing these insights. It’s clear that midwives are indeed the unsung superheroes in the battle against anemia!
**Ade Jubaedah:** Thank you! It’s essential that we continue to advocate for midwives and recognize their vital role in promoting health for mothers and children in Indonesia.
