Collaborating with Health Workers, KKNT Inovasi IPB University Team Distributes Polio Vaccines and Socialises My Plate Contents in Muncang

The IPB University Innovation Real-Thematic Work Lecture (KKNT) student team in collaboration with health workers conducted polio immunisation and Isi Piringku counselling at Puskesmas Pembantu (Pustu) Kampung Karang, Jagaraksa Village, Muncang District, Lebak, Banten (23/7). This activity was attended by 55 participants who were housewives with children under five, as well as pregnant and lactating mothers.

The activity was an implementation of the Posyandu Jagaraksa Sehat (POROS) and Penyyandu Ibu Rumah Tangga (Penyu BIRU) programmes at Pustu Kampung Karang.

KKNT Inovasi team member Hizkia Pandya said the programme was an opportunity to raise public awareness about the dangers of stunting and polio. “This is a form of effective synergy between students and villages,” he explained.

Hizkia explained that the activity began with the POROS programme targeting children aged 0-7 years. IPB University students collect data on these children, including physical conditions such as weight, height, and head circumference. 

“Through this data collection, parents can monitor their children’s health conditions, so that stunting conditions in children can be prevented. Not only that, children who take part in this programme also receive two drops of vaccine to prevent polio,” she explained. 

Midwife Noviyanti also assured parents not to be afraid of the use of vaccines in children. “There is no need to be afraid of the side effects of the polio vaccine on children, there is no dangerous impact,” she said.

In addition to the POROS programme, the KKNT IPB University team also organised counselling on the contents of my plate. According to Hizkia, this counselling is expected to increase parents’ awareness about the importance of healthy and balanced nutrition for pregnant and lactating mothers. Through this programme, housewives can also apply tips to prepare healthy food menus that are easy and in accordance with the concept of Isi Piringku.

Lusiana Maulida, SGz as the resource person said, balanced nutrition referred to the concept of Isi Piringku refers to the proportion of staple foods as much as 2/3 of half a plate, side dishes as much as 1/3 of half a plate, vegetables as much as 2/3 of half a plate, and fruits as much as 1/3 of half a plate. 

She also mentioned that the consumption of healthy food needs to be followed by a clean and active lifestyle, as well as drinking enough water. “The tradition of unbalanced eating must begin to be eliminated. It all starts with parents‘ control over their children’s diet,” said Lusiana.

Hizkia added that the collaboration between IPB University students and health workers in Muncang Sub-district is a form of effort to realise a healthy and prosperous life for the community, especially children in Jagaraksa Village. 

“This programme is also a concrete form of IPB University students to foster responsible consumption and production in accordance with the potential of natural resources available in the village,” he concluded. (*/ra/Rz) (IAAS/RUM)