FPH UI Discusses Implementation of Social Determinants of Health in Indonesia

The Postgraduate Student Association (HMP) of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia held a public discussion entitled “The Significance of Social Determinants of Health (DSK) in the Development of Sustainable Healthy Cities”. This discussion was held on Thursday, 22 June 2023 online and was freely attended by not only students but also the public. “This kind of discussion is in line with FPH UI’s mission to become a driving force for health development through active participation in building the ability to solve public health problems,” said the Student Affairs Manager of FPH UI, Dien Anshari, S.Sos., M.Sc., Ph.D., while welcoming the participants.

Social Determinants of Health (DSK) are non-medical factors that influence health outcomes. One of the applications of DSK is the development of the concept of a healthy order. DSK itself is often used to determine health disparities in vulnerable groups.

“In Indonesia itself, there are still many health disparities, such as access to pregnancy checks, stunting cases, and health facilities which are still concentrated in big cities,” said Prof. Dr. drg. Ella Nurlaella Hadi, M.Kes. If we look at life expectancy, between provinces the figures vary widely, ranging from 57 to 65.9 years.

DSK itself can be influenced by 5 (five) things, namely: improving governance, increasing community participation, reorienting the health sector, strengthening global governance, and strengthening monitoring and accountability. These five things are still hampered by inadequate data, stigma against vulnerable groups, and the incompetence of related agencies.

Responding to this, Expert Staff for Sustainable Development, drg. Agus Suprapto, M.Kes., said that several efforts had been made so that these five things could be realized. According to drg. Agus, we can improve the existing cycle with a good environment. “The hope is that when they reach productive age, their income will be greater so that their savings can be used for themselves, their families, and national savings. This can be started from environmental improvement,” said drg. Agus. The definition of healthy itself should be expanded to be prosperous. To achieve this, it is necessary to strengthen support from academia, partnerships with the private sector, media and non-governmental organizations, and the mass media.

One of the success stories of implementing Healthy Cities occurred in Semarang. The Head of Semarang City Health Service, Dr. dr. Mochamad Abdul Hakam, Sp.PD, FINASIM, said that the 9 healthy city arrangements according to WHO have been implemented in Semarang. For example, there is Pelita House daycare. This daycare is a daycare center that focuses on treating stunting. In addition, a pilot project for the breeding of Wolbachia mosquitoes has been carried out. “The healthy city movement is carried out through various activities by empowering the community facilitated by the regency or city government,” said Dr. Mochamad. (BK)