Empowering Posyandu Cadres to Improve Child Health Services in TPMB Nimas Yuniati Bekasi

Abstract

Health development is a vital part of national progress, aiming to achieve optimal public health as a component of overall welfare. Community-based health services such as Posyandu (Integrated Health Posts) play a significant role in maternal and child health by involving communities directly. However, in Bekasi Jawa Barat, several issues were identified: inaccurate weight and height measurements of children under five, limited knowledge and basic skills among Posyandu cadres, and inadequate recording and reporting systems. These problems raised concerns among local health workers and indicated the need for targeted capacity-building initiatives.

Method
This community service program employed a participatory approach involving local Posyandu cadres, village midwives, and the nutrition section of the local health center. Activities included a series of structured workshops and hands-on training sessions focusing on accurate anthropometric measurements, effective Posyandu management, proper recording and reporting procedures, and fundamental skills for cadres. Pre- and post-training assessments were used to evaluate changes in knowledge and skills.

Results
Post-training evaluations showed significant improvement in cadres’ understanding and application of correct weighing and measuring techniques. The quality of documentation and reporting also improved, with cadres demonstrating better accuracy and consistency. Feedback from participants and local health officers indicated increased confidence and motivation among the cadres to perform their roles more effectively.

Conclusion
Strengthening the capacity of Posyandu cadres through focused education and practical training can effectively address common problems in community-based health services. Sustainable support and periodic refresher training are essential to maintain the quality and impact of Posyandu services, especially in rural areas like Bekasi Jawa Barat.