Women pull out the stops to combat polio in Central Java
Mobilizing joint efforts to protect as many children as possible
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In the bustling cities of Semarang and Pekalongan in Central Java, women from diverse walks of life are fighting against a once-forgotten foe: polio. They are united in their determination to protect as many children as possible from the debilitating disease.
After the Central Java health authority detected a confirmed case of polio in late December 2023, the Ministry of Health worked closely with three provincial and 74 district governments, the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF to mount a massive immunization campaign. The first round began mid-January 2023 and the second round on February 19.
At a round two immunization drive at the SDN Siwalan school in Semarang City, Celi Inawati braves the sweltering heat to guide parents who have gathered in the busy school yard. For the last three years, Celi has devoted herself to coordinating immunization events at her school, her passion for the welfare of children extending far beyond her role as a physical education teacher.
This year, when Celi heard about the emergence of polio in Central and East Java, she sprang into action, collaborating with community health centre (puskesmas) officials to compile a list of students for immunization. She rallied fellow teachers and spread awareness among students and parents about the urgency of the polio threat and the importance of immunization.
“Immunization is important to protect children from life-threatening diseases like polio, and since this is an outbreak response, we had to make sure that all our students are covered. I am glad that we have managed to immunize 100 students from first and second grade during this second round,” Celi says.
Inside one of the classrooms, Sansa, a cheerful seven-year-old, has just received her second round of polio vaccine. “Polio vaccine tastes like honey, it’s sweet!” she exclaims. Sansa learned about the disease from her teacher.
"Polio can make your feet weak and you can’t walk, so it’s important to get immunized."
In the nearby community of Ungaran Semarang, Ana Santoso, diligently oversees the immunization drive at an integrated healthcare centre (posyandu). A dedicated health cadre for six years, Ana is driven by a deep-rooted commitment to community well-being.
She smiles warmly as an elderly couple arrive with their grandchild to the posyandu. Before the immunization drive, Ana took the time to talk through their anxious concerns about the potential adverse effects of immunization.
“Sometimes parents are afraid to immunize their children because of hoaxes about vaccines’ adverse effects,” she says. “I share credible information and clarify misconceptions and myths about vaccines through our community WhatsApp Group.”
Wahyu Trianingrum or Aning as her friends and family call her, is a fashion designer and popular social media influencer, was among the crowd at the Posyandu. She made the journey from the city of Solo to ensure both her children were immunized.
"Since becoming a mother, I've been acutely aware of health issues," Aning shares. “After I heard about the first case of polio, I proactively looked for information about the government’s response. I was eager to help any way I could.”
Using her digital platform, Aning encouraged other parents to immunize their children and mobilized other local influencers interested in health, nutrition and parenting to raise awareness on their own platforms about the polio outbreak and where to get immunized.
On the outskirts of Pekalongan, about two and half hours from Semarang, amid the tranquil beauty of the countryside, Mazidah operates a small batik shop. Employing mostly women, Mazidah understands the challenges faced by working mothers and encouraged all of her staff to protect their children from polio. “I have told them polio can make their children paralyzed, so it’s important to get their children vaccinated” she says.
Mazidah’s dedication to immunization is meaningful for Faiza Munabari, a trained physician who advocates for business groups’ interests through KADIN Jawa Tengah (Central Java Chamber of Commerce). Her core mandate is to make sure health is a priority in the private sector.
“The Chamber of Commerce urges all businesses owners to permit their employees to bring their children to immunization posts before coming to work. KADIN Jateng is determined to stop this polio outbreak,” she says.
UNICEF Indonesia is grateful for the support received from individuals and other donors including the Government of Australia.
