The Provincial Government of South Kalimantan continues to intensify efforts to cultivate healthy lifestyles across all school levels and madrasahs. This strategic step serves as a key instrument to produce a young generation that is not only physically fit, but also mentally resilient and globally competitive.
The Head of the South Kalimantan Health Office, Diauddin, in a strategic meeting in Banjarmasin, emphasized that the complexity of current adolescent health challenges demands cross-sector synergy. There are at least five priority issues serving as the main focus: anemia prevention, strengthening mental health, eliminating bullying, implementing the Healthy Living Community Movement (Germas), and improving health literacy.
Specifically regarding anemia prevention, Diauddin highlighted the importance of routine blood booster tablet consumption for teenage girls. According to him, anemia has a long-term impact on students' concentration and learning productivity. Therefore, support from schools and families is crucial to ensuring compliance with this program in the field.
Beyond physical aspects, the school environment is also encouraged to become a space safe from bullying and discrimination. Schools are expected to foster positive communication supporting child development, thereby creating an inclusive learning atmosphere friendly to diversity.
As an innovative step, the South Kalimantan Health Office is promoting the establishment of Health Agents of Change in every school. This program is expected to trigger self-awareness among students to adopt Clean and Healthy Living Behaviors (PHBS), such as consuming nutritious food, engaging in regular physical activity, and maintaining environmental cleanliness.
Diauddin emphasized that the success of this agenda relies heavily on multi-stakeholder collaboration, ranging from educational institutions, the Ministry of Religious Affairs, community health centers (Puskesmas), to business sector involvement. This synergy is a concrete realization of the vision 'Working Together, Embracing All' to prepare South Kalimantan's healthy and character-driven golden generation.
