Kisah Kasih Bidan Kesih - Lentera Indonesia

Summary

In the village of Mekar Jaya, a dedicated midwife has transformed healthcare access and community empowerment since 2006. Establishing a health post and founding the Bunda Lestari Cooperative, she has reduced maternal and infant mortality rates and fostered economic independence among local women. Through innovative social initiatives, including a rice contribution system for medical expenses, she has built trust within the community, integrating traditional practices with modern healthcare. Her journey reflects the profound impact of individual commitment, illustrating how focused efforts can elevate community health and promote sustainable economic growth.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker expresses joy in witnessing community progress, especially the reduction of malnutrition and maternal and infant mortality rates.
• 😀 Since 2006, the speaker has served as a village midwife, initially working in a makeshift health post.
• 😀 The establishment of a well-equipped health post in 2010 has improved maternal and infant health services in the village.
• 😀 The speaker has initiated a cooperative called Bunda Lestari to enhance the economic empowerment of the village community.
• 😀 The village is located 25 km from Bandung, primarily composed of farmers and laborers with limited educational backgrounds.
• 😀 Community initiatives have included collecting rice as a form of social support for healthcare costs, demonstrating collective responsibility.
• 😀 The midwife role has evolved to include regular health education and the establishment of 13 health posts in the village.
• 😀 Collaborating with traditional birth attendants has been crucial in integrating modern healthcare practices within the community.
• 😀 The cooperative has successfully provided microloans for small businesses, promoting diverse income sources for residents.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes the importance of continuous effort and motivation to improve community welfare, despite challenges faced.

Q & A

What significant changes has the speaker observed in the community since they started working as a midwife?

The speaker has observed advancements in the community, including improvements in maternal and child health, with a notable reduction in malnutrition and maternal and child mortality rates.

How did the establishment of the health post impact the community's access to healthcare?

The establishment of the health post provided better access to healthcare services for the community, allowing more mothers to choose local care for childbirth and health consultations.

What is the role of the speaker as a village midwife?

As a village midwife, the speaker serves as the frontline healthcare provider, ensuring residents have access to necessary health services, conducting routine health checks, and providing maternal care.

What initiatives has the speaker taken to empower women in the community?

The speaker founded a cooperative, Bunda Lestari, to empower women economically by facilitating group businesses, including livestock farming and collective savings initiatives.

How does the cooperative support community health and welfare?

The cooperative collects rice contributions from households to fund health services, which supports residents in need of medical care and ensures community solidarity.

What challenges did the speaker face in gaining acceptance as a midwife in the village?

Initially, the speaker faced resistance from traditional birth attendants, who were accustomed to delivering babies, but gained acceptance through education and community engagement.

How has the cooperative influenced local economic activities?

The cooperative has stimulated local economic activities by providing loans for home businesses, enabling residents to diversify their income sources beyond farming.

What specific health initiatives are conducted at the Posyandu?

At the Posyandu, the speaker and local cadres provide health services, including regular health checks for mothers and children, and promote health education.

How does the speaker balance their professional responsibilities with family life?

The speaker acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family but emphasizes the importance of setting aside time for family, especially during holidays.

What long-term vision does the speaker have for the community?

The speaker aims to continue improving the living standards of the villagers through sustainable economic initiatives and better health services, fostering a self-reliant community.