Universitas Andalas Young Doctors and Nanggalo Health Center Implement GEMBIRA Program to Prevent Childhood Obesity at SDN 05 Surau Gadang, Supporting SDG 3 and SDG 2

Padang, September 28, 2024 — As part of its contribution to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), young doctors from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas, in collaboration with the Nanggalo Community Health Center (Puskesmas Nanggalo), implemented the GEMBIRA program (Gerakan Makan Bergizi dan Rajin Olahraga) to prevent obesity among school-aged children in Nanggalo District, Padang.

The activity was carried out at SD Negeri 05 Surau Gadang as part of the community health rotation of young doctors from the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine (IKM-KK), Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Andalas. The program was conducted under the supervision of dr. Husna Yetti, Ph.D., and implemented through direct collaboration with Puskesmas Nanggalo as a key healthcare partner in the region.

The GEMBIRA program was initiated in response to the high prevalence of overweight and obesity among children in the Nanggalo area. Data indicates that the prevalence of overweight children reached 11.41 percent, while obesity stood at 8.12 percent—figures that exceed national targets and call for systematic and sustainable intervention.

One of the young doctors involved, Aurelia Agantha, explained that the program was designed as a practical solution using the Plan-Do-Check-Action (PDCA) approach. “Through the PDCA approach, the GEMBIRA program is expected to provide a concrete solution to address this issue,” she stated. This approach ensures that each stage of the program, from planning to evaluation, is implemented in a structured manner with measurable outcomes.

In its implementation, the program delivered education to both students and parents using interactive and easy-to-understand methods. The team utilized GEMBIRA leaflets as an educational tool to convey information on balanced nutrition, the importance of physical activity, and healthy lifestyle changes as key strategies for early obesity prevention.

Head of Puskesmas Nanggalo, dr. Muhammad Fardhan, expressed his support for the initiative. “This program provides positive impacts and promotes physical activity to prevent childhood obesity,” he stated. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration among healthcare providers, educational institutions, and the community to ensure the sustainability of community-based health programs.

Through the GEMBIRA program, Universitas Andalas young doctors not only apply their academic knowledge but also demonstrate an active role in promotive and preventive public health efforts. This collaboration is expected to generate long-term impacts in reducing childhood obesity rates and fostering a healthier generation in Nanggalo District.