Bogor - One of the main agendas of the SDGs is to reduce maternal mortality and under-five mortality. It is necessary to optimize the use of maternal and child health books (KIA) in supporting maternal and child health. In an effort to increase the utilization of the MCH handbook, the Indonesian government in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) held a capacity-building program for South-South cooperation through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources.

One of them is the Knowledge Sharing Program on Maternal and Child Health Handbook, 'Enhancing quality of care for early detection through integrated health check-up for mother and child using MCH Handbook' which was held on 7-9 September 2022, with participants from eight countries.

Deputy Minister of Health dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono said pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, and childhood are critical periods. Globally, maternal and child mortality has fallen significantly, but the burden is still high.

Nearly 300,000 women died during and after pregnancy and childbirth in 2017. Similarly, about 5 million children under five die each year.

The provision of high-quality and regular antenatal check-ups during pregnancy is likely to determine the health status of the expectant mother and child. The government is committed to prioritizing the availability of essential services for mothers and children.

"The MCH handbook plays an important role as a home-based tool to ensure sustainable maternal and child health," said Deputy Minister of Health, Dante virtually, Wednesday (7/9).

The MCH handbook is a guide for families and health care providers to identify early health problems during pregnancy and childhood.

As such, this handbook is an effective tool for monitoring the provision and availability of maternal and child health services that are essential for improving maternal and child health.

Said dr. Dante, the pandemic has affected the International Knowledge Sharing program. During this meeting, participants will have the opportunity to learn from Indonesia and other participating countries how the state strengthens early detection of maternal and child health problems through the use of MCH handbooks.

Participants also had the opportunity to gain knowledge regarding family empowerment using MCH books for early detection, as well as how to increase the capacity of participants in monitoring and evaluating the use of MCH books.

''We aim to accommodate countries to share their experiences and best practices in conducting early detection and integrated health checks for mothers and children using the MCH handbook,'' said dr. Dante.