STRATEGI PROMOSI KESEHATAN DALAM MENURUNKAN ANGKA KEMATIAN BALITA DI PROVINSI GORONTALO TAHUN 2017

Abstract

The environment is one determinant of public health. Gorontalo, as Indonesia’s province with its best environmental quality, has not been balanced with its optimal public health status. Mortality as one indicator of general health still a problem in the Province, especially concerning the death of children under five years. This research uses a qualitative approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with related informants. The results showed that the main cause of child mortality rate in the Gorontalo Province is an infectious disease that is closely related to environmental factors and health behavior. This means that the child mortality rate can be decreased through the implementation of the Community-Based Total Sanitation program, which combines environmental approach and health promotion. There are obstacles, nevertheless, in the implementation of the program in the Province. Therefore, its optimization is required through health promotion strategies such as advocacy, social support, and community empowerment to reduce the child mortality rate in the Gorontalo Province.