EDUKASI DAN PRAKTIK CUCI TANGAN SEBAGAI LANGKAH PENCEGAHAN PENYAKIT INFEKSI PADA ANAK USIA DINI

Health education on personal hygiene, particularly handwashing, is essential to be introduced from an early age, including at the kindergarten level. According to a 2019 report by UNICEF and WHO, nearly half of the schools worldwide still lack access to basic handwashing facilities with soap and water. Furthermore, the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey revealed that the proportion of proper handwashing behaviour among individuals aged ≥10 years remains relatively low, at only 51.1%. Initial observations from partner institutions showed that there was no specific program in place to teach the importance of routine handwashing with proper technique. Although handwashing facilities were available, their usage was not yet optimal. In response to this issue, the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Tarumanagara health service team, conducted a health outreach activity focused on handwashing education and practice for children. The aim of this program was to build healthy habits from an early age, which in the long run can help prevent the spread of diseases and improve overall health quality. The activities included watching an animated video, singing, and playing a game to stick handwashing steps in order. A total of 44 children participated in the event. The children were highly enthusiastic while watching the video, singing, demonstrating the handwashing steps, and engaging in the game. The activity was carried out effectively and joyfully. By integrating animated videos, songs, and games, the children showed improved understanding and skills in maintaining hand hygiene, which is expected to support their overall health and well-being.   ABSTRAK Pendidikan kesehatan tentang kebersihan diri, terutama cuci tangan, sangat penting diajarkan sejak usia dini, termasuk di Taman Kanak-Kanak. Laporan UNICEF dan WHO tahun 2019 mendapatkan bahwa hampir setengah sekolah di dunia masih kurang penyediaan fasilitas cuci tangan dengan air dan sabun. Selain itu hasil Survei Kesehatan Indonesia (SKI) tahun 2023 mendapatkan proporsi perilaku benar dalam cuci tangan pada penduduk usia ≥ 10 tahun masih tergolong rendah, yaitu hanya sebesar 51,1%. Hasil observasi awal dari mitra, ditemukan bahwa belum terdapat program khusus yang mengajarkan pentingnya cuci tangan secara rutin dengan teknik yang benar. Meskipun terdapat fasilitas cuci tangan, namun penggunaannya masih belum optimal. Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut, Tim bakti kesehatan FK Untar melakukan kegiatan bakti kesehatan berupa edukasi dan praktik cuci tangan kepada anak-anak. Program ini bertujuan untuk membentuk kebiasaan sehat sejak usia dini, yang berdampak jangka panjang dalam mencegah penyebaran penyakit dan meningkatkan kualitas kesehatan. Kegiatan dalam bakti kesehatan ini meliputi menonton video animasi, menyanyikan lagu cuci tangan serta permainan menempel langkah cuci tangan. Total sebanyak 44 orang anak mengikuti kegiatan ini. Anak-anak sangat antusias menonton video, ikut bernyanyi dan memperagakan langkah cuci tangan serta mengikuti permainan dengan baik. Kegiatan yang dilaksanakan telah berjalan dengan efektif dan menyenangkan. Dengan menggabungkan media video animasi, bernyanyi, serta bermain, anak-anak menunjukkan peningkatan dalam pemahaman dan keterampilan dalam menjaga kebersihan tangan. Sehingga diharapkan anak-anak selalu sehat dan terhindar dari penyakit.