IDAI Reveals 3 Diseases That Monitor Children Victims Of Sumatra Floods

JAKARTA – The floods and landslides that hit various areas in Sumatra sparked deep concern, especially because of their impact on children and vulnerable groups.

The Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) became one of the first institutions to move quickly to provide health services, psychological support, and logistical assistance in affected areas.

The chairman of the IDAI Central Management, Piprim Basarah Yanuarso, emphasized that in an emergency condition, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and pregnant women are the most vulnerable groups. According to him, their safety should be the main concern during the evacuation process. Piprim said their health and safety must be the top priority in the evacuation process to a safe place.

The IDAI report shows that fatalities have reached an alarming number. In West Sumatra, 148 people died, including 4 children. A total of 123 have been identified, 25 are still in process, while 105 people have been declared missing and 8 people are being treated.

A similar situation also occurred in North Sumatra and Aceh, where dozens of victims died and hundreds of others were affected, especially in areas with disturbed access to health services.

In a quick response, a team of doctors from three IDAI branches in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra moved to provide direct services.

“A team of pediatricians from the three branches of IDAI, Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra, have gone directly to the disaster site, collaborating with BNPB, the local Health Service, and other professional organizations,” said Piprim, quoted from the Antarews website.

In addition to medical services, IDAI also provides psychosocial support, toddler nutrition, logistical assistance, and education recovery for children affected.

Behind logistical assistance, the largest needs today are medicines. Flood disasters are known to increase the risk of a number of diseases, especially because of moist environments, dirty water, inadequate sanitation, and prolonged cold exposure. IDAI identifies the three most common diseases that appear in children in refugee camps.

1. Acute Respiratory Channel Infection (ARI)

ISPA is the most common post-disaster disease. Cold air, dense shelters, and exposure to smoke or dust can trigger cough, fever, and shortness of breath. In children, this condition can develop to pneumonia if not treated immediately.

2. Diarrhea

Clean water contamination is the main cause of post-flood diarrhea. Dirty drinking water, unhygienic eating utensils, to bacteria and viruses from the wet environment make children very vulnerable. Diarrhea can cause severe dehydration that is dangerous.

3. Dermatitis and Skin Infection

Children’s more sensitive skin makes them easily experience irritation, allergies, and fungal infections due to polluted flood water. Wetting conditions and lack of dry clothes exacerbate this risk.

IDAI conveyed that the availability of medicines for the three groups of diseases is currently very limited. They also face logistical challenges, difficult access, and lack of health workers.

“The most needed assistance at this time is children’s medicines (ARI, diarrhea, skin conditioning), formula milk, baby food, children’s clothing, blankets, clean water, and personal hygiene equipment,” said Piprim.

This need is very important to prevent disease outbreaks in refugee camps, a risk that often arises when major disasters occur.

The head of the IDAI Disaster Management Task Force, Kurniawan Taufiq Kadafi, emphasized that coordination continues to be expanded. He said IDAI strengthens interprofessional collaboration with cross-organization medical personnel, local governments, and humanitarian institutions. Their focus is not only on emergency handling, but also the recovery period.

“In addition, we are also preparing for the recovery phase by prioritizing children’s health, providing clean water, monitoring immunization-based diseases such ascampus, and sustainable psychosocial support,” said Taufiq.

In the midst of limited resources, IDAI invites the wider community to help the victims. Donations, volunteer staff, or logistical support will be very meaningful for children and families who have lost their homes.

“We really appreciate the leaders and all IDAI Branch members as well as the IDAI disaster task force team in disaster-affected areas who are quick to collaborate with BNPB, the health office, TNI/Polri, and volunteers to ensure that health assistance is right on target,” said Piprim.

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