Experiences and Challenges of Homosexual Hypothyroid Screening in Indonesia

Congenial hypothyroidism is the most common cause of intellectual disability. With a high global incidence of 1:2000 to 1:4000 live births, congenital hypothyroidism is a screening program that has been proven effective in preventing growth disorders in children.

Indonesia started a congenital hypothyroid screening program in 2000 – 2005 in two hospitals, namely Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo in Jakarta and Hasan Sadikin Hospital in Bandung. In 2008, this program covered 8 provinces in Indonesia, namely West Sumatra, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Yogyakarta, Bali and South Sulawesi. In 2014, the Minister of Health continued to expand the program to other areas. However, the coverage rate for congenital hypothyroidism screening in Indonesia is still low, which is 2.3% in 2022.

In Indonesia itself, there are many challenges in implementing the congenital hypothyroid screening program. In fact, this program was only implemented less than 3 years ago even though it has been around for a long time. The biggest challenges are the lack of filter paper, refusal from families, not seeing this program as a mandatory national program, so that the child is born healthy.

The implementation of this program is complex. There must be collaboration between policy makers, health facilities, health workers and the community in order for screening coverage to increase. The main limitations of Indonesia as a developing country are the economic status of the community and the lack of parental awareness. Therefore, it becomes a challenge in itself for program development. Lack of infrastructure and logistics is also a challenge in itself. Including only 12 laboratories designated for screening for congenital hypothyroidism. So every sample from all over Indonesia has to go through a long process of analysis.

This complex challenge requires more resources, access to tools and materials. It is hoped that education of the public and health workers will increase the coverage of congenital hypothyroid screening in Indonesia.

Author: Dr. Muhammad Faizi, Dr. Sp.A(K), Ade Wahyuni

Link: https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/experiences-and-challenges-with-congenital-hypothyroidism-newborn

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