1School of health nutrition, faculty of medicine, Gadjah Mada University
2Primary health Care of Terare, Deaprtment of Health, Province of West Nusa Tenggara
3Nutrition Department, Polytechnic of Health, Mataram, Ministry of Health
4National Institute of Health, Ministry of Health
5Faculty of Agriculture, Mataram University
Abstract
Background : One of the ensuing challenges faced by West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Province is the high prevalence of nutritional deficiency and malnutrition in infants and children born in the region. Ministry of Health report on Millennium Development Goals Targets shows that the level of malnutrition in the region reaches 30.5%. For many years, the Government of Indonesia has relied on outreach clinic (Outreach clinic) to approach the issue. However, the implementation of decentralization policy leads to decreasing capability and efficiency of Outreach clinic in some regions as indicated by low level of visit to Outreach clinic. It is argued that the absence of ownership sense towards Outreach clinic among community could be one of the sensible explanations. Most Sasak community who live in NTB, subscribe the values of Islam. It is an ethnic group whose culture is widely believed to be founded on Islamic teachings and the famous icon of “Thousands of Mosques” that attached to NTB . In their social system, Tuan Guru (Religious Leader) plays a t significant role in the social life. Against that background, it is clear that with support of culture and value of community, Tuan Guru involvement in the community process building will be positive.
Objective: This research explores the applicable means to move Outreach clinic from usual place to Mosque with the framework of Sasak Community, its culture, and Tuan Guru involvement.
Methods: The research employs operational research design, consisting of planning, application, observation and analysis.
Results: The research shows that the most sensible yet effective means to move the outreach clinic to Mosques is by involving actively Tuan Guru. Religious legitimation from Tuan Guru that the approach is not against Islamic values or Syariah provides significant impetus for the community to accept the idea. Besides, the Mosques where considered politically neutral venue is another factor that encourage healthcare staff to engage in the process.
Conclusions: Outreach clinic is possible to be conducted in the Mosque with the support of Tuan Guru in the first place before gaining support from formal officials.
Keywords: effective approach, outreach clinic, mosque, Sharia, rural
