Edukasi Kebersihan Diri dan Pencegahan Infeksi Kecacingan pada Anak di Desa Batta, Sumba Barat Daya

Soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections continue to be a major public health problem in rural areas, particularly in underdeveloped regions, due to limited access to safe water, poor hygiene, and inadequate sanitation. Southwest Sumba Regency (SWS), East Nusa Tenggara, is among those high-risk areas for helminth transmission, particularly in children. This Community Service Program (PkM) aimed to perform an initial assessment, deliver education on handwashing practices, and helminthiasis prevention as an early initiative to strengthen the child health in Batta Village, SWS. The activities were implemented at the community health post (Posyandu) and Batta Public Elementary School, targeting preschool children and their parents, alongside primary school students. The program approaches included coordination with local governments, field observations, lecture-based education supported by poster, and handwashing demonstrations. The assessment revealed several risk factors for helminth transmission, including limited knowledge and awareness regarding helminthiasis prevention alongside suboptimal personal hygiene practices. The educational activities received positive responses, reflected in participants’ enthusiasm and active engagement throughout the program. This activity provided a preliminary description of community conditions and enhanced understanding alongside practice of personal hygiene for helminthiasis prevention as part of efforts to eliminate STH infections in Batta Village.