JAYAPURA - Acting Governor of Papua Muhammad Ridwan Rumasukun reminded his citizens to abandon the habit or behavior of open defecation which can potentially transmit diseases.

One of the diseases susceptible to bad behavior is diarrhea which in some records attacks more toddlers.

"The toddlers are susceptible to diseases through food contaminated with germs from human waste. Therefore, if the behavior of open defecation is not stopped, the risk of transmission will continue to exist," explained Ridwan on one occasion in Jayapura City.

According to him, all of Papua is currently implementing National Immunization Week (PIN) to break the chain of polio transmission for toddlers.

However, Ridwan said, immunization coverage is still very low. Since May 27, 2024, it has reached the target of 95% in the first round and continues to the next round, but until now almost a month has passed, and it has not been achieved.

"That's why we appeal to the public to support this program by bringing children to the nearest immunization post as soon as possible. But immunization is not enough if the behavior of open defecation still occurs," he said.

Acting Governor Ridwan Rumasukun on another occasion also encouraged seven districts in his area to achieve the target of 100 percent of villages immediately and sub-districts to stop or be free of open defecation this year.

"Because the behavior of open defecation cannot be underestimated. Open defecation is a serious problem that has a detrimental impact on the environment, and has the potential to transmit disease germs such as diarrhea, typhoid, dysentery or cholera."

"Even children who often experience these diseases, of course, their growth and development are not optimal and will cause stunting and even death," he said. ***