Overcome Anemia, Boost Productivity

Abstract

Indonesian Migrant Workers (IMWs) are Indonesian citizens employed abroad, with approximately 2.7 million IMWs working in Malaysia. Female workers are particularly vulnerable to anemia, and the health and nutritional status of workers significantly impact their productivity. The objective of this community service activity is to enhance knowledge about anemia, provide solid solutions to prevent and address anemia, and thereby improve work productivity.

The method employed involves health education using hybrid audio-visual media presentations. The implementation of this community service activity was divided into several stages, including face-to-face sessions with IMWs on December 9, 2023, at the Hasanuddin Hall of the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur. Additionally, virtual meetings through Zoom were conducted on October 14, 2023, and November 11, 2023. Around 60 IMWs in Malaysia participated in these activities. The recorded video content of these activities had been uploaded to YouTube @lsm-sharing, enabling replay, dissemination, and personal use by IMWs themselves.

Efforts to enhance IMWs' knowledge through health education strongly support the eradication of anemia to improve work productivity. Increased knowledge must be complemented by tangible efforts to address anemia through a healthy and clean lifestyle. This includes regular health check-ups, taking anti anemic tablets as per medical advice, deworming twice a year, maintaining personal and environmental hygiene, including the workplace, and consuming a balanced diet with sufficient animal-based nutrition as a good source of iron. Maintaining a balance between work and rest is also crucial. The creation of varied and engaging educational media, with short durations yet easy accessibility, is a suggestion to enhance the quality of education that can encompass a broader audience, including IMWs.