Tragedy Raya and Our Health Awareness Mirror

Some time ago the public was shocked by the sad news of a three -year -old toddler named Raya who died from a bracelet worm infection. Her tiny body is filled with parasites, even spread to the lungs and brain. This story is viral on social media, giving rise to a big question mark: how could a child die with such a pathetic condition?

We need to realize that this case is not just an individual’s tragic story, but a real portrait of public health problems in Indonesia. The Ministry of Health data shows the prevalence of braceworm infections in children still reaches 28.1% (Riskesdas, 2018). WHO also reminded that this disease can cause malnutrition, anemia, to growth and development disorders. In other words, Raya is only one of the many quiet victims that have not been revealed.

The chronology of the Raya case itself shows a chain of problems. For a long time he was in the category of malnutrition and routinely monitored by Posyandu. However, the referral to a nutritionist repeatedly failed because there was no parent’s approval. Until in mid -July 2025, his health dropped dramatically. When rushed to the hospital, the doctor found worms coming out of his nose and diagnosing severe ascariasis. Unfortunately, the condition is too severe to help.

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This tragedy shows how fragile our collective awareness is to the health of children. Parents often do not understand the importance of balanced nutrition and environmental cleanliness. Meanwhile, obstacles in access to health services make prevention efforts often late. Social environment that is still ignorant of sanitation further worsen the situation.

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It is time for us to learn from this sad story. Parents need to make sure children get enough nutrition, cleanliness is maintained, and health services are used optimally. The government must expand the program of providing mass worms, improving the quality of health services to remote areas, and intensifying public education. Health workers must also be present closer, both through posyandu and digital platforms, so that people easily get information.

In the digital era, social media and technology should not only be a place to spread, but also a means of health education. Information about disease prevention, the importance of nutrition, and a clean lifestyle can reach more broadly if managed seriously.

Raya has gone, but the story should not be allowed to be just a viral news that is quickly forgotten. This tragedy must be a whip for all of us to care more. Because maintaining a child’s health is not only a family duty, but a shared responsibility. Do not let any Indonesian children who die because of the actual disease can be prevented.

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In this case, the government also needs to increase efforts to prevent and control the infection of the bracelet worm through effective health programs. According to WHO, the administration of worm medicine regularly to children can help reduce the percentage of braceworm infections. In addition, the government also needs to increase access and quality of health services, especially in remote and isolated areas that are difficult to reach.

Not only the role of parents and the surrounding environment is also very important in maintaining health, parents need to understand the importance of providing balanced nutrition and ensuring children get adequate health services. The community needs to work together to increase social awareness for better health and prevent cases such as toddlers. By building social awareness for better health, we can prevent cases such as toddlers and improve the quality of life of Indonesian people.

Writer: Ayu Amalia
Editor: Rara Zaryry