While the stunting rate in Bali is recorded at 14 percent, which is under the WHO-determined level of 20 percent, we should remain cautiousDenpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - A family assistance team stationed at every village will help address the problem of stunting in children, Head of Bali's National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Ni Luh Gede Sukardiasih stated.
"This family assistance team comprises midwives and cadres of the PKK (Development of Family Welfare) and KB (Family Planning). They have received training starting from last November," Sukardiasih noted here on Thursday.
According to the agency head, the family assistance team will conduct stunting prevention, starting from teenagers at risk of stunting, future couples, pregnant and new mothers, as well as infants.
"While the stunting rate in Bali is recorded at 14 percent, which is under the WHO-determined level of 20 percent, we should remain cautious. We cannot let it increase," she affirmed.
With the team, planned to be deployed in 2022, future couples can report to villages at least three months before the day of the marriage.
"The team will then edify them. For instance, future couples, with small arm circumference size, will receive nutritional information and vitamins," she remarked.
"If they are anemic, they will be given tablets that could increase their hemoglobin levels," she noted.
Future mothers with such health conditions for pregnancy could still conceive. However, they are advised to not get pregnant immediately until they are healthy.
Meanwhile, if any dysfunctional family is found, the matter will be coordinated with the Social Service. In the event of a lack of access to clean water, it will be coordinated with the General Work Office.
"This requires cross-sectoral involvement, thereby translating to the fact that everyone has to collaborate," Sukardiasih noted.
Moreover, the family assistance team will not only edify future couples on health reproduction but will also disseminate information on mental health.
"Hence, they will truly be ready to get married. We cannot let any domestic violence occur after one or two months of marriage, as they are not mentally ready," she remarked.
Through various efforts to prevent stunting by involving the family assistance team and through cross-sectoral collaboration, Bali's younger generation in 2045 is expected to be healthy and strong.
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Translator: Ni Luh R,Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Sri Haryati
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