Stunting prevention efforts must not be limited to the first thousand days after birth, but must be undertaken at the prenatal stage, head of public health at the Palu Health Office, Indrawati, said upon being contacted in Palu on Wednesday.
The health office, as one of the supporting agencies, has conducted efforts to address stunting issues, ranging from fulfilling the nutritional needs of pregnant women who experience chronic energy deficiency to paying attention to toddlers' diets, she added.
She deemed it important to provide adequate nutrition and vitamins to both children and pregnant women. In order to create a stunting-free environment, the two need to be provided simultaneously.
During an inspection conducted over the past two months, the health office found as many as 10 children under five at risk of being malnourished, she informed.
Based on these findings, the health office took measures to address the issue by providing additional food assistance through the integrated service center.
Currently, the 10 toddlers are undergoing periodic intervention and monitoring by the medical team. It is being ensured that the toddlers are getting proper nutritional intake, she said.
In the future, the health office and relevant offices will collaborate with the Palu Branch of the Religious Affairs Ministry to conduct health checks on prospective couples.
Furthermore, a pregnancy examination will also be conducted to improve the physical and mental health of pregnant women so that they are able to face the period of childbirth, postpartum, prepare for the exclusive breastfeeding period, and the restoration of reproductive organs.
The health office is also promoting a clean, healthy lifestyle, assisted by public health centers in all villages.
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Translator: Mohamad Ridwan, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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