In addition, 37.1 percent of women in Indonesia have anemia, one of the causes of stunting in childrenBanyuasin, S Sumatra (ANTARA) - The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) has said that the prevalence of childhood stunting in South Sumatra province has reached 24.8 percent.
"Based on the results of the Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (SSGI) at the national, provincial, district, and city levels in 2021, the stunting rate in South Sumatra is still 24.8 percent," head of BKKBN Hasto Wardoyo said at Tabuan Asri village, here on Monday.
The figure is still far from the national target of 14 percent stunting prevalence by 2024 set by the Indonesian government, he added.
He noted that stunting is still occurring in Indonesia as 36.3 percent of adolescent girls aged 15–19 years are at risk of chronic energy deficiency. Meanwhile, chronic energy deficiency in women of childbearing age (15–49 years) is 33.5 percent.
"In addition, 37.1 percent of women in Indonesia have anemia, one of the causes of stunting in children," he pointed out.
Therefore, assisting couples contemplating marriage or prospective couples of childbearing age is crucial for preventing chronic energy deficiency and anemia and identifying and handling the risk factors of women giving birth to a stunted child.
Mentoring, counseling, and health screening programs for couples contemplating marriage must also be strengthened to ensure that they are ready to get married and pregnant.
He informed that the health screening includes checking the height, weight, upper arm circumference, and hemoglobin levels in the blood.
In addition, to carry out those programs, the BKKBN has also deployed 200 Family Assistance Teams (TPK) consisting of midwives, Family Welfare Movement (PKK) activists, and family planning activists.
The BKKBN head emphasized that efforts to reduce stunting prevalence in the country cannot only rely on strengthening the synergy and collaboration of all parties.
Various programs that have been designed must be implemented and disseminated actively, he added.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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