"One out of four children under five years of age in Indonesia is stunted, a condition marked by failure to grow due to malnutrition, repeated infections, and unsupportive environmental stimulation," Director of Communication, Information, and Education from BKKBN Eka Sulistia Ediningsih noted in a written statement received here, Saturday.
Ediningsih remarked that stunting had long-term effects in children under five years of age and had a dire impact on the children's future as Indonesia's next generation.
In an effort to reduce stunting in children in Indonesia, prevention and recovery are deemed necessary. Understanding the community is also an important part of expanding education regarding the effects of stunting, she noted.
Thus, the family planning program can fully support the commitment of the Indonesian government since it can reduce the stunting prevalence rate in order to achieve superior human resources for an advanced Indonesia, Ediningsih stated.
“Family planning is an important aspect that should be prepared after marriage. Family planning is part of the stunting prevention efforts," she affirmed.
BKKBN along with partners across the country have made continued efforts to prevent the emergence of chronic conditions due to stunting in children.
One of the steps is by holding a series of activities to accelerate stunting reduction, such as family planning services for 148 recipients at the Women and Children Hospital (RSKIA) Sadewa in Sleman District, Yogyakarta Province, and launching the Foster Father program for families whose children experience stunting.
The Foster Father Program for Families at Risk of Stunting is implemented by involving the Family Assistance Team (TPK), the local government, and families as foster fathers.
Later on, the Foster Father will provide assistance to families at risk of stunting.
“Children with stunting need animal protein intake. Foster Fathers will provide assistance to support the implementation of Healthy Kitchens through the provision of additional food based on local food or fish worth Rp10,000 to the family every day for six months," she elaborated.
The program involves the Family Assistance Team, as the supervisors, to ensure assistance provided is utilized optimally to fulfill the children's nutritional requirements.
Apart from planning births and intervening in nutrition for children, the BKKBN also continues to increase the dissemination of information on stunting to the public by applying a cultural approach.
"Through a cultural approach, this message and information will be more easily understood by the public," she added.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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