As the agency in charge of pursuing stunting reduction, BKKBN is conducting several efforts, including working with experts and institutions that share the same goals, BKKBN head Hasto Wardoyo said in a press statement received here on Tuesday.
"Thus, on the (commemoration) of National Family Day, we expect that this can be the right moment to push for the reduction of the stunting rate in Indonesia through a series of (collaborative) programs that are also running together with About Children (Tentang Anak, a digital platform about parenting)," he added.
The agency recognizes that currently, there are many ways to create a good family and raise a great newer generation, he said. One way is early, careful family planning by parents or prospective parents.
Indicators of building a superior and advanced young generation can be improved by suppressing the stunting rate, which is targeted to be brought down below 14 percent by 2024.
One way to begin the effort is by reducing stunting prevalence.
Related news: BKKBN collaborates with parenting apps to expedite stunting reduction
Founder of About Children, Dr. Mesty Ariotedjo, Sp.A, said that her platform is seeking to improve the quality of national literacy for parents and children and become reliable, credible--as a firsthand source of information from experts--and accessible to everyone for free.
The platform’s services include educational webinars, WhatsApp support groups, and consultations or QnA with experts (obstetricians, pediatricians, midwives, child and family psychologists, to family financial planning experts).
According to deputy dean 1 for education, research, and student affairs at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Indonesia, Prof. Dr. Dwiana Ocviyanti, SpOG(K), MPH, several studies have shown that proper birth spacing can have a significant effect on stunting in children.
The World Health Organization recommends a birth gap of at least 2 years and 9 months between children. In order to meet the recommendation, people can plan their pregnancy by using various methods, including contraceptives.
However, currently, people, especially new parents, do not fully understand the types, benefits, and consequences of contraceptives.
"Thus, it is important for us as practitioners to continue to educate, with the help of institutions that also have the same vision and mission as About Children, in pursuing the expedition of education,” she said.
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Translator: Suryanto, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Suharto
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