The involvement of various sectors and the strengthening of coordination is needed to accelerate the handling of groups that are at risk (of stunting) down to the village levelJakarta (ANTARA) - The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture focused attention on the need to strengthen multi-sectoral coordination and cooperation to push the acceleration of the stunting reduction program.
"The involvement of various sectors and the strengthening of coordination is needed to accelerate the handling of groups that are at risk (of stunting) down to the village level," deputy for coordination of health quality improvement and population development at the ministry, Agus Suprapto, stated when contacted by ANTARA here on Wednesday.
Suprapto noted that one of the examples of at-risk groups is brides-to-be, with an arm circumference of less than 23.5 centimeters, or those with anemia.
Related news: BKKBN tackling sanitation, family toilet issues using PK21 data
"The stunting task force can provide assistance to the community down to the village level to collect data on these at-risk groups. It needs to be done thoroughly to support policy adjustments to overcome this stunting problem," he remarked.
Suprapto highlighted the need for conducting regular data updates, so that the stunting reduction acceleration program can be more targeted.
"Regular updating of the data of targets is urgently needed. Immediately look for data on risk factors that have been causing an increase in the prevalence of stunting," he remarked.
Several examples of risk factors are unintended pregnancy, early marriage, pregnancy at a later age, or closely spaced pregnancies, he pointed out.
Related news: KIA Bill obligates gov't fulfilling maternal, child nutritional needs
He expected that the comprehensive data could support the implementation of the National Action Plan for Stunting Reduction (RAN PASTI) to become more targeted.
In addition, he assessed that involvement of the community is deemed crucial to support the stunting reduction acceleration program.
Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Hasto Wardoyo noted that a precise strategy was required to prevent stunting by properly identifying its source causes.
According to Wardoyo, women looking to get married must first undergo a check-up to evaluate the risk of stunting during pregnancy.
Related news: Having breakfast, limiting caffeine help prevent child stunting: BKKBN
Related news: Low budget absorption hindering stunting reduction efforts: BKKBN
Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adj
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
