Currently, there are 9,357 stunted children and 7,567 families at risk of (having stunted children), who have received (assistance from) foster fathers and mothers.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - At least 7,567 families have received assistance under the BAAS or “foster” fathers of stunted children program, Head of the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) Hasto Wardoyo has informed.

"Currently, there are 9,357 stunted children and 7,567 families at risk of (having stunted children), who have received (assistance from) foster fathers and mothers," he said here on Thursday.

Several groups in the community have shown their enthusiasm in helping prevent stunting through the BAAS program, he added.

The funds raised under the program have reached Rp19.2 billion so far, which will be collected and distributed to the target group.

The “foster” fathers or donors will hand over the donations to underprivileged families who are at risk of having stunted children, Wardoyo explained.

There are two types of care being provided by the donors to at-risk families. First, priority care where “foster” fathers provide additional nutritious food by donating Rp450 thousand per month for six months with the help of the Family Assistance Team (TPK).

"Foster fathers directly observe the nutrition (given to) their foster children with healthy food made by the family assistance team. Based on research, interventions against stunting can be carried out by providing a balanced nutritional diet for at least six months," Wardoyo explained.

Meanwhile, the second focus is companion care, where donors help increase knowledge of stunting among at-risk families through communication, information, and education (IEC), either in groups or interpersonally.

BKKBN is optimistic that the stunting rate in Indonesia, which is currently at 24.4 percent and exceeds the World Health Organization’s (WHO’s) threshold, can be reduced to 14 percent by 2024 through a number of intensified efforts.

Related news: Families must understand stunting indicators in children
Related news: Gov't strengthens foster parent program to expedite stunting reduction
Related news: Stunting interventions to target mothers, children: minister

Translator: Hreeloita S, Kenzu T
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2022