The government continues to intensify the dissemination of information to increase the people's understanding and awareness of the importance of balanced nutrition in families, the ministry's official, Agus Suprapto, noted when contacted from here, Sunday.
"Eating food with balanced nutrition is necessary for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, for daughters who will become mothers, and for infants as well as children," he explained.
Suprapto also highlighted the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for infants to support optimal growth and prevent stunting.
"We remind parents to routinely examine their children's health, including their growth," he remarked.
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Meanwhile, the ministry also continues to urge all regional governments to strengthen the stunting handling acceleration team in their respective regions.
"There should be a convergence pattern from all regional instrument organizations to act together in the effort to handle stunting in their respective regions," Suprapto stated.
In addition, undertaken programs related to stunting handling at the regional level should be focused and accurate, specifically for families at risk of stunting, he noted.
"What is equally important is to mobilize and collaborate with all parties, starting from communities, NGOs, academicians, public figures to the public, in improving nutrition and parenting," he stated.
He also invited parents to increase the consumption of foods rich in animal protein in the family's daily menu.
"Increasing (the intake of) animal protein, such as fish, egg, chicken, and meat, is very important to support children's growth and for pregnant mothers," he explained.
On the occasion, Suprapto also reminded of the importance of strengthening surveillance to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Optimizing laboratory-based surveillance can detect potential disease threats early on, including of COVID-19, he pointed out.
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Translator: Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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