In line with the efforts to accelerate stunting reduction in NTT, several strategic steps need to be implemented, including strengthening nutritional surveillance of toddlers, to create more accurate data collection of stunting casesJakarta (ANTARA) - The Presidential Staff Office (KSP) affirmed that strengthening nutritional surveillance or supervision of children under five is crucial to help the government achieve the target of reducing stunting prevalence.
According to KSP Main Expert Brian Sri Prahastuti, as the province, with the highest stunting prevalence in Indonesia, East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) needs special attention.
"In line with the efforts to accelerate stunting reduction in NTT, several strategic steps need to be implemented, including strengthening nutritional surveillance of toddlers, to create more accurate data collection of stunting cases," she noted in a press release here, Monday.
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She affirmed that this step was deemed necessary to ensure there were no significant data differences in stunting prevalence, either by using the Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey instrument or the Electronic Community-Based Nutrition Recording and Reporting (e-PPGBM).
Prahastuti, who was also present at the Integrated Mentoring agenda held in Kupang, NTT, on October 28, explained that strengthening nutritional supervision was important, as stunting was not a condition that occurred all of a sudden.
Stunting is an accumulation of conditions since before marriage, such as anemia and malnutrition, lack of doctor consultation and lack of supplements for pregnant women during pregnancy, and low knowledge related to exclusive breastfeeding and complementary foods with insufficient protein during the post-natal phase, she affirmed.
“Intervention in the handling of stunting cannot only be conducted by the health sector but must also be cross-sectoral. The intervention also cannot be conducted only when stunting cases have been found (downstream) but must start before the case is found (upstream),” she affirmed.
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Earlier, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) had mandated the need for specific and sensitive interventions to encourage the achievement of the stunting prevalence target of 14 percent by 2024.
Some 12 provinces with the highest prevalence and number of stunting cases will receive integrated assistance from ministries and agencies that are members of the Team for the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction.
NTT is the area with the highest prevalence of stunting in Indonesia, which is 37.8 percent in 2021, based on the Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (SSGI).
The government continues to encourage stunting reduction in NTT Province, through efforts including the Integrated Assistance activity for the Acceleration of Stunting Reduction in Kupang.
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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Resinta S
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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