The efforts include ensuring that children eat their breakfast and consume enough vegetables and fruits, the ministry's deputy, Agus Suprapto, said after a Strategic Policy Dialogue on School Children's Nutrition, which was streamed online on Tuesday.
"Increase fruit and vegetable consumption while limiting the consumption of unhealthy foods, such as foods with a high amount of salt and sugar," he advised.
Parents should also ensure that children undertake an adequate amount of physical activities.
"Moreover, make sure that children implement a clean lifestyle such as properly washing their hands and brushing their teeth," he said.
If necessary, parents can also give their children, especially teenage girls, blood booster supplements to prevent the risk of anemia, he added.
Improving the nutritional status of school-aged children and teenagers necessitates the participation of many parties, not just parents, he said.
The active role of teachers, health workers, community organizations, educational institutions, health service facilities, and workplaces is vital for supporting the dissemination of information on the importance of balanced nutrition for children, Suprapto said.
"The role and support among sectors and ministries or institutions will be necessary for improving the nutritional status of school-aged children and teenagers to realize a quality golden generation," he added.
On April 19, 2022, the School-Aged Children and Teenagers’ Prosperity Improvement National Action Plan (RAN PIJAR) was unveiled with the support of a number of ministers and institution heads, he said.
One of its goals is to improve the nutritional status and health of school-aged children, in accordance with the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture's Regulation No. 1 of 2022 on RAN PIJAR.
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Translator: Wuryanti P, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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