Currently, the focus of stunting handling interventions is regions, starting from the village level
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Regional governments have an essential role in efforts to accelerate stunting reduction in the country, according to Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy.

"The handling of stunting and extreme poverty will not be carried out well without the main role of regional governments," the minister noted in a statement here on Thursday.

Effendy stressed that the government continues to make efforts to handle stunting and extreme poverty.

"Currently, the focus of stunting handling interventions is regions, starting from the village level," he stated.

To this end, the minister pressed for coordination on stunting handling to be conducted in an integrated manner by focusing on the target areas and by utilizing all existing resources.

"Thus, the role of regional governments is needed, so that stunting handling can become more optimal, starting from the level of villages, sub-districts, to districts or cities," he remarked.

The minister assessed that the active role of all parties, including regional governments, will determine the achievement of the national stunting reduction acceleration target.

"As we know, currently, the government is targeting stunting prevalence to decline to 14 percent in 2024," he stated.

The ministry's Deputy for Coordination of Health Quality Improvement and Population Development, Agus Suprapto, remarked that the Indonesian government continues to boost education and dissemination of information regarding the importance of fulfilling nutritional needs to prevent stunting.

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture is encouraging the convergence of cross-sectoral activities or programs in 2023.

"Apart from that, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture also continues to encourage the strengthening of the role of partners and community leaders in stunting reduction programs," Suprapto stated.

The deputy also highlighted the need for specific and sensitive nutritional interventions that are right on target.

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Translator: Wuryanti Puspitasari, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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