"Various preventive efforts through early detection are crucial in accelerating the achievement of the stunting prevalence target that has been set by the government," she noted in a written statement received here on Tuesday.
According to Moerdijat, efforts to prevent stunting can be started from the first 100 days after birth, which is a crucial period for handling stunting.
She further noted that the Ministry of Health, at the start of this year, had specifically focused on early detection of stunting by taking children's body measurements at integrated health posts (posyandu).
"To prevent babies from experiencing stunting after birth, routine measurements using anthropometric (kit) are needed. The diagnosis of stunting is made based on anamnesis, physical examination, examination with anthropometric (kit) and other supporting tools," she remarked.
Moerdijat explained that the Ministry of Health recorded that 313,737 units of anthropometric kits are required to meet the needs of 303,416 posyandu. The government is targeting to meet the need for anthropometric kits at 127,033 posyandu this year.
"With the condition of equipment that is still limited, the improvement in knowledge and skills of health workers and posyandu volunteers is highly expected,” she stated.
Moerdijat underlined that it would be quite challenging to achieve the stunting prevalence rate of 14 percent in 2024 if not supported by the community and stakeholders at the central and regional levels.
"For instance, assistance from private parties in the form of providing protein sources for pre-prosperous families is very meaningful in preventive efforts to tackle stunting," she emphasized.
The MPR deputy speaker expressed optimism that the stunting prevalence target can be achieved if the community understands that efforts to tackle stunting are essential and become a national movement.
"Thus, efforts toward the development of Indonesian human resources that are healthy, have strong character, and are competitive, that can answer various challenges of the times, can be realized," she remarked.
Related news: Bureaucracy must have real impact on stunting reduction: Minister
Related news: Preventing stunted births is key to realizing healthy village: BKKBN
Related news: Foster father program helps overcome stunting, extreme poverty: BKKBN
Translator: Fath Putra, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023
