A health problem as big as stunting throughout Indonesia cannot possibly be solved with a government program approach (only)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin stated that solving the issue of stunting in Indonesia should be supported by programs and movements that are formed by all parties in the country.

"A health problem as big as stunting throughout Indonesia cannot possibly be solved with a government program approach (only). Movements that are owned by all components of the nation are needed," he noted in a written statement received here on Monday.

According to Sadikin, joint movements of all parties are needed to tackle health issues. It includes stunting prevention efforts to support the demographic dividend that is forecast to start in 2030.

"The active participation of various non-governmental institutions, such as businesses, universities, and professional organizations, philanthropic institutions, development partners, non-governmental organizations, and others, is expected to encourage stunting alleviation in Indonesia," he remarked.

In the same statement, Vice President Ma'ruf Amin urged that the programs and movements should be in line with the programs carried out by the government. Coordination must be conducted intensively with ministries, technical institutions, and regional governments to avoid overlap between programs.

In addition, Amin noted that the programs must be carried out at priority locations with high stunting prevalence to help reduce the prevalence significantly and in accordance with the target.

Furthermore, he stated that a sustainability strategy must be prepared from the start of the program's implementation, so that the community and regional governments can continue the initiatives.

Beneficiaries and actors at the community level are encouraged to be placed as main actors in implementing the programs.

"Involve them in every stage of implementation to grow a sense of ownership and pride in the community," the vice president affirmed.

The Ministry of Health is participating in stunting alleviation efforts through 11 specific interventions that focus on the prenatal period, i.e., female adolescents and pregnant women, and the postnatal period, i.e., babies and children under the age of five.

Efforts for early detection and intervention in under-five children, who are underweight as well as malnourished, are also carried out through providing local supplementary foods rich in animal protein, disseminating education and following the practice of a nutritious diet, as well as conducting routine growth monitoring.

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Translator: Sean Muhamad, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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