Deputy Minister of Health Dante Saksono Harbuwono affirmed that unlike its past iteration, in which the survey was conducted exclusively by the ministry, this time, they carry it out with some other entities, such as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Statistics Indonesia (BPS), Home Affairs Ministry, and a private survey agency.
At the Kick-off Meeting for SSGI 2024 here on Tuesday, Harbuwono drew attention to the four issues of stunting, wasting, underweight, and obesity covered in the survey.
By mapping those conditions, Harbuwono said, they are able to pursue more efforts to fulfill the nutritional needs of people. With the right survey, better plans can be conducted, and Indonesia can prepare great generations for 2045, he remarked.
"What happens to the children currently is the reflection of what will happen in 2045," the deputy minister noted.
He stated that they would also coordinate with the National Nutrition Agency (BSN) in their program's implementation, as the survey results can serve as the basis for the agency's policy-making, in turn enhancing efforts in creating a healthier generation.
On the occasion, he underscored the importance of stunting prevention, as treating children with that condition is more difficult. Currently, some 5.6 million kids are at risk of stunting, and this issue should be given greater attention.
"Thus identifying them, these kids who are at risk of stunting, becomes a strategic measure, so they do not end up with stunted growth," he remarked.
According to the deputy minister, currently, stunting prevalence in Indonesia is recorded at 21.5 percent. It is supposedly 17 percent, though with better evaluation, they can achieve the target of 14 percent by 2025.
On the same occasion, Head of the Health Development Policy Agency Syarifah Liza Munira stated that apart from the kids' nutritional issues, the national survey will also explore factors that determine nutritional status.
"(Factors) such as breast milk, foods that complement breast milk, immunizations, infectious diseases on toddlers, environmental health, and maternal health status," Munira elaborated.
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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