Speaking at a virtual media gathering on Thursday, the ministry's Director General of Primary and Community Health, Maria Endang Sumiwi, highlighted that the province also recorded over 75 percent coverage in all specific interventions aimed at stunting prevention.
For instance, 93.3 percent of adolescent girls in Bali have received blood supplement tablets, while nearly 80 percent underwent nutritional screening to assess their nutritional status.
“Almost 90 percent of pregnancies were monitored as well. Hence, nearly all pregnant women in Bali are reached out. They monitor their pregnancy condition and would take necessary actions if there are nutritional issues,” she explained.
Other interventions include complete basic immunization, which achieved 96.5 percent coverage -- exceeding the 90 percent target -- and the “stop open defecation” campaign, which achieved 94 percent coverage, also surpassing the 90 percent goal.
She attributed Bali’s low stunting rate to the high public trust in health services.
Meanwhile, in addition to the government's responsibility to provide relevant services, she emphasized the need for service expansion, including educational resources such as the Maternal and Child Health (KIA) handbook.
“For example, we have produced the KIA handbook. According to pediatricians, our handbook is among the best globally,” she remarked.
On the same occasion, Head of the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK), Asnawi Abdullah, stated that Bali has recorded the lowest stunting prevalence in the country for the past two years.
Abdullah explained that stunting is an issue influenced by various factors, such as health issues, poverty, and sanitation.
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Translator: Mecca, Kenzu
Editor: Primayanti
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