Indonesia Takes Bold Steps to Combat Stunting: A Comprehensive Approach
Alerting the public to the persistent challenges of stunting in Indonesia, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has issued a renewed call to action. The ministry emphasizes its unwavering commitment to reducing stunting rates, a priority issue that imperatively requires holistic strategies.
The Urgency of Addressing Stunting
“The government is fully committed to tackling stunting,” declared Woro Srihastuti Sulistyaningrum, the deputy for coordination of family and population quality improvement at the ministry. Her remarks were made during a session sharing preliminary findings from the Action Against Stunting Hub (AASH) study.
According to Sulistyaningrum, despite ongoing efforts, Indonesia has failed to meet its stunting reduction target for 2024. The target is to lower stunting rates to 18 percent by 2025, necessitating a multi-faceted approach.
A Holistic Approach to Stunting
Key to achieving the 2025 goal is maintaining focus on children aged 0-6 years. This means efforts must extend beyond the critical first 1,000 days of life. Continuing interventions through age six is essential for sustained improvement in stunting rates.
Expert Insights and Support
Herqutanto, director of the SEAMEO Regional Center for Food and Nutrition (RECFON), commended the AASH study’s initial findings. He believes these findings will significantly aid in stunting mitigation efforts.
The deputy rector of the University of Indonesia (UI) for research and innovation, Hamdi Muluk, expressed UI’s strong support for SEAMEO RECFON’s initiatives to combat stunting.
The Action Against Stunting Hub (AASH)
The AASH is an interdisciplinary study focusing on creating a comprehensive stunting typology through a whole-child approach. Spanning 2019 to 2024, it was conducted in India, Indonesia, and Senegal, with East Lombok serving as Indonesia’s research site.
The Indonesian component of the AASH study was coordinated by SEAMEO RECFON – Regional Nutrition Center of UI, providing crucial data and insights for policymakers.
Impactful Research for Policy Making
Umi Famida, the country lead of the AASH study in Indonesia, highlighted the study’s importance. She said it aims to deliver scientific evidence and pertinent information to policymakers, aiding the acceleration of stunting reduction efforts and facilitating the formulation of efficient and effective policies.
Related News
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Related news: Ministry taps universities as strategic partners for stunting programs
Conclusion
Indonesia’s ongoing battle against stunting underscores the need for collaborative efforts and sustained commitment from various stakeholders. By leveraging comprehensive and integrated strategies, the country aims to significantly reduce stunting rates, ultimately improving the health and well-being of its youngest citizens.
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