Let's Prevent Stunting

The definition of Stunting, quoted from Presidential Regulation of the Republic of Indonesia Number 72 of 2021, is impaired growth and development of children due to chronic malnutrition and recurrent infections, which is characterized by their body length or height being below the standards set by the minister who handles government affairs in the health sector. Meanwhile, what is meant by stunting according to the Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is a child under five with a z-score value of less than -2.00 SD/standard deviation (stunted) and less than -3.00 SD (severely stunted).

So it can be concluded that stunting is a growth disorder experienced by toddlers which results in delays in the child's growth that are not in accordance with standards, resulting in both short and long term impacts.

So in other words, we can call stunting/ tengkes a condition of failure to thrive in children. It is not only the job of the government and health facilities to handle cases of stunting/tengkes, but it requires the attention of all parties including the community itself to be more aware or attentive to the potential for stunting/tengkes in children.

What can be done is to close all stunting/tengkes gaps. There are FIVE DOORS to stunting/tengkes, namely:

1. First, when a pregnant woman experiences anemia, chronic lack of energy and small upper arm circumference, there is a risk that the child will be born with a low birth weight. This can be prevented if the pregnancy is routinely checked by a health worker such as a midwife or community health center, and the family pays attention to nutritional intake - eating nutritious food, sufficient milk for pregnant women at home,

2. Second, when a mother gives birth, the process of initiating early breastfeeding is usually not carried out because the mother does not understand attachment to her newborn baby.

3. Third, exclusive breastfeeding fails which makes children often sick, frequently changing formula milk, formula milk allergies and lactose intolerance.

4. Fourth, complementary breastfeeding is not provided correctly both in terms of quantity and quality.

5. Fifth, children often get sick, such as being frequently infected by colds, diarrhea, tuberculosis and incomplete immunization.

These five things need to be considered so that anyone can do this. And the most important thing of all is breastfeeding for a mother to do. Breastfeeding is a natural process for a child to receive nutrition for the first time after giving birth.

   Apart from closing the five doors to stunting, there are four things (4T) that need to be avoided to prevent failure to thrive in children (stunting/ tengkes):

a. Avoid getting pregnant TOO young

b. Avoid getting pregnant TOO late

c. Avoid TOO many children

d. Avoid giving birth too close and getting pregnant again.

These 4 Ts result in a lack of nutritional intake that the child receives, resulting in failure to thrive, which in the short term can cause disruption to brain development, metabolism and physical growth in children. Pregnancy that is too late also carries a risk of death for the mother and child during childbirth. Pregnancy too late means that nutritional intake will be shared with the baby and fetus that is being carried.

Apart from 4T, prevention is also necessary by doing the following:

ABCDE Prevention

(A) Actively take Blood Increasing Tablets -> 1 tablet once a week for young women, and 1 tablet every day for pregnant women

(B) Pregnant women regularly check their pregnancy at least 6 times -> check their pregnancy at least 6 (six) times, 2 (two) times by a doctor using ultrasound

(C) Consume enough animal protein -> every day for babies over 6 months old

(D) Come to the Posyandu every month -> monitor the growth and development and immunization of toddlers at the posyandu every month

(E) Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months -> continued until the age of two years

Fill My Plate

One effective way to prevent stunting is to meet balanced nutritional needs according to the "Fill My Plate" guidelines recommended by the Indonesian Ministry of Health. This guide consists of the main components, namely Staple Food, Animal Side Dishes, Fat (oil/coconut milk), Vegetables and Fruit.

Implementing Clean and Healthy Living Behavior (PHBS)

Let's share this information with all friends, relatives or groups on social media so that more people know and understand so that stunting can be prevented!!!