Jakarta (ANTARA) - Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin is optimistic that Indonesia's stunting prevalence rate would reduce to 14 percent by 2024 through evidence-based intensive intervention.
"Intensive efforts will be taken to accelerate the reduction in stunting prevalence in Indonesia until the stunting prevalence rate in our country reaches a negligible level," Minister Sadikin stated in his opening remarks during the national coordination meeting on stunting prevention broadcast by the Vice President Secretariat on Monday.
In his statement, the minister explained that interventions to reduce stunting rate were aimed at toddlers, teenagers, future brides and grooms, and pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
"Our program will focus on provision of sufficient nutrition and healthcare services, implemented in stages from the local healthcare center to hospitals, with ensured support from stakeholders," Minister Sadikin stated.
Related news: Stunting prevention starts from family level: IPB University expert
To achieve his ministry's goal of provision of 90-percent proper nutrition and health care service coverage, Sadikin remains committed to enhancing existing human resources and healthcare programs, particularly on health and nutritional education, and streamlining comprehensive intervention and surveillance pertaining to every healthcare service stage.
Sadikin explained that his ministry had taken necessary steps to address the COVID-19 pandemic for frontline workers through adjustments, such as enacting health protocols.
"As a stakeholder, we should intensify our contribution to enhance the coordinated, specific interventions required to achieve our desired goal," he stressed.
Related news: Preventing stunting vital to reap demographic bonus: FP agency
Minister Sadikin was convinced that the steps taken and policies planned would significantly lower stunting prevalence and improve the quality of Indonesia's children as the nation's future.
The national coordination meeting on the advancement of stunting prevention was attended by 2,600 participants from various ministries and institutions, with 34 province governors and leaders of regional organizations also attending the online meeting.
Related news: Reviewing the president's COVID-19 policies in a constitutional way
Related news: COVID-19: Pfizer vaccine distribution starts in Jabodetabek area
