Tanjung, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Collaboration between the district government of Tabalong and private sectors has succeeded in reducing stunting rate through comprehensive approach.
Deputy Regent of Tabalong Habib Muhammad Taufani Alkaf said that the district's stunting rate today is 18.1 percent down from the previous 19.7 percent according to the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI).
"Stunting is not merely nutritional issues but is related to parenting pattern, environmental sanitation, health access to health services, and public education," he expounded here on Wednesday.
A comprehensive and continuous approach by Adaro Foundation (now becomes Amanah Bangun Negeri Foundation or YABN) together with Adaro and its partners, PT Saptaindra Sejati site ADMO, PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama, PT Putra Perkasa Abadi (PPA), was very helpful in the district government's efforts to alleviate stunting cases.
The results of the Electronic Community-Based Nutrition Recording and Reporting (e-PPGBM) showed stunting reduction in Tabalong, 17.65 percent in 2019, 11.51 percent in 2020, 8.88 percent in 2021, 7.89 percent in 2022, 7.46 percent in 2023 and the latest 7.49 percent.
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The Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) recorded, the district'ss stunting rate in 2023 was at 18.1 percent.
"This figure is still above the national target of 14 percent, so we still need attention to continue to strive to achieve the national target," said Deputy Regent.
He appreciated stunting reduction acceleration program initiated by YABN and other business actors.
"This success is proof of active role of private sector in strengthening public health development, especially stunting," he explained.
PT PPA representative Arif Ahmad Fauzi said that stunting acceleration reduction is a shared responsibility of private sector and local government.
"The stunting program in Tabalong is targeting 30 villages with a target of 511 toddlers and 23 pregnant women with Chronic Energy Deficiency (KEK)," Arif said.
The program is implemented through monitoring, in-depth interviews, FGD or technical actor meetings and data triangulation involving village midwives, village officials and facilitators.
Riska Fitriani, PIC of Stunting Reduction Acceleration Program from YABN, added that the success of the program cannot be separated from direct involvement of the community and cadres in the field.
"We insist on the importance of intensive family education, as well as regular data-based monitoring to ensure every intervention is right on target and has a direct impact," she said.
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