Banten Targets Stunting Prevalence Below 14 Percent By 2024

The atmosphere of children's health measurements prevents stunting in Posyandu, Pagomogo Village, Nagekeo, NTT, Friday, May 6. (ANTARA)

BANTEN - The Banten Provincial Government is targeting stunting rates below 14 percent in 2024 on the thematic issue of development priority programs in pre-construction deliberation of development planning (Musrenbang) and the 2024 Regional Government Work Plan (RKPD).

"I think what needs to be considered more is the stunting related to the younger generation today," said Acting Regional Secretary of Banten Province, Virgojanti, quoting Antara, Sunday, April 9.

According to him, in achieving this target, there are several efforts that will be made by the Banten Provincial Government. Among them, instilling a joint commitment to prevent stunting and carrying out collaborations that continue to be developed, both with the central and district/city governments.

"The convergence of actions that we continue to carry out is commitment and collaboration between Regional Apparatus Organizations (OPD). Both with the central and regional governments," he explained.

The collaborations that will be carried out by the Banten Provincial Government include collaboration with the Public Works and Spatial Planning Service (PUPR) which has the authority and responsibility for sanitation facilities and availability and good clean water.

"The convergence actions that we continue to collaborate on include the presence of hospitals, installations, and sanitation of water whose non-existence can cause stunting," he said.

In addition, Virgo explained that the collaboration carried out by the Banten Provincial Government was also carried out through the Education and Culture Office (Dindikbud). Which has a role to play in educating the public in stunting prevention.

"We also continue to move in terms of education that we usually start from the knowledge of the first 1000 days of pregnancy that is prone to stunting," he said.

Furthermore, he said, his efforts to deal with stunting were also carried out in the food defense sector which has an important role in children's nutritional intake.

"We also pay attention to the food security we have. And that is also an action that is a step in dealing with stunting," explained Virgo.

Furthermore, Virgo hopes that with the implementation of the Musrenbang which aims to synergize Banten development programs, it will be able to further reduce the stunting rate in 2024.

"I hope stunting can continue to be suppressed as an effort to make the development of Banten Province successful," he said.