IDAI Values Free Lunch Strategy To Prevent Stunting Is Not Effective

Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association (IDAI) Piprim Basarah Yanuarso conveyed that stunting prevention efforts by providing free lunch for children were ineffective.

"If it is stunted, it must be taken to the hospital, handled by pediatricians, the important thing is that. I agreed to prevent stunting last night with a statement (saying) starting from the womb, then starting from the first 1,000 days," he said when met in Jakarta, Monday, February 5, was confiscated by Antara.

In addition to focusing on the First 1,000 Days of Life (HPK), Piprim said that the correct stunting prevention must also focus on strengthening animal protein since pregnancy.

"And actually since she was pregnant, then 1,000 HPK (essential). So, the golden phase is in the first 1,000 days, that must be rich with animal (protein), I think maybe that should be socialized," he said.

"The giving of food to school children will not be related to stunting, but for the first 1,000 days, I think that's very important," continued Piprim.

To obtain animal protein, Piprim said cow's milk is good for consumption. However, milk is not the only source of animal protein, because animal protein can also be obtained through fish, chicken, and eggs.

He stated this in response to the results of the Fifth Debate of Presidential Candidates (Capres) for the 2024 General Election which was held on Sunday, February 4 evening.

At the event, presidential candidate number 2 Prabowo Subianto asked whether the presidential candidate number 3 Ganjar Pranowo agreed with the free lunch program to prevent stunting.

Ganjar also straightening stunting can only be prevented when the child is in the womb by providing nutritional intake to the pregnant woman.