Riau Becomes An Example Of Stunting Reduction, 3 Regencies Entering The Top 10 National

JAKARTA - Riau Province recorded brilliant achievements in efforts to reduce stunting. Three districts, namely Kampar, Pelalawan, and Rokan Hulu, managed to be included in the list of the top 10 nationally for the achievement of specific interventions in accelerating stunting reduction (PPS).

This success not only shows the effectiveness of the program implemented, but also strengthens Riau's position as one of the provinces with a strong commitment to overcoming children's nutritional problems.

The Director of Family Health Services at the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Lovely Daisy, revealed that Kampar Regency occupies the third and fourth positions nationally in the highest achievement of anemia screening in women's 7th and 10th classes. In addition, Kampar also occupies the fourth position for the level of consumption of blood-added tablets (TTD) in young women with perfect achievements, namely 100 percent.

"This achievement shows the region's strong commitment to preventing stunting from becoming a teenager, by ensuring the adequacy of iron which plays an important role in the health of pregnant women in the future," Lovely Daisy said in a virtual presentation attended by stakeholders throughout Riau, Monday (on the date of the event).

Meanwhile, Pelalawan Regency managed to reach the fourth position in the achievement of exclusive breastfeeding with a percentage reaching 97.1 percent. This shows public awareness and support for health facilities in supporting exclusive breastfeeding for babies during the first six months.

On the other hand, Rokan Hulu Regency occupies the sixth national position for additional nutritional intervention for toddlers with less weight. With 100 percent achievement, this program ensures that all toddlers who need nutritious intake support optimal growth.

According to Lovely Daisy, there are 11 specific intervention indicators that measure the acceleration of stunting reduction, including screening of anemia, consumption of TTD in young women and pregnant women, examination of pregnancy, provision of MPSI for pregnant women with chronic lack of energy (KEK), monitoring of children's growth, exclusive breastfeeding, and management of malnourished toddlers.

To accelerate the reduction in stunting rates, the main focus must be on preventive measures. Because every year there will always be newborns who are at risk of stunting if not treated from the start, "he said.

The Head of the Riau Province Stunting Reduction Acceleration Team (TPPS), Fariza, added that his party will continue to optimize the achievement of specific intervention indicators. Periodic evaluation will be carried out in each district/city to ensure that the program runs effectively and the PPS target can continue to increase.