BKKBN Collaborates With Seven Countries To Discuss Stunting Handling

Illustration (doc. BKKBN)

PANGKEP - The National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) continues to open itself up to explore all available opportunities in the context of developing the Family Development, Population and Family Planning (Bangga Kencana) program as well as efforts to reduce the high prevalence of stunting in Indonesia.

One of the steps taken is to regularly invite ambassadors from various countries who are considered quite successful in dealing with stunting cases in their country.

"Since 2021 we have regularly held Ambassador Talks discussion events, inviting Ambassadors from several countries to share experiences and strategies from countries that have succeeded in overcoming stunting," said Deputy for Training, Research and Development of the BKKBN, Prof. Rizal M. Damanik, during a working visit in Pangkep Regency, South Sulawesi, Thursday, March 24.

From this experience sharing, according to Rizal, then BKKBN will explore collaboration opportunities to accelerate the reduction in the number of stunting cases in Indonesia. Not only that, the BKKBN also garnered foreign partnerships and support as well as socialized the Proud Kencana program to the international level.

As a follow-up to these activities and at the same time as an effort to accommodate foreign partners in seeing the program directly at the village level, BKKBN then initiated an activity entitled Ambassador Goes to Kampung KB, Sumpang Bita, Balocci Baru Village, Pangkajene and Islands (Pangkep) Districts. .

Present at the event were Embassy partners of friendly countries, namely Australia, the Netherlands, Japan, Canada, the Philippines, Mozambique and Seychelles as well as international donor agencies, namely UNFPA and WHO. “BKKBN and UNFPA have been collaborating for a long time in the Population and Family Planning program. Then with the Philippines through the Commission on Population and Development or Popcom, and has also collaborated with the Seychelles in establishing the Center of Excellent on Family Welfare," said Rizal.

Furthermore, the Family Planning Village can also be a means of Indonesian best practice in overcoming population and health problems at the village level which can be replicated in other developing countries that have similar problems. Provide an in-depth overview of how programs and activities can be implemented in various conditions.

The Regent of Pangkep, Muhammad Yusran Lalogau explained, “Until now in Pangkep there are about 51 KB villages spread throughout the sub-district. We see that the development of the existing KB Village is very beneficial for the community, it is hoped that this will also improve the community's economy. Then we can provide good nutrition for our children, counseling for teenagers and prospective brides so that later they can give birth to a generation that is not stunted," said Yusran.

Kampung KB Sumpang Bita is located in the tourist area of Balocci Baru Village and has been established since December 2021. The population is around 3,703 people with most of the livelihoods of the residents being garden farmers. KB village activities that have been carried out include the Development of Toddler Families, Youth Families Development, Elderly Family Development, Acceptor Family Income Increase Business Group (UPPKA), Population Data House and Healthy Kitchen Overcome Stunting (DASHAT).

Meanwhile Mrs. Bronwyn Robbins, Australian Consul General in Makassar said, "I am very happy to see firsthand the innovations that have been carried out by the BKKBN related to reducing maternal and infant mortality, stunting and increasing community income, as well as the BKKBN's proactive approach with partners," he said.

Prof. Rizal M. Damanik expressed his hope regarding the Ambassador Goes to Kampung KB activities so that in the future they can collaborate with other countries. As well as conveying the highest appreciation for the cooperation that exists between BKKBN and all embassies. "BKKBN welcomes all support, especially those that go directly to the community," he concluded.