Prevent Stunting, Katingan Regency Government 'Tempel' Pair 3 Months Ahead Of Marriage

Illustration of marriage. (Pixabay)

KALTENG - The Katingan Regency Government (Pemkab) provided assistance to couples for 3 months before getting married. This effort was made to prevent stunting in the Central Kalimantan (Central Kalimantan) Province.

"We are carrying out this effort through a three-month pre-wedding, counseling and health check (PKPK) program," said Katingan Regent Sakariyas in Kasongan, Central Kalimantan, quoted from Antara, Sunday, September 11.

He said the PKPK aims to increase awareness and understanding of couples who will marry about the factors that cause, prevent and handle stunting.

"In addition, to detect the potential for stunting early so that prevention can be carried out," said Sakariyas.

The three-month pre-wedding PKPK program was carried out by a family assistant team (TPK). Consisting of three elements, namely KB cadres, PKK and midwives or health workers.

They are given the task of providing virtual or face-to-face information, education and counseling to prospective brides who are getting married.

The examination of the bride and groom includes height, weight, upper arm circumference and level of hemoglobin (Hb) for the prospective bride and groom.

As a result, he continued, it is entered into an electronic application ready to get married and ready to get pregnant (elsimil). Inspection can be carried out at the nearest health facility.

If the results of the examination meet the requirements for pregnancy, the TPK will provide assistance to improve the health of the bride and groom as a prospective mother.

"The success of efforts to reduce stunting cases in Katingan, which is currently still at 24.18 percent, in 2024 we are targeting to 14 percent. This requires hard work and integrated cooperation between sectors," he said.

The Katingan Regency Government through the Office of Women's and Children's Protection for Population Control and Family Planning also continues to make efforts to prevent stunting, including through education, counseling and services for the development of families under five, adolescents and the elderly.

Then there is also a specific handling by the Health Service coupled with carrying out a convergence integration action by Bappelitbang Katingan through situation analysis, activity plans, "stunting crush" and regent regulations on village roles.

"Hopefully through this joint commitment, we can accelerate the reduction of stunting in Katingan Regency," he said.