Minister Of Health Explains PMT Program Recipients Overcome Stunting

Minister Of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin/DOK ANTARA

Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin explained that two recipients of the Local Food Supply (PMT) program, namely children with low weight and pregnant women with malnutrition as an effort by the government to reduce stunting rates.

"The first is for children whose weight does not increase or tend to decrease," he said at the launch of the Local Food Supply (PMT) activity as reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, May 17.

Budi said that if the child's weight does not increase or even tends to decrease, it can result in stunting in the future.

"This is what is avoided, because previously the stunting rate was successfully suppressed, but the number (of lack of weight) actually increased," he added.

Then the second recipient is pregnant women whose nutrition is not good, according to her, the condition of good maternal pregnancy is the biggest determining factor in the condition of the child before birth.

"His mother intervened by measuring her arm, at least 23.5 cm. Also the body mass index (BMI), don't let it be below 18.5. Don't let it be below normal," he explained.

He said that the provision of food can be in the form of various types, mainly animal protein such as meat, eggs, and fish because it contains substances that are useful for stunting prevention.

The plan is that PMT for this group can be carried out in all puskesmas in Indonesia in the near future by collaborating with the puskesmas and the relevant district/city governments.

As for children who are classified as stunting, the treatment continues as usual with supervision from doctors at the hospital.

The Ministry of Health targets the stunting rate to be reduced to 14 percent by 2024. This program is expected to reduce the stunting rate in Indonesia.