Families Must Play A Role In Preventing Anemia Through Adequacy Of Children's Nutrition

UNSPLASH/Vitaly Gariev ILLUSTRATION

JAKARTA - The role of parents is very important to prevent and overcome the problem of anemia in children. They must meet the nutritional needs to ensure the health of the next generation.

"Parents' preparation for the future of their little ones needs to include efforts to ensure that children avoid anemia and stunting by fulfilling their nutritional needs," said Iis Istiqomah, who is the Director of the Aspiration Muslim Foundation (Yasmina) in a written statement quoted on Friday, July 12.

The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) shows 23.8 percent of children aged 0-4 years and 15.5 percent of teenage women aged 15-24 years experienced anemia due to a number of factors such as iron deficiency. As a result, children's growth and development can be disrupted.

"With the awareness and active role of the family, we can prevent anemia and ensure the health of the next generation," said Iis.

Meanwhile, Ray Wagiu Basrowi, who is the Medical Science Director of Danone Indonesia, said that this nutritional problem is indeed the responsibility of all parties. The private sector is no exception.

"We affirm our commitment to support the creation of quality families through nutritional aspects for children and families, prevention of anemia in society as well as aspects of family-friendly companies," Ray said.

He then explained that there were various programs presented by Danone Indonesia to improve health and access to nutritious food for mothers and children. Among them are Nutrition Response and Stunting Children's Health (Tangkas), My Piring Content Community, Healthy Mother's House, and Mother Teaching.

"This program is carried out to strengthen the capacity of health cadres and the role of women in building economic independence," he said.

“Keseluruhan program tersebut telah menjangkau lebih dari 8,6 juta penerima manfaat di Indonesia. Selain intervensi di lapangan, kami juga menghadirkan anemia screener untuk mengetahui risiko anemia pada anak yang dapat diakses melalui https://hellosehat.com. Kami berharap upaya ini dapat membantu membangun generasi emas Indonesia,” pungkas Ray.