Jakarta (ANTARA) – As many as 6,130 family assistance teams (TPKs) have been deployed to handle childhood stunting in South Sumatra, the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) has said.

“Based on the data collected, currently, there are 6,130 TPKs in South Sumatra province,” BKKBN head Hasto Wardoyo said in a statement issued here on Wednesday.

He further explained that each TPK comprises three people: one family planning cadre, one Family Welfare Movement (PKK) cadre, and one midwife.

During a visit to Muara Enim district, South Sumatra, on Tuesday (December 20, 2022), Wardoyo said that the success of regions in reducing stunting prevalence is inseparable from the role of the TPKs.

According to the Indonesian Nutritional Status Survey (SSGI), South Sumatra’s stunting prevalence stood at 24.8 percent in 2021. Meanwhile, in Muara Enim district, stunting prevalence declined from 3.29 percent to 2.19 percent.

“I convey the highest appreciation for the district government of Muara Enim that has succeeded in reducing stunting prevalence,” Wardoyo said.

He also expressed appreciation for the devotion of family planning cadres, PKK cadres, and midwives in efforts to reduce stunting prevalence in Indonesia.

He asked TPKs to understand that stunting occurs because children do not get proper nutrition from the time they are in the womb up to toddlerhood. In addition, unhealthy parenting, environment, and toilets can make children susceptible to illness, which can hamper their growth.

“We convey our appreciation to family planning cadres, PKK members, and midwives who are continuously devoted to reducing stunting prevalence from villages to cities,” the BKKBN head said.

The 2021 SSGI put the prevalence of childhood stunting in Indonesia at 24.4 percent. The Indonesian government is aiming to reduce it to 14 percent by 2024, as per Presidential Decree Number 72 of 2021 concerning stunting reduction acceleration.

Source: Antara News