Jakarta (ANTARA) – Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin urged parents to weigh infants once a month to support the early detection of stunting.The statement was delivered byHealth Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin at an event held to launch the “Integrated National Monthly Weighing Movement” here on Tuesday, Stunting is a growth disorder affecting children that occurs due to a lack of nutrition over a long period of time, leading to recurring infections. Parents must ensure that their child’s weight increases every month, the minister stressed. If their weight does not increase, doctors at public health centers (puskesmas) must be consulted without delay for further action. “There are three important things, the first is to weigh every month, the second is that making sure the child’s weight increases every month, and if not, consult doctors at puskesmas,” he advised. The Health Ministry has started to distribute new weighing scales and anthropometric tools to all integrated health posts (posyandus) so that each region uses the same weighing and reporting methods, he informed The minister also reminded parents of the importance of meeting children’s daily nutritional needs, especially through foods rich in animal proteins. Animal proteins can come in the form of eggs, fish, chicken, and meat, he added. The government has initiated the “Integrated National Monthly Weighing Movement” to expedite stunting reduction. ccording to Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, the movement is part of efforts to detect signs of stunting in infants early. Through the movement, the government will encourage parents to routinely bring their children to posyandus or puskesmas for head circumference, weight, and height measurement. It will also include immunization, provision of additional foods and Vitamin A, as well as dissemination of health information by health staff. baca-jugaRelated news: Empowered women can create stunting-free generation: MinisterRelated news: Knowledge of balanced diet key to prevent stunting: MinistryRelated news: VP presses to conduct grassroots-level coordination to tackle stunting

Source: Antara News Agency