Stunting can be addressed if detected early

The Chairman of the Central Board of the Indonesian Clinical Nutrition Physicians Association (PDGKI), Dr Erwin Christianto, M.Gizi, Sp.GK, has said that the growth and development of children experiencing stunting can still be optimised if the condition is detected and treated as early as possible.

This was conveyed following President Prabowo Subianto’s focus on the issue of stunting and the importance of nutritional fulfilment in his state address at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR RI) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD RI) on Friday (14/8).

“Stunting does not mean a child’s growth can no longer be improved. With appropriate therapy, a child’s growth and development can still be optimised, especially if detected and treated as early as possible,” Erwin said when contacted by ANTARA on Sunday.

In addition, these efforts also need to be accompanied by the prevention and management of infections as well as stimulation to support the child’s development.

“So the key word is detected as early as possible,” Erwin said.

He said parents cannot determine stunting based solely on a child’s appearance of looking short or small.

Therefore, parents need to monitor their child’s growth curve regularly at Posyandu or health facilities, rather than merely comparing the child’s height with that of their peers.

“What needs to be watched out for is height growth that does not follow the curve or whose increase is slowing down,” Erwin said.

Children require a varied diet with adequate energy, protein, vitamins and minerals according to their needs.

For children after the age of six months, breastfeeding should still be continued and complementary feeding (MPASI) must be adequate, varied and nutrient-dense, prioritising animal protein sources.

Erwin said nutritional fulfilment needs to be carried out together with growth monitoring, prevention and management of infections, and stimulation of child development.

“So the principle is simple: sufficient, varied, balanced, safe, and appropriate for the child’s age,” Erwin said.