West Sumatra worst on malnutrition list

JAKARTA (JP): West Sumatra has the most infants affected with malnutrition so far, followed by West Java and Central Java.

Minister of Food and Horticulture AM Saefuddin said 56 children have died across the country while at least 2,866 children were affected.

He was quoted by Antara on Friday in Semarang as saying there were 261 cases in Central Java, and eight had died.

In West Sumatra, he said, 834 children were afflicted and in West Java there were 790 cases.

Saefuddin was in Semarang to attend a coordination meeting on food and nutrition.

"The areas which need the most attention are the regencies of Purbalingga, Grobogan, Magelang, Pekalongan, Boyolali, Banjarnegara, Wonogiri and Pekalongan township," he said.

To help overcome the problem, Saefuddin said his office delivered 200 tons of rice worth Rp 500 million to needy families through local authorities.

He said the Ministry of Health continues to report on cases of children with malnutrition every week, and reports were expected every 24 hours for children known to have acute conditions.

In addition there was a subsidy of Rp 4,000 a day per child, he said and families whose children are being treated would not be charged for medical and hospital fees.

He said the assistance was available for three months, after which an evaluation would be conducted.

The minister rejected suggestions from Purworejo regent Gurnito to distribute the aid in the form of cash.

"The risks are high, more so ahead of the poll. I am worried the money could be abused like in the case of the social safety net funds." (anr)