Klojen (malangkota.go.id) – Acting Mayor of Malang Dr. Ir. Wahyu Hidayat, MM presented awards to sub-districts, urban villages, and health centers that were deemed successful in efforts to reduce stunting in their respective areas after the implementation of the 116th National Awakening Day (Harkitnas) Ceremony in front of Malang City Hall, Monday (20/5/2024).
Based on the results of the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), the prevalence of stunting in Malang City fell from the results of the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI) by 18% to 17,3%. Of course, this achievement cannot be separated from the collaborative movement of all parties, including at the sub-district, village, and health center levels.
Of the five sub-districts, 57 urban villages, and 16 health centers in Malang City, three of the best rankings were taken. For the sub-district level, Klojen was considered the best, followed by Sukun and Lowokwaru. While at the urban village level, it was Rampal Celaket, Kebonsari and Klojen. While for the health center level, Rampal Celaket Health Center was the best in reducing stunting rates.
Wahyu said that handling stunting is a shared responsibility. Therefore, he hopes that this award can motivate all parties to be in harmony in reducing stunting rates in Malang City which has become one of the national strategic programs.
"Not only the regional apparatus (PD) are responsible, but also those who are the spearheads, who deal directly with the community, namely in the sub-districts, villages, and health centers. They have innovations that are developed and implemented," he said.
Head of the Malang City Health Service (Dinkes), Dr. Husnul Muarif, said that his party had conducted field monitoring and verification to ensure the results of stunting handling in sub-districts, villages, and health centers.
"This is an award for sub-districts, villages, and health centers that have carried out stunting management well. We calculate the average from January to December 2023. From this average we rank. We at the Health Office also conduct monitoring and have carried out field verification," he explained.
Husnul said that the award was given based on the progress of the decline in stunting rates in each region and health center. "We see it from the progressiveness of the decline in stunting rates. That's what we appreciate. So it is hoped that in 2024, the SSGI stunting rate can be achieved, namely 14 percent according to the national target, if in 2023 we are still at 17,3 percent," said Husnul.
Meanwhile, the Head of Rampal Celaket Health Center, dr. Moh. Ali Sahib said that one of the effective recipes for reducing stunting rates is collaboration between all parties, especially the community. "By name by address, we will first match the data, then we will share it with the Rampal Celaket, Klojen, and Samaan sub-districts. The Health Office has also provided interventions such as PMT, but we need the role of the community, especially synergy between sub-districts, districts, community leaders, RT/RW and family companions. These cadres have an important role in assisting families with stunting. We also collaborate with the Poltekkes Nutrition Program," he explained.
Ali admitted that the Rampal Celaket Health Center had been the main locus for handling stunting. He said that around 2021, in his work area, almost 80 percent of toddlers were recorded as being at risk of stunting. "From there we move, provide further intervention, we make sure again whether this is really stunting or not. We start from the beginning again, starting from weighing the baby, re-teaching the cadres and also the community, and encouraging the sub-district to innovate," he explained further.
"We from the Health Center are carrying out assistance, mobilizing the community, especially since there is also support from universities in providing nutrition, through PMT. Alhamdulillah, currently it is only three percent. We will continue to encourage and continue to intervene more intensively," continued Ali.
Ali explained that the three sub-districts that are part of his work area also have their own innovations to reduce stunting. Like in Samaan Sub-district there is Klenting Donasi, in Rampal Celaket Sub-district there is Sambang by visiting stunted toddlers and then providing motivation to their families. While in Klojen Sub-district there is community donation. (ari/yon)
