Nutritional approach and early detection of stunting in Indonesia

Title : Nutritional approach and early detection of stunting in Indonesia

Abstract:

Stunting remains a critical issue in Indonesia, impacting the physical and cognitive development of children, with long-term consequences on national health and economic growth. This presentation explores the nutritional approaches and early detection strategies necessary to combat stunting in Indonesia. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), stunting is caused by inadequate nutrition, frequent infections, and poor maternal health, especially during the first 1000 days of life. UNICEF further emphasizes the importance of a multi-sectoral approach, integrating nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to address underlying factors such as food insecurity, poor sanitation, and limited access to healthcare.

Early detection of stunting is crucial for timely interventions. Screening programs focusing on monitoring growth and nutritional status, such as the use of growth charts and mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC), can help identify children at risk. WHO recommends the integration of routine health checks within primary healthcare settings to improve early diagnosis and reduce stunting rates. Additionally, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, complementary feeding practices, and improved maternal nutrition can significantly reduce the incidence of stunting.

In Indonesia, local government initiatives, such as the revitalization of Posyandu (integrated health posts), play a key role in ensuring access to health services, nutrition education, and support for families. This presentation discusses evidence-based interventions, challenges, and the role of community involvement in reducing stunting prevalence in Indonesia, aiming to provide a comprehensive framework for tackling this public health crisis.

Keywords: child development, early detection, Indonesia, nutrition, public health, stunting, WHO

Biography:

Dr. Tonny Cortis Maigoda, S.KM., M.A., was born in Jakarta, 10 January 1961. Currently I live in Sukarami Village, Bengkulu City. Higher education was taken starting from the Bachelor's degree at the Faculty of Public Health, University of Indonesia with a specialisation in Community Nutrition (graduated in 1996), postgraduate (S2) Master Degree at Bournemouth University, United Kingdom (England) with a specialisation in Interprofessional Health and Community Care (graduated in 2003), and earned a Doctoral degree (Dr) from Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) with a specialisation in Human Nutrition (graduated in 2016). In addition to formal education, the author also attended a Short Term Course on food and Nutrition programme planning and management at Los Banos University, Phillipine in 2007. I am  also active in writing the results of his research and publishing in 30 SINTA-accredited National Journals and 15 reputable International Journals.  In addition, he often conveys ideas, ideas in accordance with his knowledge in seminars, national webinars and international conferences as a speaker and invited speaker.

Currently, I am actively teaching at the Diploma III Nutrition Study Programme and Diploma IV Applied Nutrition Study Programme at the Bengkulu Poltekkes Kemenkes Nutrition Department, then also active as a national reviewer of research and community service for lecturers in the Kemenkes Polytechnic Environment throughout Indonesia, as well as a reviewer of Scopus indexed international journals.  Establish author cooperation via email tony@poltekkesbengkulu.ac.id.