Stunting doesn’t happen right away, it starts from the fetus, continuing until the child turns 2 years of age. In other words, the first 1,000 days of a child’s life are crucial for their growth and development. During this period the brain and its synapses are developing rapidly. Therefore, children should not be malnourished. “If a child is found to be stunted after the first 1000 days of life, cognitive problems will be very difficult to correct, but what can still be improved will be improved,” said dr. Dana.
Actually, stunting can be prevented before pregnancy. “It is better for new mothers to get pregnant when they are adults, not as children or teenagers. This is related to the age at marriage, so that not only are the reproductive organs ready, but the mother is also mentally prepared and the family is ready economically. During pregnancy, the mother’s nutritional needs must be met properly, such as micro-nutrients, iron, and folic acid. During pregnancy, mothers should not be exposed to cigarette smoke, and infectious factors must be considered. After the baby is born, it is exclusively given breast milk, provided good complementary foods with balanced nutrition, immunizations according to schedule, and a clean, safe, and healthy environment for children. In brief, babies born to mothers who are ready and healthy, properly supervised and given rights, will avoid stunting,” said dr. Dana.
Disruption of Brain Development
Parents play an important role in preventing children from suffering stunting. This role is not easy. The government pays great attention to stunting. The incidence of stunting in Indonesia continues to decline. Average achievement per year for stunting reduction of 2.0% (2013-2021) with a stunting prevalence rate in 2021 based on the results of the Indonesian Nutritional Status (SGI) survey of 24.4%. Although, this figure is still far from the prevalence rate targeted in the Ministry of Health’s 2020-2024 National Medium-Term Development Plan (RPJMN), which is 14% in 2024. To achieve that target, it means that every year there must be a decline of 2.7%. Therefore, the government carried out two interventions, namely specific interventions and sensitive interventions. Specific interventions are carried out in the health sector, focusing on children in the first 1,000 days of life and on mothers before and during pregnancy, while sensitive interventions are cross-sectoral collaborations.