Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA) - The number of cases of stunting in the city decreased in the last two years, with a percentage of over 90 percent, Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stated.
"I want Surabaya City to record zero stunting," the mayor emphasized in Surabaya, Wednesday.
The Surabaya city government noted that in 2020, the number of cases of stunting in the city were recorded at 12,788, with this figure dropping in 2021 to 6,722 cases, while in July 2022, the number fell to 1,219 cases.
To eradicate stunting in the city, the regional government collaborated with the East Java Indonesian Pediatric Association (IDAI), Health Professional Organizations, and universities in Surabaya to form a Rembuk Stunting group.
"We also collaborate with the Ministry of Religious Affairs to disseminate information on stunting for couples preparing for marriage," Cahyadi stated.
Through this effort, the regional government strives to prevent stunting before pregnancy and during the course of the child's development period.
"Before the couple gets married, they must bring a letter of recommendation from the Religious Affairs Service in Surabaya. We can access their data from there," the mayor stated.
The government also attempts to reduce stunting at the elementary level by providing additional vitamins and iron to students.
"Apart from distributing vitamins, we also conduct health checkups covering the measurement of height and the body," he added.
In an effort to maximize stunting prevention efforts, the city government has collaborated with all hospitals and midwives. Every childbirth in the city must be reported to the Surabaya government.
"The baby's weight and length will be reported to the related party as an effort for early detection in stunting," Cahyadi remarked.
Meanwhile, during the toddler's growth period, monitoring is conducted by the city government and the Great Surabaya Cadre (KSH).
Moreover, through the Rembuk Stunting group along with relevant stakeholders, Cahyadi believes the city will achieve zero stunting cases.
"With this collaboration, we believe that Surabaya will achieve zero stunting," he concluded. (*)
