UNAIR NEWS – Preparing the nation’s young generation is more than just a matter of quantity. It requires quality improvement as well. Prof Dr. Irwanto dr SpA(K), the professor of UNAIR Faculty of Medicine (FK), delivered the statement during an education program and medical checkup for stunting toddlers at Arosbaya Health Center (Puskesmas), Bangkalan, on October 22, 2022.

Stunting becomes one of the must-solve problems. “Stunting is the impaired growth and development in children due to chronic nutrition disorder,” said the child development expert of the pediatric department.

Chronic nutrition disorders may happen before the pregnancy, during the pregnancy, and post-pregnancy. A mother should have an adequate understanding of health to ensure the prospective babies get enough nutrition, even before the pregnancy.

One of them is overcoming anemia since adolescence. “You must ensure that you’re free of anemia to prevent any nutrition disorders for the fetus,” said Prof Irwanto.

Healthy diet

On the stunting eradication program under the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Pediatrics of Universitas Airlangga Faculty of Medicine, Prof Irwanto and Dr. Eighty Mardiyan K, dr, SpOG (K) highlighted the exclusive breastfeeding and food since the baby was born.

For instance, a six-month-old baby was fed a mixture of rice and banana. “In such an age, a baby should only be exclusively breastfed,” she said. As a result, the baby will not get optimal nutrition needs, which leads to the risk of digestive problems.

Prof Irwanto gave special attention to the stunting infants in the Puskesmas. “If your son seems to suffer from anemia, you should see the doctor immediately. It needs additional iron for consecutive 6 months. If it’s ignored, the stunting will get worse,” he said.

Prof Irwanto and Dr. Eighty also explained the right dose to help the stunting toddlers’ development in front of the Puskesmas medical workers.

On other infants, Prof Irwanto identified the need for parents’ patience in providing nutritional intake for toddlers.

“Parents should feed their children on time. They should be taught to eat on time in the right way,” he suggested.

He also advised that infants must consume vegetables and fruits to meet the micronutrient needs for their growth and development.

Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia