University of Indonesia team targets stunting in Sitanala, Tangerang

The KATAMATAKU team from the University of Indonesia (UI) has launched a community-based intervention in Sitanala, Tangerang, to address stunting and improve toddler health. The program focuses on strengthening the capacity of Posyandu health cadres and providing multidisciplinary health examinations.

Sitanala was selected due to its history as a leprosy-endemic area and its existing relationship with the KATAMATAKU UI program. A 2024 health screening of 124 toddlers in the area revealed that 31 children, or 25 percent, were suffering from stunting, a rate slightly higher than the prevalence in Banten Province.

Project leader Prof. Dr. dr. Yunia Irawati, SpM(K), stated that the initiative is a strategic synergy involving the Neglasari Community Health Center (Puskesmas), the Neglasari District Government, and local partners. The goal is to increase access to healthcare services, provide nutritional education, and empower local medical personnel and health cadres to combat stunting effectively.