W Sumatra Malnutrition Numbers in 2017 Decreased

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Health Office of West Sumatra Province mentions malnutrition in the region fell in 2017 to 358 cases compared to the previous year recorded 411 cases.

Head of West Sumatra Health Office Merry Yuliesday in Padang on Thursday, said the decrease of malnutrition cases is almost evenly distributed in every regency and city in the province, although five regions are still experiencing such increasing.

The areas where the case of malnutrition is increasing, namely South Pesisir District from 19 cases in 2016 to 26 cases in 2017, Tanah Datar from 20 cases in 2016 to 38 cases in 2017, Sijunjung from 20 cases to 42 cases, Limapuluh Kota from 11 cases to 12 cases and Bukittinggi from one to seven cases.

Meanwhile, the highest malnutrition was found in Padang City with 66 cases and followed by Sijunjung District with 42 cases.

Malnutrition, according to her, does not only happen because of economic factors, but can be caused by lack of education and attention of parents to the fulfillment of child nutrition.

Then, he added, it followed by an unbalanced diet in the elderly when pregnant, because nutritional fulfillment begins when the child is in the womb.

She mentioned to anticipate the case of malnutrition, various efforts have been made by the government, including supplementary feeding and Food Companion of Breast Milk,

"Then perform routine service through integrated service post located in each regency and city located in West Sumatra," he said.

In addition, it continues to socialize and monitor toddlers in each region by directly down to the field.

He detailed the case of malnutrition during 2017 is 40 cases in Mentawai Islands District, eight cases in Solok District, and 26 cases in Padang Pariaman.

A total of 10 cases in Agam District, eight cases in Pasaman, six cases in South Solok, eight cases in Dharmasraya, and 28 cases in West Pasaman.

Then 10 cases in Solok, nine cases in Sawahlunto, one case in Padang Panjang, seven cases in Bukittinggi, nine cases in Payakumbuh, and four cases in Pariaman.

He explained that nutrition problems are complex issues and can not only be solved by one sector, but in need of collaboration of various sectors so that malnutrition cases can be anticipated. (cha)

Translator: Vicha Faradika