Pencegahan Stunting Sejak Dini di Desa Karang Anyar: Program Pengabdian Masyarakat yang Terkoordinasi dan Berkelanjutan

Abstract

Stunting is a condition of failure to grow in children due to prolonged malnutrition, causing the child's body to be shorter than age standards and experiencing delays in thinking. Based on 2013 Basic Health Research data, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia reached 37.2% and although it decreased to 27.5% in 2016, this figure still exceeds the WHO safe limit of below 20%. Community service activities in Karang Anyar Village aim to increase understanding and knowledge about stunting prevention through interventions involving pregnant women and toddlers. This program includes outreach about stunting, providing vitamin A and fish balls to improve nutrition, as well as planting moringa (moringa) to meet nutritional food needs.

The results of the activity showed a significant increase in participants' knowledge regarding stunting prevention, from 40% before socialization to 77% after. Community participation in the kelorization program is also very high, showing their commitment to increasing nutritional intake through local food sources. With specific and sensitive nutritional interventions through the national movement of the First 1000 Days of Life (HPK) as well as good cooperation between service teams, posyandu cadres and village midwives, it is hoped that the prevalence of stunting in Karang Anyar Village can be reduced significantly. This program not only provides short-term solutions but also builds a strong foundation for food security and children's health in the future.