STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHILDREN UNDER FIVE IN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

More specifically, malnutrition may cause retarded growth of the body and, more importantly, a delay in brain development. Additionally, it may decrease or lower the body’s resistance to infectious diseases. The issue of under-nutrition in children under five is caused by many direct and indirect factors. Therefore, there is a need for comprehensive management strategies to prevent high rates of malnutrition. Strategies  to overcome the issue of malnutrition in children under five include revitalizing the function of the Integrated Health Service Post (locally known as ‘Posyandu’), increasing community and family participation in monitoring the growth and development of children under five, early recognizing and overcoming infants with impaired growth through Posyandu revitalization, improving the ability of personnel in the management of malnutrition to support the function of Posyandu, directly tackling nutritional problems in vulnerable groups, realizing nutrition-conscious families through nutritional promotion, advocacy and dissemination, building cross-sectoral cooperation and reactivating the Alert System for Food and Nutrition (ASFN).