Tribunnews.com Reporter, Rina Ayu
TRIBUNNEWS.COM, JAKARTA – As a prevention of anemia, every year more than 400 thousand young women in East Java and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) are given weekly supplements of blood-added tablets (TTD).
The MITRA Youth program is run by Nutrition International, in collaboration with the governments of Indonesia, Australia, and Canada.
The program, which was accompanied by nutrition education, was implemented from 2017 to 2020 in 5,859 high schools in the two provinces.
Director of Community Nutrition, Ministry of Health Dhian Probhoyekti said, the Ministry of Health appreciates Nutrition International’s commitment to improving adolescent nutrition as an effort to accelerate stunting reduction in Indonesia.
“Improving adolescent nutrition is the key to overcoming stunting. The Ministry of Health is committed to improving the nutritional status of adolescent girls through balanced nutrition education and the provision of iron supplements,” she said in an online discussion, Thursday (27/5/2021).
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Country Director of Nutrition International Dr. Sri Kusyuniati added, in preventing the effects of malnutrition that cannot be cured, timing is very important.
After a crucial time in childhood, adolescence provides a second chance for increased nutrition, growth and development.
Good nutrition in adolescence can encourage optimal physical and mental growth; gives youth the strength and focus to study, work, ward off disease, and participate fully in society.
“MITRA Youth can empower young women with knowledge and supplements to improve their nutrition. We are proud of the journey of this program in improving adolescent nutrition and helping to strengthen the government’s commitment to adolescent health,” said Dr. Sri.
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