Nutrition
Tackling the 'triple burden' of malnutrition in Indonesia
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- Bahasa Indonesia
The Government of Indonesia has demonstrated political will and a strong commitment to address the challenges of poor child and maternal nutrition. This has been translated into a significant decrease of all forms of malnutrition over the past decade. Despite the progress, the country still grappling with the triple burden of malnutrition i.e. undernutrition (wasting and stunting), overweight and micronutrient deficiencies.
Key factor contributing are inadequate diet and feeding practices as well as limited access to services. In Indonesia, three out of ten infants under the age of 6 months are not exclusively breastfed. Two out of five children under the age of five years do not receive the minimum recommended number of food groups, and 40 per cent receive the minimum acceptable diet that is required for optimal growth and development. Poor maternal nutrient intake during pregnancy and infections results in restricting the growth of the fetus, with 6 per cent of newborn babies having low birthweight (< 2500 grams). Approximately one in two school age children and adolescents consume one or more sugary drink per day, while more than 95 per cent of the same group do not receive sufficient amounts of fruits and vegetables (5 portions per day) and more than half of adolescents do not have adequate physical activity.
These deprivations are further aggravated by poverty, low education levels, gender and societal inequities, poor infrastructure, frequent natural disasters, and environmental and climate-related factors.
What is the triple burden of malnutrition?
Stunting
Child stunting remains the most prevalent form of undernutrition in Indonesia, affecting more than 4.5 million children under five years of age. Stunted children are more likely to have impaired cognitive development, develop chronic diseases later in life, deliver low birth weight babies and perpetuate an intergenerational cycle of malnutrition.
Wasting
Indonesia also has one of the highest rates of childhood wasting. This affects roughly two million children under five years, of which over 460,000 are severely wasted, which also increases their risk of stunting. Children with severe wasting have significantly higher mortality rates than well-nourished children. Those who survive may have developmental problems throughout their lives.
Maternal, Adolescent, and Child Anemia
Pervasive micronutrient deficiencies manifested in the form of maternal, adolescent, and child anemia. Almost one in six mothers are chronic energy deficient (CED), while more than a quarter of pregnant mothers – and one in four adolescent girls – are anaemic, a condition where a low level of healthy red blood cells results in reduced oxygen flow to the body’s organs. Underweight or anaemic mothers are more likely to deliver low birthweight babies, who in turn are more likely to be stunted.
It is estimated that nearly one million children under five years, one in five school children aged 5-12 years and one in seven adolescents aged 13-18 years are overweight or obese which could present a major public health challenge in the future.
What we do
UNICEF’s nutrition program aims to prevent malnutrition throughout a child’s life, starting in the mother’s womb through maternal health, and continuing throughout infancy, childhood, and adolescence. UNICEF supports the government’s efforts by:
- providing policy advice and advocating for the nutritional needs of children and mothers at all levels;
- supporting evidence generation to capture best practices and learning;
- helping to improve the coverage and quality of essential nutrition services, from the prevention of adverse nutritional outcomes such as wasting, stunting, anemia, and overweight to appropriate treatment measures at province and district levels.
- ensuring that nutrition is part of emergency preparedness and response and is guided by UNICEF’s Core Commitments to Children in Humanitarian Action and UNICEF’s commitments as the cluster lead agency for nutrition.
Our programmes
Focus on improving breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices for children from six months of age and ensures adequate micronutrient intake to prevent stunting and other forms of early childhood malnutrition.
Integration of the early detection and treatment of child wasting into the existing health and nutrition services. It includes institutionalize mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) measurement into routine Posyandu services and empowering caregivers and community members on early detection and timely referral.
Maternal and adolescent nutrition consider evidence-based actions to prevent maternal nutrition and enhance the delivery and demand for programmes to improve nutrition for children and adolescents.
Improve data, evidence, knowledge and advocacy on the prevention of overweight throughout life.
Ensure that nutrition is part of emergency preparedness and response and is guided by UNICEF’s Core Commitments to Children in Humanitarian Action and UNICEF’s commitments as the cluster lead agency for nutrition.
Our impact
“I hope in the future many severely wasted children could benefit through the availability of local RUTF, like Adifa,”
Lisnawati, mother of Adifa.
Discover how our work is improving the lives of Indonesian children through our annual reports and bulletins.
Understand what you can do
Learn about Complementary Feeding (MPASI)
MPASI is essential for our children. This TikTok playlist provides practical guidance and tips on introducing complementary foods to infants. The videos cover a range of topics including the appropriate age to start MPASI, types of nutritious foods to offer, proper feeding techniques, and maintaining hygiene during food preparation.
Explore more activities below to support your children's growth.
Recognize the signs of wasting in toddlers and perform self-identification at home to prevent the negative impacts of wasting.
Enhance your family's health with delicious and nutritious Indonesian recipes.
Explore common myths and facts about breastfeeding to guide you on your journey.
Discover nutrient-rich local foods to enhance the family's diet, promoting health and sustainability through support for local agriculture and traditional culinary practices.