Klaten, 15 November 2022 – The UNDIP Fisheries Alumni Family (KERAPU) and the Department of Fisheries Product Technology, in collaboration with the Head of Representative for the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN) for Central Java Province, drg Widwiono MKes, together with members of Commission IX DPR RI Rahmad Handoyo SPi MM agreed to prevent stunting in infants by conducting education on balanced nutrition for pregnant women as well as being fond of eating fish. Education about the importance of eating fish to achieve balanced nutrition for pregnant women and babies was delivered by the Lecturer of the Department of Fisheries Product Technology, Muhammad Hauzan Arifin S.Pi, M.Sc. This was emphasized in the Promotion and Communication, Information and Education (IEC) activities to accelerate the reduction of stunting at the Turus Village Hall, Polanharjo District, Klaten Regency. Approximately 200 participants attended the activity. Some of them were village heads in Polanharjo Sub-District, Polanharjo Sub-district, cadres, PKK, Klaten KB Extension, and students of the Faculty of Fisheries and Maritime Diponegoro University.
The main characteristics of stunting in infants are short stature, poor brain development (low intelligence), and disease susceptibility. The adverse effects of stunting can occur in children who have grown up, one of which is susceptible to degenerative diseases such as hypertension, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and kidney failure. By eating fish fondly, the growth of the fetus and baby will be more optimal because fish contains high protein and is rich in EPA and DHA, which can increase the rate of brain growth and development in babies under two years old. The resource person also advised the newlyweds to always pay attention to the nutrition of pregnant women, the spacing of births, and the productive age of pregnant women to prevent stunting from occurring in children.