Beyond the Plate: Eljero’s Family in Fighting Malnutrition
Eljero, a young child from Ende Regency, is involved in a Nutrition Post program. This indicates that Eljero's nutritional status is not optimal. At just one year old, he is suffering from severe malnutrition. From birth to seven months, Eljero's weight did not increase.
"I immediately tried giving him instant porridge, but his weight didn't go up," said Nartin, Eljero's mother. Due to this condition, the village midwife classified Eljero as a severely malnourished child and referred him to the Community Health Center.
Nartin, the mother, also shared her difficulties in breastfeeding Eljero. "My breast milk is low because I lack vitamins," she explained. Nartin has not been exposed to myths or facts about breastfeeding. As a result, she still believes that her milk supply is hindered because she does not get enough nutrients.
As a parent, Nartin is often confused about how to increase Eljero's weight. "If he's in the mood to eat, he'll finish everything. If he's not in the mood, it's difficult," she said. After attending a cooking class on balanced nutrition at the Nutrition Post, Nartin felt that Eljero was more eager to eat when his meals were not just plain rice. He likes eating rice with fish. But daily, Eljero still eats rice only with sweet potato or pumpkin. He is also not used to eating eggs, which can be an alternative source of protein.
In the village where Eljero lives, malnutrition is still a major problem. One of the root causes is the level of parental knowledge about providing balanced nutrition for young children. Parents also do not yet understand that many local foods can be processed into nutritious food.
With this nutritional status, Eljero lives in the most vulnerable condition. His current nutritional status will determine his golden opportunities in the future. For him to reach his full potential, Eljero must receive adequate and balanced nutrition. Eljero's parents must acquire the right knowledge about feeding young children.
WVI and its partners, in collaboration with the community in Ende Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, have implemented several activities aimed at improving the nutritional status of young children in the village. One of them is through Nutrition Post. Parents who have children with nonideal nutritional status are given insights on how to process and provide balanced nutrition. So through this activity, parents become more aware that balanced nutrition can come from local foods, feeding must be nutrient-dense, and integrate feeding with daily caregiving.
It's time for us to say ENOUGH to cases of stunting and malnutrition. Act ENOUGH with Wahana Visi Indonesia for a life of Indonesian children who are well-nourished and have enough food every day.
Author: Mariana Kurniawati (Communication Executive)
