Govt to introduce program targeting malnutrition

Wed, 11/25/2009 2:12 PM  |  East Java

SURABAYA: The East Java administration is set to introduce a health care program for low-income families in the region.

East Java health agency head Esty Martiana Rachmie said 2,500 families would be included in the program, which aimed to help reduce malnutrition in the province.

Research conducted by the agency revealed that of 250,000 children under five years in East Java, 300 suffered malnutrition. "Previously we addressed the malnutrition problem by providing healthy supplementary foods to the children, but we have changed our strategy now since this was not effective," Esty said Monday.

In most cases, malnutrition was caused by parents' lack in knowledge about health care and nutrition, she said. To help, Esty said her office would send nutritionists to provide consultation to families. -JP

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