Ministry of Social Affairs Provides Assistance for Malnourished Children

EAST LOMBOK (March 13, 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Paramita" Children's Center Mataram carried out a response to cases of children suffering from malnutrition in Batu Mas Hamlet, Batuyang Village, Pringgabaya District, East Lombok Regency.

Case responses were carried out by the Head of the Section for Social Rehabilitation Services, Social Workers and Nurses at the Paramita Children's Center accompanied by the Head of the East Lombok District Social Office and the East Lombok Social Work Unit.

The response to the child case was carried out by the team to a child named UK who was 3.5 years old and diagnosed with Pulmonary TB, Cerebral Palsy and Malnutrition since birth, where the child was born weighing 2.3 kg.

During the interview, the baby's birth mother explained, "I had hypertension during pregnancy. In addition, I also have pulmonary TB. During my pregnancy, I did an ultrasound and the doctor suggested I do a cesarean section for the delivery process, but when I was scheduled for surgery, My condition didn't allow for surgery. At first the baby looked normal, but when he was 3 months old, there were abnormalities, namely his weight did not increase and his stiff neck couldn't be moved."

The "Paramita" Children's Center Case Response Team in Mataram took several actions, including conducting rapid assessments, medical examinations by nurses, crisis intervention for children and families, as well as parenting for parents, regarding child care for children who require special protection (AMPK) and supporting the Head of the Family (father) in efforts to handle children's health.

Furthermore, the team provides recommendations for actions for families and child observers in the surrounding environment to pay more attention to the child so that his growth and development can be optimal.

On that occasion the team also provided Social Assistance in the form of packages for children's needs, including baby diapers, formula milk and rice according to the results of the assessment conducted by Social Workers.

I Ketut Supena said, "The Social Rehabilitation Assistance Program (ATENSI) which prioritizes fast, precise and complete services is expected to be able to solve children's problems comprehensively and completely."

The hope is for local governments to be able to facilitate the needs of children in accordance with existing mechanisms and rules, so as to minimize child problems in the work environment of their working areas.