ZeroStunting Eggcellent: Steps to Combatt Stunting in Indonesia

Access to nutritious food remains a challenge for many people across Indonesia, with disparities in availability due to factors like limited infrastructure, uneven distribution, and varying economic conditions. These issues contribute to inconsistent nutritional quality across regions, affecting the health and development of children, including increased stunting risks. 

Recognizing the urgency, ZeroStunting and PLN Peduli launched the ZeroStunting Eggcellent program to provide animal protein to children at risk of stunting. Kalipare and Sumberpucung Districts in Malang Regency, East Java became the starting point for the ZeroStunting Eggcellent program to set foot in an effort to reduce stunting rates. 

The program began on October 10, 2024, this six-month program aims to deliver a sustainable protein source by providing egg-laying hen coops to beneficiaries. Eggs, a highly accessible superfood packed with complete nutrients, offer a critical nutritional intervention for stunted children. 

During the program’s inauguration in Karangkates Village, Sumberpucung, various stakeholders expressed their support for the initiative. dr. Lukmanul Hafiz, Head of the Stunting Program, shared optimism about the weekly egg production, expressing gratitude for the cooperation that led to the program’s launch.  

"Thank you to everyone who supported this process, from building the coop to today’s inauguration. We can now witness the steady growth in weekly egg production. We hope this program demonstrates our commitment to combat stunting"  

Similarly, S. Anggriani Pradani from PLN Peduli highlighted the importance of continuing the project beyond six months to meet ongoing protein needs for stunted children.  

“We want this program to sustain itself as long as there’s a need, ensuring we continue providing assistance.” 

Sudjono Fakrim, Head of Karangkates Village, welcomed the program, noting that combating stunting has been a priority due to its profound impact on the future generation. 

"Combating stunting has been the focus of our program for a long time, and we hope the trust placed in us serves as a testament to our commitment and enables us to reach as many beneficiaries as possible” 

The event concluded with a symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony by ZeroStunting and the Village Head, marking a promising start for the program. Attendees visited the coop, where the hens were actively producing high-quality eggs. 

During the monitoring, most hens were already laying eggs, which were weighed and sorted for distribution to beneficiaries. Over the next six months, the eggs will be delivered to meet the nutritional needs of children identified as stunted. 

Following the symbolic egg handover, a local health center nutritionist held a session on the importance of nutrition. Addressing health cadres and beneficiaries, the nutritionist emphasized the critical role of good nutrition during the first 1,000 days of a child's life: 

"You, the health cadres, are the frontline in tackling stunting. It’s not just about providing good nutrition but also educating parents on optimizing children’s growth and development during their first 1,000 days of life." 

Through the empowerment of health cadres, this program strengthens their role as key agents in disseminating benefits while intervening in nutrition for stunted children. The provision of laying hen coops and stunting education are proactive steps toward achieving ZeroStunting. 

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