"It is important to note, quoted from Kemenkopmk.go.id, based on data from UNICEF and WHO, the prevalence of stunting in Indonesia ranks 27th out of 154 countries with stunting data. This places Indonesia 5th among countries in Asia. Apparently, there are still some who mistakenly believe that stunting is malnutrition, whereas the two are different. To avoid misunderstanding, let's take a look at the differences."

Chronic nutritional deficiencies in mothers and children from pregnancy cause children to have a shorter stature than their peers. Meanwhile, malnutrition is a condition when the weight according to the length or height of the child (weight/height) is lower than the normal range for children of the same age. In cases of severe wasting, the child's stature will appear thin because the weight is not proportional to the height.

"Meanwhile, malnutrition can occur when a child does not receive adequate nutritional intake from their food consumption, regardless of their age. This condition can also arise due to certain infectious diseases that can affect appetite or the body's ability to absorb nutrients, such as chronic diarrhea, hepatitis, and others."

The symptoms usually start to appear when the child is 2 years old. Meanwhile, malnutrition can cause broader symptoms, but primarily the child appears very thin. When mapped on a child's growth curve, the weight for height or length is lower compared to children of the same age, or the upper arm circumference (UAC) tends to be small.

"In cases of stunting that do not receive prompt treatment, it can cause children to experience growth failure. Stunting is mostly irreversible or permanent, where children cannot regain normal height."

"Furthermore, children who experience stunting are also more vulnerable to diseases, lose opportunities to learn, have poor school performance, and grow into a group of economically disadvantaged individuals. On the other hand, if not addressed promptly and appropriately, malnutrition poses a risk of causing growth and development disorders, cognitive function impairments, severe dehydration, hypothermia, anemia, severe infectious diseases, and even death (in more severe cases)."

"It is important to note that children suffering from severe wasting (chronic malnutrition, very thin) are 3 times more likely to experience stunting. Meanwhile, stunted children are 1.5 times more likely to experience severe wasting compared to children with good nutrition. The risk of death increases if a child experiences both of these nutritional problems (severe wasting and stunting) simultaneously.
Source: Siloamhospitals.com"