Govt promotes anaemia screenings for pregnant women, toddlers

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah Fauzi, supports the implementation of screening and early detection of anaemia in pregnant women and toddler, accompanied by regular nutrition education, to ensure optimal child development.

"Preparing an outstanding generation requires more than just improving the quality of education, it also demands that we ensure good health and proper nutrition from the very beginning of life," she said in a statement received here on Sunday.

Speaking on the sidelines of an anaemia screening and prevention event held to mark 2026 National Children's Day in Jakarta on Thursday (July 9), Minister Fauzi underscored that ensuring sufficient iron intake for women and children is critical.

She pointed to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI), which revealed the prevalence of anemia stands at 27.7 percent among pregnant women, 23.08 percent among toddlers, and 15.5 percent among teenage girls.

Related news: RI Govt launches app to track free nutritious meals for moms, toddlers

She further noted that fulfilling a child's right to health must begin in the womb, serving as the foundation for building a healthy, intelligent, and capable future generation.

This condition, according to her, is vital as anaemia, in both pregnant women and young children, can hinder child development and ultimately compromise the quality of Indonesia's future human resources.

Therefore, a comprehensive intervention is needed, encompassing early screenings, nutritional education, and creating healthy and child-friendly environments to support children's development.

Related news: Jakarta to help pregnant women meet nutritional needs

"For the ministry, fulfilling a child's rights begins even before birth. An unborn child has the right to optimal protection, health, and nutrition," she remarked.

Consequently, safeguarding the health of pregnant women, ensuring adequate nutrition, and conducting early detection for various risk factors—including anaemia—are vital measures in protecting children from the very start of their lives.

Minister Fauzi added those efforts align with the Child-Friendly District/City policy and Law Number 4 of 2024 on Maternal and Child Welfare during the First Thousand Days of Life, which serves as the government's foundation for strengthening maternal and child healthcare rights.

Related news: Govt strengthens HIV screening to prevent mother-to-child transmission

Related news: Complete data on pregnant women for Jampersal: Ministry

Translator: Anita Permata, Raka Adji

Editor: Fransiska Ninditya

Copyright © ANTARA 2026