Universitas Esa Unggul Strengthens the Capacity of Nusa Indah Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) Cadres to Prevent Stunting in Parung Panjang
Universitas Esa Unggul (UEU) once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically point 2, “Zero Hunger,” through a Community Service (PKM) activity titled “Community Service Program on Capacity Building for Family Welfare Movement (PKK) Cadres as Frontline Agents of Stunting Prevention at Posyandu Nusa Indah, Parung Panjang Village.”
The activity, held at Posyandu Nusa Indah in Parung Panjang Village, Bogor Regency, aimed to increase the capacity of Posyandu cadres as the spearheads of stunting prevention and managers of Supplementary Feeding (PMT) for toddlers. The program was initiated by a multidisciplinary team of Universitas Esa Unggul lecturers from the Nutrition Science, Dietitian Professional Education, and Communication Studies Programs, using a collaborative approach that integrates nutrition education, communication skills, and the application of technology in public health services.
This activity was motivated by the persistently high stunting rate in Indonesia. Based on 2022 data, the national stunting prevalence was recorded at 21.6%, while in Bogor Regency in 2019 it reached 19.08%. Discussions between the UEU teaching team and the Parung Panjang Community Health Center revealed that the implementation of the stunting prevention program in the Nusa Indah Integrated Health Post (Posyandu) area was not optimal, primarily due to the limited knowledge and skills of cadres in managing balanced nutrition and providing interactive outreach to the community.
Through a series of activities throughout 2024, the EUU teaching team conducted training for stunting prevention communicators, training in the development of locally-produced balanced nutritional food supplements (PMT), and assistance in implementing communication technology to expand the reach of health education. The program also included ongoing evaluation and the development of a sustainability plan for activities at the neighborhood (RW) level.
The evaluation results showed a significant improvement in the competency of Posyandu cadres. Cadre knowledge increased from an average of 78.75 to 90.59 (p<0.001) after the training. Meanwhile, the cadres’ skills in preparing PMT menus according to Ministry of Health standards also improved dramatically, with the ability to create three types of nutritiously balanced menu’s: pastel tutup (covered pastel), tempeh balls with quail eggs, and little cornfields.
In addition to field results, this activity also generated various academic outputs and publications, including a scientific article in a SINTA-accredited journal, the registration of intellectual property rights (IPR) for the activity poster, and the publication of articles and video documentation on Universitas Esa Unggul’s public media channels.
The Rector of Universitas Esa Unggul, Dr. Ir. Arief Kusuma Among Praja, S.T., M.B.A., IPU, ASEAN Eng., expressed his appreciation for this activity as a concrete manifestation of the university’s contribution to reducing stunting rates through a community-based approach.
“Stunting prevention is not just about nutrition, but also about education, communication, and ongoing mentoring. Universitas Esa Unggul is proud to play a direct role in empowering Posyandu (integrated health post) cadres to become strong and independent health communicators,” said Dr. Arief Kusuma.
He added that programs like this align with Universitas Esa Unggul’s commitment to continuously strengthening the role of academics in achieving the SDGs.
“This activity not only improves the capacity of our cadres, but also serves as a concrete manifestation of the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. We want to ensure that the knowledge developed on campus provides direct benefits to the community, particularly in efforts to reduce stunting rates and improve family welfare,” he added.
Through this activity, Universitas Esa Unggul University its position as a university that cares about community health and nutritional security, and remains committed to producing graduates and lecturers who actively contribute to sustainable development based on community service.