PUTRAJAYA, July 3 — Consolidating the initiative of the 'First 1,000 Days of Life', which starts from early pregnancy until a child is two years old, was among the issues raised at today's meeting of the Special Committee to Combat the Double Burden of Malnutrition in Children (JKK BBMKK).
Its chairman Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamid highlighted the emphasis on this initiative, noting that this period is critical for the cognitive development and physical growth of children.
"Also discussed was the Healthy Eating Responsibility for Women Initiative ('HER'), aimed at helping women of reproductive age improve health and nutrition status to prevent and control child nutrition issues as early as pre-birth," the Deputy Prime Minister said in a statement today.
Zahid said double-burden malnutrition, especially among children today, is a national problem requiring cross-ministerial and agency cooperation.
Therefore, the government is committed to promptly combat the issue of double burden malnutrition among children, including approximately 5.6 million preschool, primary school, and lower secondary school students nationwide.
The JKK BBMKK meeting also discussed implementing the National Strategic Plan to Combat Double Burden Malnutrition (BBM) Among Children in Malaysia 2023–2030.
The plan has 31 initiatives currently being implemented and planned through five strategies. They include strengthening nutrition governance through legislation, political commitment, stakeholder engagement, and improving the quality and access to nutrition services to combat the issue of double-burden malnutrition among children.
He added that the meeting also reviewed the Strategic Communication Plan through large-scale advocacy across various platforms and outreach programmes involving multiple ministries and related agencies.
"This Strategic Communication Plan targets parents, caregivers, family members, teachers, employers, friends, and the community.
"For me, this communication plan is crucial for dissemination through various conventional media platforms and social media to enhance awareness, knowledge, and practices of the community through programme implementation across various sectors," Zahid said.
At the same time, he also emphasised the importance of cost-effectiveness, monitoring, and integrated commitment from all parties to ensure the successful achievement of the objectives of the National Strategic Plan to Combat Double Burden Malnutrition Among Children in Malaysia 2023–2030.
— Bernama
