UNAIR NEWS 鈥 The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, 东京热 (FKH UNAIR), led a collaborative community service program to detect the risk of stunting early among 295 students from eight elementary schools in Bojonegoro Regency on Monday (July 6, 2026). Through anthropometric assessments, FKH UNAIR collaborated with the Faculty of Medicine (FK), the Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV), the Bojonegoro Livestock and Fisheries Office, and the Bojonegoro Education Office to strengthen stunting prevention efforts from an early age.
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Dean of Veterinary Medicine, 东京热 (FKH UNAIR), Prof. Maslachah, M.Kes., explained that the program focused on stunting because it aligns with the Bojonegoro Regency Government鈥檚 initiative to accelerate stunting reduction. According to her, anthropometric assessments are an important first step in determining children鈥檚 nutritional status. They also help identify potential growth disorders at an early stage.
鈥淎nthropometric assessments are an essential first step in determining a child鈥檚 nutritional status. They also enable us to identify early signs of stunting, allowing timely intervention,鈥 she said.
Prof. Maslachah MKes added that FKH UNAIR is committed not only to animal health but also to improving public health. She emphasized that adequate nutrition, particularly high-quality animal protein, plays a crucial role in supporting children鈥檚 growth and development. Therefore, FKH UNAIR collaborates with various faculties and the local government to ensure that stunting prevention efforts are carried out collaboratively and sustainably.
Early detection of stunting
Head of the FKH UNAIR Community Service Program, Prof. Dr. Widjiati, PAVet(K), explained that the assessments focused on fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade students, who are in the pre-pubertal stage. At this stage, children still have the opportunity to achieve catch-up growth if nutritional problems are identified early, allowing timely and appropriate intervention.
Prof. Widjiati added that addressing stunting requires a multidisciplinary approach rather than the involvement of a single discipline. Therefore, FKH UNAIR collaborated with the Faculty of Medicine (FK) and the Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV) to ensure that the assessment process, data analysis, and follow-up recommendations were carried out according to each faculty’s area of expertise.
Health as the foundation of education
Head of the Education Office of Bojonegoro Regency, Agus Anshori, expressed his appreciation for the collaboration. According to him, UNAIR鈥檚 involvement will have a significant impact not only on the education sector but also on other sectors. 鈥淪chools have traditionally focused on assessing students鈥 academic potential. These anthropometric assessments provide valuable insights for us because children鈥檚 physical health also influences their academic and non-academic achievements,鈥 he said.
Juwono, Principal of SDN Banjarjo II, also expressed his appreciation, as his school was one of the program鈥檚 host locations. He thanked UNAIR for selecting the school to participate in the initiative and said the assessment results would be shared with parents as a basis for follow up measures.
A total of 58 lecturers participated in the program, including 48 from FKH UNAIR, nine from the Faculty of Medicine (FK), and one from the Faculty of Vocational Studies (FV). The team was divided into eight elementary schools: SDN Banjarjo II, SDN Pacul III, SDN Mayangrejo, SDN Pungpungan, SDN Talok, SDN Bakalan II, SDN Bendo, and SDN Sambiroto, located across Bojonegoro, Kalitidu, and Kapas districts.
The program marked the third phase of FKH UNAIR鈥檚 sustainable community service initiative in Bojonegoro. In the previous phase, the team established a fostered livestock village for duck and laying hen farming in Palembon Village, Kanor District. This was followed by technical assistance and educational outreach as part of the community empowerment program.
Author: Erika Eight Novanty
