The 9th International Seminar on Nutrition (ISON) and Closing Ceremony, themed “Anemia Prevention: Solution for a Better Nation,” was successfully held as the culmination of the Nutrition Expo 2024 organized by the Association of Family Nutrition (AKG) of the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at the Universitas Indonesia (UI). Open to various audiences, including high school students, FPH UI students, and the general public, this event is part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness about the importance of anemia prevention in Indonesia. Throughout the series of activities, various scientific competitions such as poster contests, video presentations, symposiums, and international seminars played an important role. As the closing event, the international seminar, moderated by Temy Ramadan, S.Gz., a Public Health Specialist, invited experts in the fields of nutrition and public health to discuss effective strategies for combating anemia.
“This event today is the peak of our activities, with many expert speakers who will discuss important topics, especially reducing anemia rates,” said Wahyu Kurnia Yusrin Putra, S.K.M., M.K.M., Secretary of the Bachelor’s Nutrition Program at FPH UI, in his opening speech. Wahyu Kurnia also expressed appreciation to the speakers, participants, sponsors, and organizers who supported the event. “I hope all participants enjoy and benefit from this event,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ir. Asih Setiarini, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs at FPH UI, expressed gratitude for the successful implementation of the seminar. “Thank you to the speakers for the valuable insights provided in our discussion on anemia, and to the organizing committee for their hard work,” said Dr. Asih. Dr. Asih also appreciated the participants’ commitment to nutrition issues and expressed hope that the seminar would contribute to a better understanding of solutions to public health problems. “I hope this seminar provides meaningful insights to improve the health quality of pregnant women and adolescent girls,” Dr. Asih concluded.
Prof. dr. Loh Su Peng, Professor in the Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, presented on the topic “Diving Through The Implementation of Policies Regarding Anemia in Developed Countries.” Historically, Chlorosis, or green blood disease, affected young women in the 15th and 16th centuries. This condition was related to blood deficiency and weakness, particularly common among adolescent girls. Prof. Loh Su Peng emphasized that iron deficiency and anemia were also prevalent in developed countries during the 18th and 19th centuries. At that time, iron salts were recommended as a treatment for chlorosis. “Scientific advancements, along with improvements in women’s diets and environments in the early 20th century, likely contributed to the disappearance of chlorosis in developed countries by the mid-20th century,” she explained. Prof. Loh Su Peng emphasized that the reduction in anemia rates is not the result of a single approach but rather a combination of factors, including economic development and the implementation of specific policies such as routine iron supplementation for pregnant women. Additionally, the elimination of parasitic diseases and improvements in women’s health could contribute to reducing anemia cases. “Moreover, the importance of public health strategies that include food diversity, iron fortification, iron supplementation distribution, and infection control to prevent and manage anemia,” Prof. Loh concluded.
According to Prof. dr. Endang L. Achadi, M.P.H., Dr.PH., Professor at FPH UI, anemia in mothers can lead to serious consequences, such as the risk of postpartum hemorrhage, which increases maternal mortality rates, and low birth weight, small for gestational age, and preterm births, which increase infant mortality. Global data also show that more than 5 billion people worldwide suffer from micronutrient deficiencies, including iodine, vitamin E, calcium, and iron. These deficiencies are more common in women than men, especially for magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A, and thiamine. Prof. Endang also discussed the formation of the MMS Task Force in Indonesia, which aims to lead policy adoption, oversee implementation research activities, and develop a roadmap for introducing the MMS program. “In 2020, the WHO issued contextual recommendations allowing countries to explore the use of MMS during pregnancy in strict research contexts, including clinical trials,” she explained.
Dr. dr. Ray Wagiu Basrowi, MKK, FRSPH, Lecturer in Occupational Medicine, Department of Community Medicine at FKUI and Health Collaborative Center, presented on “Building Strong Foundations: Indonesia’s Premarital Preparation,” emphasizing that the first thousand days of life are a critical window that determines an individual’s future. “Iron is the foundation of the first breath of life, playing a key role in cellular function, oxygen transport, and overall health,” he explained. Anemia remains a serious issue both globally and in Indonesia. According to 2019 WHO data, the prevalence of anemia among women aged 15-49 years was 29.9%, while among children aged 6-59 months, it was 39.8%. “Factors affecting anemia control programs include community factors (political will and financial resources) and individual factors (knowledge and low tolerance of the program),” Dr. Ray stated. “Cross-sector collaboration is essential to drive the changes needed to create a healthier generation in the future,” he added.
“Improving iron intake in diets faces several challenges, including limited access to iron-rich and protein-rich foods, low awareness of nutrient-dense foods, and cultural habits that are satisfied with just consuming rice,” said Dr. Ratna Chrismiari Purwestri, M.Sc., Dr.sc.agr (Czech University of Life Sciences). “Therefore, a holistic approach is necessary in managing and preventing anemia, supported by intensive community-based nutrition education that takes a participatory approach,” she added.
This seminar serves as a testament to the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in preventing anemia, particularly through the implementation of evidence-based health policies, nutrition education, and sustainable interventions in the community. As the closing event of the Nutrition Expo 2024, the seminar is expected to make a positive impact, not only in raising awareness but also in the development of national policies and strategies for anemia prevention to create a healthier and more competitive nation.
The seminar was supported by various parties such as Frisian Flag, WRP, Indofood, and others. (DFD)