The Province of West Sulawesi (Sulbar) achieved a remarkable milestone on the national stage, securing first place in the category of Provinces with the Best Reduction in the Prevalence of Undernourishment (PoU) for 2024. The recognition places Sulbar ahead of East Kalimantan, which ranked second with a PoU rate exceeding 19 percent, and Central Java, which came third with 17.28 percent. The honor was presented by Secretary General of the National Food Agency (Bapanas), Dr. Sarwo Edy, on behalf of Head of Bapanas, H. Arief Prasetyo Adi, to the province during an official ceremony in Jakarta. The award was received by Head of the West Sulawesi Food Security Agency, Ir. Abdul Waris Bestari, marking the 16th accolade earned in his three-year tenure.
Ir. Abdul Waris Bestari acknowledged that this prestigious recognition is a testament to the dedication and collective effort of the West Sulawesi Provincial Government, healthcare professionals, and the wider community in fostering a healthier and more capable future generation. He expressed pride not only in the province’s achievement but also in the fact that the award was presented in the presence of representatives from various other regions. The former Head of the West Sulawesi Plantation Office emphasized that this top ranking highlights the province’s success in tackling nutritional challenges, particularly stunting and other forms of undernutrition. This accomplishment, he said, is also the result of strong leadership from Governor, Suhardi Duka and Deputy Governor, Salim S Mengga.
The significant decline in undernourishment demonstrates the effectiveness of West Sulawesi’s targeted nutrition interventions. These include strengthening primary healthcare services, implementing integrated nutrition programs, promoting community education and empowerment, fostering cross-sector collaboration, and utilizing accurate data to guide policy. Abdul Waris noted that the results stem from well-directed, innovative, and sustainable health and nutrition initiatives conducted collectively by multiple stakeholders. For him, the achievement is not just a matter of statistics but a reflection of tangible improvements in children’s lives and the future of the Manakkara region. The award stands as both an honor and a responsibility to maintain the momentum.
Despite national recognition, Abdul Waris stressed that the fight is far from over. The ultimate goal is zero new cases of undernourishment, ensuring that every individual in West Sulawesi can reach their full potential. To achieve this, the provincial government is intensifying collaboration, expanding equitable access to health services even in remote villages, and mobilizing the entire community in the healthy living movement. He reaffirmed that the province takes public health seriously, committing to an uncompromising approach toward securing a healthier, more resilient population.
Alexander Jason – Redaksi
