Anemia Remains a Serious Health Challenge in Indonesia

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) continues to pose a serious public health challenge in Indonesia, potentially hindering the growth and development of children. This condition, characterized by a lack of iron, not only impacts physical health but also affects brain development, learning abilities, and the future quality of human resources.

In commemoration of National Children's Day 2026, Danone Indonesia is strengthening its collaboration with various stakeholders to enhance public awareness regarding the importance of nutrition education and early anemia screening, particularly during the crucial first 1,000 days of life (HPK). The 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) revealed that 27.7% of pregnant women and 23.8% of toddlers suffer from anemia, underscoring that IDA remains a health challenge demanding serious attention.

Nutrition expert dr. Dian Novita Chandra emphasized that the majority of anemia cases in Indonesia stem from insufficient iron intake from daily food. She highlighted the importance of consuming balanced nutrition, especially iron-rich animal protein sources, and advised pairing them with vitamin C to optimize iron absorption. Chandra also suggested considering iron- and vitamin C-fortified food products as supplements for children's daily nutritional needs and stressed the necessity of regular screening for iron deficiency risk factors starting from pregnancy for early detection.

“

To meet iron needs, people need to consume animal protein sources rich in iron. Iron absorption will also be more optimal if consumed with vitamin C.

As part of these efforts, Danone Indonesia participated in a cross-sector visit to RPTRA CERIA in West Jakarta, showcasing a community-based model integrating nutrition education with early screening for IDA risk. Minister of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifatul Choiri Fauzi, lauded the multi-party collaboration in improving maternal and child health, noting that women and children constitute two-thirds of Indonesia's population, making investments in their health crucial for achieving Indonesia Emas 2045. Fauzi acknowledged the persistent issue of anemia among pregnant women and children, partly due to a lack of understanding about nutritious food, thus reinforcing the need for continuous nutrition education through collaboration.

Vera Saw, Healthcare Nutrition Director at Danone Indonesia, stated that preventing IDA is a key focus for the company in supporting the enhancement of public health quality. She mentioned that since 2025, Danone Indonesia has supported over 1.25 million screenings via the digital application eNutri and aims to support an additional 14 million screenings by 2030 to help identify children at risk.

“

There are still many pregnant women and children in Indonesia who experience anemia. One of the causes is a lack of understanding about the nutritious food needed by children. Therefore, education about nutrition must continue to be strengthened through the collaboration of various parties.