JAYAPURA – The Papua Provincial Government has commended three regions for their outstanding performance in the 2025 provincial-level evaluation of efforts to reduce stunting.

Jayapura City took first place, followed by Jayapura Regency and Mamberamo Raya Regency in third.

Assistant II to the Papua Provincial Secretary, Setiyo Wahyudi, presented the awards to the local governments, including six other regencies that also recorded good performance.

He emphasized that the achievement is not only a source of pride but also a motivation to sustain and improve results.

“This effort must be continuous. Reducing stunting is a priority in regional development, and it requires commitment from all sectors, not just health,” Setiyo said in Jayapura.

He noted that the initiatives include nutritional interventions, better access to quality health services, and stronger public education.

The biggest challenge, he explained, lies in changing cultural norms and habits that do not support healthy lifestyles.

Therefore, campaigns on balanced nutrition, exclusive breastfeeding, and clean-living practices must continue to be promoted from the family to the community level.

“People must see themselves as part of the solution, not merely objects of the program,” he stressed.

The Papua Provincial Government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening cross-sector collaboration and ensuring that stunting reduction programs are sustainable, for the sake of a healthier, higher-quality future for Papua’s children. ***