Penerapan Prinsip Higiene Sanitasi Makanan Dan Minuman Sebagai Upaya Pencegahan Stunting Pada Balita Di Wilayah Kecamatan Kuta Malaka Kabupaten Aceh Besar

Food is an essential basic need for human survival, and food sanitation plays a crucial role in the growth and development of toddlers. Proper food processing that adheres to hygiene and sanitation principles can prevent the transmission of infectious diseases such as diarrhea, Environmental Enteric Dysfunction (EED), and helminth infections, which can lead to growth stunting and increase the risk of mortality in young children. This activity aims to implement hygiene and sanitation principles in the processing of food and beverages in households for mothers with toddlers, as an effort to prevent stunting due to dietary patterns, caregiving practices, and insufficient attention to hygiene and sanitation factors. The method of community service is conducted through the dissemination and socialization of hygiene and sanitation principles, as well as direct intervention in households to observe and apply these principles, followed by evaluation. This activity involves mothers in Gampong Teu Dayah, Kuta Malaka District, Aceh Besar Regency, and is carried out from June to October 2024, with support from the community service team of Poltekkes Kemenkes Aceh. The results of the activity indicate a high level of enthusiasm from the community in understanding the material presented, with many participants actively asking questions and providing feedback, as well as requesting further assistance in other health programs. Interventions were conducted by providing examples of the application of hygiene and sanitation principles in food and beverage processing. It is hoped that the community will continue to apply these principles in household food management to produce beneficial and healthy food.