The Computer Engineering Student Association (HIMATEKOM) of Andalas University (UNAND), through the Student Organization Capacity Strengthening Program (PPK Ormawa), launched a technological innovation to support the acceleration of stunting reduction in Lohong Village, Central Pariaman District. This step was taken in response to the challenge of low community participation at Posyandu (integrated health posts) and the manual recording process of nutritional status.
Based on initial data collected by the student team, five out of 67 toddlers in the region were indicated to suffer from stunting. Responding to this condition, the HIMATEKOM team developed an automated nutritional status measuring tool based on Raspberry Pi 5. This device can digitally measure height and weight as well as accurately classify children's nutritional status in accordance with World Health Organization (WHO) standards.
In addition to providing hardware, the program includes intensive mentoring for Posyandu cadres through training on using the digital recording system. The team also formed a Child Nutrition Care Group and provided various digital educational media to increase parents' awareness of the importance of nutrition for toddler growth.
Dean of the Faculty of Information Technology (FTI) UNAND, Dr. Eng. Lusi Susanti, expressed appreciation for the initiative. According to her, this innovation proves that students' information technology competencies can be directly applied to solve crucial problems in society while supporting the sustainability of health services at the village level.
On the other hand, Director of Student Affairs at UNAND, Dr. Eng. Dendi Adi Saputra, emphasized that this program is part of Kemdiktisaintek's strategic effort to hone students' leadership and collaboration skills. He hopes the success of this pilot project in Lohong Village can serve as a model for other regions in utilizing digital technology to build a healthier generation.
