Implementasi Program Pemberian Makanan Tambahan (PMT) dalam Pencegahan Stunting di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Terjun, Kecamatan Medan Marelan

Abstract

Stunting remains one of the major public health challenges in Medan City, particularly in Medan Marelan District, where the prevalence is relatively high. One of the government’s key interventions to address this issue is the Supplementary Feeding Program (PMT) implemented through community-based health services, known as Posyandu. This program aims to improve the nutritional intake of pregnant women, toddlers, and families at risk of stunting, as part of an effort to prevent growth failure in early childhood. This research seeks to explore how the implementation of the PMT program is carried out in the working area of Puskesmas Terjun, and to identify the supporting and inhibiting factors that influence its effectiveness at the community level. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach, allowing the researcher to gain a deeper understanding of the program’s implementation from the perspectives of both implementers and beneficiaries. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, field observations, and documentation. The analysis refers to Charles O. Jones’s theory of policy implementation, which highlights three essential components: organization, interpretation, and application. The findings reveal that the PMT program at Puskesmas Terjun has been implemented regularly and has become an integral part of Posyandu activities. In terms of organization, health cadres and Puskesmas staff actively coordinate in distributing food supplements and monitoring children’s nutritional progress. The interpretation of the policy has been translated into practical actions, such as nutrition counseling and health education for mothers. However, in the application stage, several challenges persist, including limited program funding, irregular attendance of toddlers, and varying levels of family awareness regarding balanced nutrition. Overall, the implementation of the PMT program in Puskesmas Terjun’s working area has shown encouraging results and contributed to improving community awareness about nutrition and child health. Nevertheless, stronger intersectoral collaboration, better logistical support, and continuous capacity building for Posyandu cadres are needed to ensure that the program can be implemented more effectively and reach all families at risk of stunting in the region.