Makassar, Indonesia April 22 2026/PMN-RG/ – What if a simple smartphone could help prevent a child from experiencing lifelong health problems? In today’s digital era, this is no longer a futuristic idea. In fact, it is already happening through the use of e-Health—a digital approach to improving health services.
Stunting remains one of the most serious health challenges affecting children worldwide. It is not just about height; it reflects long-term malnutrition that can affect brain development, learning ability, and future productivity. In Indonesia, the prevalence of stunting was still 24.4% in 2021, exceeding the World Health Organization’s safe threshold.
To tackle this issue, researchers are exploring innovative solutions. One promising approach is the use of e-Health applications. These mobile-based tools are designed to educate, monitor, and support mothers and caregivers in ensuring proper child nutrition and health.
According to the systematic review, several applications have been developed with different functions. For example, apps like Nutrimo help monitor children’s nutritional status, while ACALS focuses on ensuring pregnant women take iron supplements regularly. Other applications, such as GASING and PODO CETING, aim to educate families about healthy lifestyles and nutrition. As summarized in the table on page 4, these applications combine education, monitoring, and communication in one platform.
What makes e-Health powerful is its accessibility. Unlike traditional health services that require physical visits, these applications can be accessed anytime and anywhere—even in remote areas. Some apps can even work offline, making them suitable for communities with limited internet access.
The impact is significant. These digital tools improve mothers’ knowledge, encourage healthy behaviors, and allow early detection of growth problems in children. As a result, interventions can be made earlier, reducing the risk of severe malnutrition. This aligns directly with SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring healthy lives for all.
However, the study also highlights a key challenge: many of these applications are not yet integrated into a single system. This lack of integration limits their effectiveness and scalability. To maximize their impact, there is a need for stronger collaboration between healthcare providers, technology developers, and government systems.
Despite these challenges, the potential of e-Health is undeniable. In a world where smartphones are increasingly common, digital health solutions offer a practical and scalable way to reach millions of families. They empower parents with knowledge, support healthcare workers, and create a bridge between communities and health services.
In conclusion, fighting stunting does not always require complex or expensive solutions. Sometimes, the answer lies in something already in our hands—a smartphone. By using technology wisely, we can protect children’s growth, improve their future, and build a healthier generation.
Reference:
DOI : 10.2478/fon-2025-0049
Contact:
Dr. Yuliana Syam, S.Kp., Ns, M.Si.
+6281342012733
yulianasyam@unhas.ac.id
