Medan - FKM USU: FKM USU, in collaboration with the UPTD Puskesmas Langsa Barat, Aceh Province, held an educational session on two-year breastfeeding for mothers of toddlers in Gampong Pusong Teulaga Tujoh, Langsa City, on April 4, 2026. A total of 125 mothers of toddlers and 11 pregnant women participated in the activity, which was carried out in conjunction with the posyandu activities in the gampong.

The education session was held in response to a local breastfeeding practice in which the duration of breastfeeding differs based on the child’s gender. Boys are breastfed for up to two years, while girls are breastfed only until 18 months. According to the Head of UPTD Puskesmas Langsa Barat, Ayu Artlinta, S.K.M., M.Kes., this practice has long been carried out by the community, although residents are unable to explain the reason behind it. They stated that the practice had been inherited from previous generations.

Prof. Ida Yustina and Prof. Etti Sudaryati from FKM USU, who served as resource persons in the activity, educated the mothers that two-year breastfeeding should be provided to all babies regardless of gender. “There is no strong reference for differentiating breastfeeding duration based on gender, including from the perspective of Islam,” said Prof. Ida. The mothers are expected to continue breastfeeding their children until the age of two so that they can grow and develop healthily and be protected from stunting.