Empowering Women in Kalimantan to Prevent Stunting

Dear friends,

It has been more than two years now that we have focused on Covid-19 related issues in our communities, thanks to your support. What started as a program to alleviate the struggles faced by many disadvantaged families, through food packages and health kits, became a more health-related activity through stunting prevention and food security. 

The Indonesian Statistics Agency announced in 2021 that the pandemic has set back the government’s efforts to reduce poverty in Indonesia. With this economic setback also comes many consequences, notably in the fight to prevent further stunting in children. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country. It is also home to over 8 million stunted children. 

YUM has taken a holistic approach to stunting prevention since we started this program in September 2020. Working with 40 Integrated Health Service Posts in Cipanas, West Java and Bukit Batu, Central Kalimantan, we have been able to monitor and support 574 pregnant mothers to ensure they experience a smooth pregnancy and deliver a healthy baby. This program also focused on empowering a total of 165 volunteer health workers with knowledge on stunting, pre and postnatal care as well as child development. Our post-training tests have shown that their knowledge on nutrition for pregnant women, breastfeeding and anthropometry increased by 79% after the training.

Thanks to you and many donors around the world, the pregnant mothers in our program have delivered healthy babies, and we have dramatically reduced the number of stunted children. An upcoming assessment is on its way with more details, so please stay tuned for more information.

We would also like to take this opportunity to let you know that next month, from April 4-8, GlobalGiving will be matching all your donations up to $50 at 50% for the #LittleByLittle campaign. We hope you’ll join us during this campaign - or better yet become a fundraiser like our friend Lily!  If you’re interested in fundraising for this project, please don’t hesitate to let us know so we can support you with information and photos.