Since September, the Priscilla Hall Memorial Foundation (PHMF) has provided support for 10 Integrated Health Service Posts (or Posyandu) in the area of Cipanas, West Java, serving more than 800 babies and toddlers and approximately 100 pregnant mothers. The program focuses on preventing further stunting in the area. Indeed, one of the predicted impacts of COVID-19 and the loss of income of many Indonesian poor families is the increase in stunted children. Limited access to food supplies because of parents’ loss or decreased income and an overloaded healthcare system could increase the risks for 24 million toddlers across the country to become susceptible to stunting and malnutrition.
After three months of implementation, below are what the mothers and volunteer health workers (kader) are saying about the work on stunting prevention:
I joined the program last month and I was happily surprised when I received iron tablets and a hemoglobin test for free. In my previous pregnancies, I needed to buy them on my own. Thank you very much YUM and PHMF. I hope my fourth child will be delivered in a healthy condition.
Ibu Dedeh – Posyandu participant. Currently pregnant with her 4th child
In October, YUM conducted training for the kader, with a special focus on Anthropometry. Being able to measure the growth of a child is the best indicator for their overall health status. The kader learned how to use height and weight measurement tools called the “Dacin” and the “Microtoise”/Length boards. There were 31 kader who attended this training.
Here’s what Ibu Amelia, one of the kader, said about this training:
Thank you very much for this opportunity. Through this training, I was able to improve and update my knowledge about my role in the Posyandu and about stunting. With all the information that I have now, I will be able to give my best service to my community.
