WEST JAVA — Dompet Dhuafa and Harmoni Dinamik Indonesia (HDI) successfully implemented a nutrition post supplement distribution programme in the Depok and Bekasi areas. The collaboration targeted children and toddlers in two locations, namely in the Sarimukti Village Healthy Area, Cibitung, Bekasi Regency on Tuesday (23/07/2024) and Al Ikhlas Healthy Post, Serua, Depok on Thursday (25/07/2024).
Head of LKC Dompet Dhuafa West Java Region, Filly Muharani, said that the collaboration between the two institutions aims to improve the nutritional status of children and toddlers, especially those who experience malnutrition. The distribution of supplements is given to children and toddlers, also accompanied by education to their parents about child growth and development, the importance of balanced nutritional intake, and how to provide complementary foods (MPASI).
‘Through the supplement distribution programme, Dompet Dhuafa and Harmoni Dinamik Indonesia as a company that has a social orientation that has a big concept towards improving health, collaborate with each other to make health efforts through the distribution of supplement products for children and toddlers including those with malnutrition status,’ he explained.
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In its implementation, Dompet Dhuafa’s Free Health Services (LKC) team involved health cadres, health centre officers, and local volunteers. Furthermore, the LKC team measured the children’s height, weight, and arm circumference to determine their nutritional status. Not to forget, the LKC team delivered education to parents regarding the supplement products to be given.
From the results of the examination in the Sarimukti Village Healthy Area, there were 3 toddlers (9%) who had malnutrition problems and 29 toddlers (91%) were in good nutritional condition. Furthermore, LKC provided child supplements to 32 toddlers.
While at the Al Ikhlas Healthy Post, there were 27 toddlers (32%) who had malnutrition problems, 4 toddlers (5%) were malnourished, and 28 toddlers (33%) had good nutrition. Furthermore, LKC provided child supplements to 84 toddlers.
Overall, the supplement distribution programme successfully reached 116 children aged between 1-5 years. Of these, 30 children were classified as malnourished, 57 children had good nutritional status, and 4 children were malnourished.
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Although the programme successfully achieved its targets, there are still some challenges that need to be overcome, such as limited access to nutritious food, lack of maternal knowledge on nutrition, and lack of adequate health facilities. However, the programme also provides an opportunity to raise public awareness about the importance of nutrition for children. In addition, collaboration between non-governmental organisations, the government, and the private sector can strengthen efforts to address nutrition issues in Indonesia.
‘The nutrition post supplement distribution programme conducted by Dompet Dhuafa and HDI is a positive step in the effort to improve the nutritional status of children and toddlers in Indonesia. This programme shows that with good cooperation, we can make a real contribution in realising a healthy and quality young generation,’ said the Head of Serua Village, Yanti, in response to this programme.
Deviany Amanda Rizki as HDI’s Project Leader Marketing also said, ‘HDI as a socially oriented company towards improving health, we are pleased to collaborate with Dompet Dhuafa in distributing health supplements for children and toddlers in need. Hopefully this collaboration can continue as a form of representation of one of HDI’s values, namely love, in spreading love and compassion for others.’
Furthermore, to increase the success of similar programmes in the future, Dompet Dhuafa will strive to increase the frequency of regular home visits to monitor children’s growth and development, and provide more intensive education to parents. In addition, it continues to strengthen the role of health cadres by providing training so that they can provide proper nutritional counselling to the community. (Dompet Dhuafa)
Text and Photo: Riza Muthohar
Editor: Dhika Prabowo