Herbalife and Cita Sehat Strengthen Stunting Prevention in Gunungkidul
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Herbalife Indonesia and Cita Sehat have launched a community-based stunting prevention and sanitation programme, held at the Sendowo Kidul Posyandu in Kedungkeris Village, Gunungkidul, which is set to run for three years.
“The activities include nutritional fulfillment, health education, behavioural change, capacity building for health cadres, and sanitation support,” said the Director of Herbalife Indonesia, Oktrianto Wahyu Jatmiko, in Jakarta on Thursday.
He stated that stunting prevention requires a comprehensive approach. According to him, efforts cannot rely solely on meeting children’s nutritional needs.
“It also requires increasing the capacity of health workers, as well as improving access to better environments and sanitation,” he added.
He further noted that collaboration between various parties is the key to success through public health programmes involving the government, health workers, community organisations, cadres, and beneficiaries. “We are honoured to work with Cita Sehat in launching this community-based stunting prevention and sanitation programme in Kedungkeris Village, Nglipar District,” he said.
He mentioned that this three-year programme is part of the company’s commitment to supporting government efforts in reducing stunting and realising a healthier Indonesian generation.
Meanwhile, the Head of Public Health at the Gunungkidul Health Office, Damayanti Mustikarini, expressed hope that the programme would be sustainable and contribute to lowering stunting rates. She hoped the programme’s coverage could be expanded to other regions. “I hope this programme is sustainable and stunting rates decrease, as this is a key health indicator, and there are plans for wider regional implementation beyond Kedungperis,” she said.
She also appreciated the development of Posyandu facilities supported by Herbalife Indonesia. According to her, the additional building and facilities serve to strengthen the spirit and efforts in preventing stunting in Kedungkeris Village.
These facilities will not only be used for Posyandu services but also for various community activities, ranging from weighing toddlers, adolescents, and the elderly, to cooking classes and coordination for youth groups, farmer groups, and the Sendowo Kidul community.
Meanwhile, the Director of Cita Sehat, Ali Mujianto, stated that his organisation has been entrusted to implement a health-oriented Social and Environmental Responsibility (TJSL) programme focused on community impact. He noted that the programme will combine promotive and preventive activities alongside community capacity building.
“Thank you, Herbalife, for entrusting Cita Sehat with this impactful health CSR programme,” he said.
He stated that during the first four months of implementation, several health activities will be conducted alongside stakeholders. These activities include healthy exercise, nutrition seminars, cadre training, supplementation, and maternal and child health education.
His organisation will organise training for 25 basic competencies for health cadres and training for family planning cadres. Additionally, there will be supplementation for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and prospective mothers, as well as assistance for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Other activities include prenatal exercise and cooking workshops for supplementary feeding and the implementation of the ‘Isi Piringku’ (My Plate) concept. This series of activities is aimed at strengthening the knowledge, skills, and behavioural changes of the community.
He assessed that stunting prevention must be carried out by building capacity at the most local level. The community is expected to play an active role in creating a healthy environment and supporting child growth and development.
The collaboration between Herbalife Indonesia, Cita Sehat, local government, health workers, cadres, and the community is part of these efforts. “The programme in Kedungkeris is expected to strengthen the community health ecosystem in an inclusive and sustainable manner,” he concluded.