Scaling up YUM's Stunting Prevention program in Kasongan

In March 2024, YUM launched the Stunting Prevention Program in our neighbouring sub-district, Kasongan Lama village, Central Kalimantan. This initiative is making a real difference in maternal and child health by focusing on the crucial first 1,000 days of life. Through strong community collaboration, the program is benefiting hundreds of mothers and children, ensuring they get the support they need for a healthier future.

A key part of the initiative is training 15 women volunteer health workers (kader) across seven Community Health Post (Posyandu) on stunting prevention, maternal nutrition, anemia, and child-rearing practices. These kader share important health information with pregnant women and mothers of toddlers using flipcharts, reaching them both at the Posyandu and through house-to-house visits.

The program also ensures pregnant women receive proper nutrition and regular health check-ups, monitoring key indicators like weight, blood pressure, arm circumference (LILA), and hemoglobin levels. If needed, the kader visit homes to ensure these check-ups continue. As part of the program, 97 pregnant women have received Pregnancy Nutrition Packages, with 58 already having given birth.

A free ultrasound event on October 27, 2024, allowed 50 pregnant women to get examined by obstetric specialists, with 47 deemed healthy, and 3 referred for Caesarean delivery. Participants also received education on stunting, full health check-ups, and mental health counseling. Furthermore, a Stunting Prevention Event held on January 23, 2025, educated young couples, engaged couples, pregnant women, and mothers with toddlers about stunting, offering valuable information and raffle prizes.

Throughout 2024, the program has helped 266 mothers and 97 pregnant women in Kasongan, and 59 pregnant women and 284 mothers in Bukit Batu.

Here's what some of the mothers had to say about the program:

Ramadania, 23, shared how the program changed her routine: "Since I joined the program, I've become more disciplined with my diet and health, and I feel more confident about my baby's well-being."

Bahdiana, 27, also reflected on her journey: "At first, I was lazy about taking iron supplements, but after learning about their importance, I now take them regularly and am more diligent about my pregnancy check-ups."

The success of the program is thanks to the dedication of kader like Yuniasie (39), who feels more confident after seven years of service, and Jumpana Dewi (31), who takes pride in being part of the initiative.

We are extremely grateful for the Susila Dharma network, Dharma Care and all the individual donors who have contributed to this wonderful project, ensuring that pregnant mothers receive the knowledge they need to deliver healthy babies.