By Bartolomeus Marsudiharjo, Communications Officer

World Vision Indonesia's Food Security Program (FSN) project in Jakarta and Surabaya has closed successfully after supporting thousands of families over the last three years.

The food and nutrition program aimed to increase nutrition and health status of mothers and children under five, especially those coming from poor families in urban areas.

Through the program, World Vision contributed to community health through food distribution, establishment of posts and clinics for pregnant women and neighbourhood health, nutrition awareness campaigns and establishment of water and sanitation facilities.

Specifically, World Vision established 92 ante-natal posts, where 1,700 pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers came to learn about pregnancy and child care. World Vision also established 122 posts for mothers of children under two, and revitalized 99 health posts (Posyandu) benefiting 12,000 people.

Pregnant women received ante natal care examination, including weight gain monitoring, tetanus immunization, hemoglobin level check, iron folade supplement and blood pressure check.

To improve nutrition, World Vision distributed 9,000 packages, each consisting of 3.7 kilograms of vegetable oil, 25 kilograms of wheat flour and 5 kilograms of pinto bean. The packages were distributed monthly to 9,000 families for 18 months.

World Vision encouraged people to practice healthy lifestyles through a series of campaigns, both direct to communities or through media including radio and television. The organization held 200 campaigns on exclusive breastfeeding and hand-washing. More than 25,000 people attended the direct campaigns.

Through the program, World Vision facilitated the construction of 22 washing facilities and 49 public latrines. With the facilities, people can practice a healthier lifestyle. Previously, many people used unhealthy facilities.

World Vision's FSN program manager Agnes Wulandari said among the most treasured benefits enjoyed by the people are the intensive training on nutrition, awareness on exclusive breastfeeding*, cleaner environment, availability of good basic healthcare and improving skills in money management.

"This program has significantly improved the knowledge of the community," Agnes said. "It can be seen through the attitude changes of the beneficiaries. Many mothers now give exclusive six-month breastfeeding to their babies after attending World Vision class sessions and many children wash their hands before eating."

Suprayitno, head of Gading village in Surabaya, one of World Vision program service area, expressed his gratitude for the organisation's service to the community.

"Previously, this area was known for its many malnutrition cases. After World Vision serves this area, there are now almost no malnutrition cases here," said Prayitno. "Besides, there has been no case of infant mortality following the interventions."

*Exclusive breastfeeding is giving only mother's milk to babies until six month old.