Community Health Volunteers (Chvs) Assistance Program through the Establishment of A Complementary Breastfeeding Corner as A Preventive Effort for Child Nutrition Issues

Abstract

Nutritional problems such as wasting and stunting remain significant public health challenges in Indonesia. According to the 2022 Indonesian Nutrition Status Survey (SSGI), wasting prevalence reached 7.7%, while stunting prevalence stood at 21.6%, exceeding the WHO threshold of 20%. Malang Regency recorded a stunting rate of 23%, higher than the national average. One of the primary causes of these nutritional issues is the lack of education on providing proper and nutritious Complementary Feeding (MP-ASI). The MP-ASI Corner Program was developed to empower health volunteers (CHVs)/ cadres to provide locally sourced MP-ASI and educate mothers and caregivers. This program was implemented in Petungsewu Village, Malang Regency, involving 32 CHVs through training and mentoring. Evaluation results showed an increase in CHVs' knowledge, with 90.63% achieving an excellent category after training. Furthermore, CHVs' skills in preparing MP-ASI improved significantly. This program not only enhances child nutrition status but also provides economic benefits for CHVs. With sustainable implementation and support from village governments and health centers (Puskesmas), the MP-ASI Corner has the potential to be an effective strategy in reducing stunting and wasting at the community level.