Warung Anak Sehat Now in Lebak
LEBAK – After in Jakarta and Sukabumi, now Warung Anak Sehat (WAS, the Healthy Children Food Stall) arrives in Lebak, Banten. The program is initiated in Lebak concerning the high possibility of poor nutrition and malnutrition issues. Warung Anak Sehat is a synergic effort between Dompet Dhuafa and Sari Husada to provide nutritious food in undernourishment areas.
“The synergy program is focusing on the availability of nutritious food, which has become a particular problem for several regions. People’s especially children’s access to alimentary and affordable food is very low. The issue is getting worse with the lack of knowledge and education for mothers related to balanced nutrition for their children,” said Director of Masyarakat Mandiri (Independent Community) of Dompet Dhuafa, Armie Robi, on Friday (2/3).
Armie continued that one way to overcome the problem is to increase the role of the Posyandu (Integrated Service Post) outspread in various regions, including the ones prone to malnutrition issue. Warung Anak Sehat program also involves the role of women in the Posyandu.
The starting point for Lebak program is the selection of the Warung Anak Sehat Lady (IWAS) candidates in four sub districts within Lebak Regency. To be the IWAS, the women joined the Warung Anak Sehat training at the Health Service Municipality Office hall in Lebak Regency, from Tuesday, January 31 to February 2, 2012. The training educates the participants to understand WAS concept and to be able to run it continuously.
“In Lebak, WAS program is generated like in other regions, like Jakarta (pre-pilot), Sukabumi, and Lombok. Overall, the program is built on 60 points, which is the part of our effort to contribute in defeating malnutrition cases in several places. Through this training, hopefully tough entrepreneurs will thrive. Who knows, from a stall it becomes a store, Toko Anak Sehat (Healthy Children Store). Women must dream to advance,” Armie Robi added.
Head of the Municipal Health Service Office of Lebak, H.M. Sukirman, S.Sos, MSc. appreciated the program as a method to deal with welfare and health problems, including in Lebak. “It is an empowerment activity, which hopefully will not only give birth to tough entrepreneurs, but also contribute in solving nutrition problems. I hope, Warung Anak Sehat program involving women may grow in larger scope. Right now it has reached sub districts of Cibadak, Cimarga, Rangkas Bitung, and Karang Anyar,” Sukisman revealed.
