Summary of publication
This is a human interest story in relation to Australia's support to Indonesia's National Program for Community Empowerment (PNPM) and food assistance for malnourished children in rural West Java. In Indonesia, approximately 13 million children suffer from malnutrition. In some districts, almost 50 per cent of infants and young children are underweight. For children and infants, the long-term impact of malnutrition can be devastating, affecting their health, educational and career prospects throughout their lives. In the village of Sukasari, West Java, the National Program for Community Empowerment, or PNPM Generasi, works with the community health system to encourage sound nutrition. PNPM also works to promote other healthy practices, such as immunisation and sanitation.