#Indonesia #Vitamin Angels #Jakarta #Takeda

Vitamin Angels and Takeda's Meaningful Partnership

Addressing Climate Resilience in Health

In a significant move towards addressing the intertwining crises of climate change and public health, Vitamin Angels has announced a multifaceted initiative in collaboration with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited. The new initiative aims to bolster health systems in Indonesia over the next five years, specifically targeting the nutritional needs of some of the most vulnerable populations, including pregnant women, infants, and young children.

The program, entitled Climate-Inspired Nutrition Through Action (CINTA), which translates to 'love' in Bahasa, will be a beacon of hope for millions of people who are facing dire nutritional challenges exacerbated by climate change. Following its announcement at a United Nations General Assembly side event, it sets ambitious goals to improve maternal and child nutrition, ultimately signifying a crucial step towards climate resilience in health care.

The Current Landscape in Indonesia

Indonesia faces alarming statistics: over 30% of children under the age of five suffer from stunting, while nearly a third of reproductive-aged women are anemic. The impact of climate change further aggravates these vulnerabilities, particularly in a nation ranked 46th out of 163 on UNICEF's Children's Climate Risk Index. Consequently, Indonesian children are at severe risk from health hazards linked to climate instability, extreme weather events, and environmental stressors.

Dr. Ana Céspedes, CEO of Vitamin Angels, aptly captures the urgency: "Women and children should not pay the price of climate change with their health. Together with Takeda, we are determined to change that." The initiative focuses on equipping health workers with the necessary tools and knowledge to create resilient health systems, essential for providing adequate nutrition solutions to both mothers and their children.

Aim of the CINTA Program

The CINTA program’s objectives are ambitious yet vital. It will train approximately one million health workers who will be at the forefront of delivering integrated nutrition solutions that include multiple micronutrient supplementation, vitamin A distribution, deworming treatments, breastfeeding support, and vital nutrition education. This educational aspect is crucial to ensure that the targeted communities not only receive but also understand the importance of the resources being provided.

Moreover, strengthening supply chains to promote sustainable production of essential nutrition supplies is a vital component of the initiative. As Toshie Ando, Head of Global CSR Partnership Strategy at Takeda, stated, "Climate change is one of the greatest health challenges facing vulnerable communities today." This collaborative effort embodies Takeda's commitment to fostering long-term, climate-resilient solutions that will improve maternal and child health in Indonesia.

Collaborating for Lasting Impacts

In partnership with Takeda, Vitamin Angels is poised to significantly expand its outreach across Indonesia. The project will engage local networks and utilize technical expertise to ensure the effective delivery of nutrition services in communities affected by climate stresses. Otte Santika, Vitamin Angels’ Director of Programs in Indonesia, emphasizes the importance of collaboration with the Indonesian Government to develop policies that are robust and capable of addressing ongoing nutritional challenges while strengthening the health systems.

The Future of Maternal and Child Nutrition

Founded in 1994, Vitamin Angels operates as a public health nonprofit and is dedicated to enhancing maternal and child nutrition in underserved communities globally. Each year, the organization reaches over 74 million women and children across more than 65 countries through various partner organizations and governmental collaborations.

The imminent launch of the CINTA program stands to bring about transformative changes not only for those directly involved but will set a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide. The drive for climate-resilient health solutions is not just a goal; it's imperative for delivering health equity in communities that need it most.

Vitamin Angels continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving health outcomes and nutritional well-being for mothers and children, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come. As they embark on this monumental journey alongside Takeda, both organizations embody the essence of partnership in action—because everyone deserves love, support, and health, especially in times of crisis.