China And UNICEF Join Forces To Support MBG Program In Papua
China and UNICEF collaborate to strengthen the MBG program in Papua, improving education, health and community development.
China and UNICEF have partnered to support the MBG program in Papua, aiming to enhance education, health, and overall community welfare. This collaboration brings global expertise and local engagement together to create sustainable impact.
By combining resources, technical knowledge, and on-the-ground efforts, the initiative seeks to empower communities and provide children and families with better opportunities. Keep reading to learn how this partnership is shaping positive change in Papua.
Collaborative Assessment Visit In Papua
On February 3rd and 4th, a joint assessment visit was conducted in Jayapura to review the China-UNICEF supported Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program. The visit aimed to evaluate project implementation and impact on vulnerable groups.
Provincial Secretary Christian Sohilait expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for its support. The initiative has enabled children and pregnant women in Papua to access more nutritious meals and improved educational opportunities for school-aged children.
The visit underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in enhancing community welfare. Officials emphasized the need to maintain program quality while expanding its reach to benefit a larger population.
Positive Impact Of The Program
Li Hongwei, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Indonesia, highlighted the tangible benefits of the assistance. Nearly 140,000 individuals have already experienced positive outcomes, particularly children, women, and local communities.
The MBG initiative addresses critical nutrition needs and supports healthy growth during early childhood. By providing balanced meals, the program reduces the risk of stunting and malnutrition among vulnerable populations.
This initiative also emphasizes sustainability, encouraging continuous monitoring and evaluation. Ensuring the long-term impact requires all stakeholders to remain actively engaged in implementation and quality control.
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UNICEF’s Role And Investment In The Future
Maniza Zaman, UNICEF Indonesia representative, stated that investing in children equates to investing in the nation’s future. UNICEF continues to support Indonesia’s MBG program, leveraging international partnerships to improve health and well-being.
The program focuses on maternal and child health by ensuring access to essential nutrients. Pregnant and breastfeeding women benefit from proper dietary support, promoting healthy pregnancies and optimal child development.
By combining local expertise with global knowledge, UNICEF strengthens the program’s capacity to reach more communities. This partnership reinforces the importance of collaborative international development efforts.
National Implementation And Strategic Partnerships
Since January 2025, Indonesia’s National Nutrition Agency (BGN) has implemented MBG nationwide. Over 60 million people have already benefited, with projections reaching more than 82.9 million recipients in the future.
The program is part of broader bilateral cooperation following President Prabowo Subianto’s visit to China in November 2024. The countries signed a Joint Statement promoting comprehensive strategic partnerships, emphasizing China’s support for MBG.
In December, CIDCA and UNICEF China formalized an agreement to assist Indonesia in executing the program. This marks the first cash-assistance project jointly implemented by China and UNICEF in Indonesia, reflecting a pragmatic approach to international collaboration.
Addressing Malnutrition And Community Development
Papua, one of Indonesia’s less developed regions, faces significant nutritional challenges. Stunting affects 25% of children, while 13% suffer from malnutrition, exceeding national averages.
The MBG program tackles these issues by providing nutritious meals, enhancing physical and cognitive development, and improving overall health outcomes. Central kitchens and food supplementation initiatives are key components of this strategy.
During the assessment visit, officials from China, UNICEF, and various Indonesian ministries reviewed the progress of nutrition services for children, pregnant and lactating women, and capacity-building initiatives. These efforts aim to create an effective model for sustainable community development and better health standards.
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