Beyond Myths: How Health Workers Reach Remote Indonesian Families

This is Syakib and his grandma. They are from Komodo Island. Unfortunately, his mom has to work outside, so his grandma has been caring for him since he was a baby.

When we told her that adding fish, chicken, or eggs to Syakib’s porridge would help him grow healthier, she smiled brightly, light switched on, as if she had just uncovered a secret that could change everything for her grandson. Imagine the power of a grandmother’s love combined with the right knowledge of child care.

Unfortunately, parents and caregivers on remote islands have very limited access to this knowledge, often relying on outdated myths instead.

That’s why we train community health workers (kader posyandu)—so that someone in the village can educate all caregivers and ensure every child gets the care they need.