Evaluation of a Project on Better Investment for Stunting Alleviation (BISA) in Selected Districts of Nusa Tenggara and West Java Provinces in Indonesia

The BISA (Better Investment for Stunting Alleviation) programme, led by Save the Children and Nutrition International, aims to support Indonesia’s National Strategy to Accelerate Stunting Prevention (2018-2024). Targeting West Java and NTT provinces, the program focuses on maternal, infant, and young child nutrition (MIYCN), WASH practices, and health service utilization.

The 2023 endline survey, involving 15,597 participants, assessed key outcomes and compared them with the 2019 baseline. Significant findings include increased stunting prevalence in NTT but a decrease in West Bandung, a significant rise in exclusive breastfeeding in Sumedang, increased iron-folic acid (IFA) consumption in NTT, mixed changes in diet quality across districts, increased vitamin A supplementation coverage, decreased anaemia prevalence in adolescents, and challenges in WIFA tablet distribution during COVID-19.

The survey highlights BISA’s success in improving nutrition and health knowledge and behaviors, despite COVID-19 challenges. However, district-specific variations suggest the need for further analysis to address local factors affecting health outcomes.