Gandara Gears Up to Fight Child Stunting with Family Stunting Reduction Program

On October 30-31, 2024, Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS) and Barangay Health Workers (BHW) gathered in Gandara, Samar, for a refresher training and pre-implementation session on Zuellig Family Foundation (ZFF)’s Family Stunting Reduction (FaStR) Program. Participants from the three pilot barangays—Adela Heights, Minda, and Burabud II—learned practical skills and strategies for delivering the program’s modules, equipping them to bring the FaStR Program to their communities.

The first day included a hands-on module delivery to families in Barangay Adela Heights. This practice session helped participants apply what they learned with real families, supported by municipal health workers and their peers. Afterward, a feedback session allowed the team to share their experiences, recognizing both successes and areas needing improvement.

The second day focused on planning and setting up concrete next steps for implementing the FaStR Program. The group emphasized continuous training for BNSs and BHWs to prepare for a broader rollout across Gandara’s 69 barangays. Key steps discussed included integrating FaStR activities into each barangay’s nutrition action plan and engaging barangay leaders for added support.

With the highest stunting rate among Samar’s 26 local government units, Gandara’s need for an effective stunting reduction program is urgent. The FaStR Program aims to address this by promoting healthy nutrition and growth for young children. Support for Gandara’s FaStR initiative comes from the Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) and the National Nutrition Council in Region 8, with technical assistance from the Zuellig Family Foundation.

Region 8’s broader rollout plan also includes the Philippine Multisectoral Nutrition Project (PMNP), which will cover 70 municipalities. By coordinating FaStR’s goals with the PMNP, Region 8 hopes to drive major improvements in health and nutrition for families across Samar.