Effectivity of implementation of “Smart-Sharing” program as the pilot project to prevent the stunting case in Indonesia: Case study to Madiun City

Background: The Indonesian government continues to promote programs addressing stunting to enhance the quality of future generations. The “Smart Sharing” program represents collaborative efforts among government entities, the private sector, and universities. This study aimed to evaluate the implementation and effectiveness of the “Smart Sharing” program conducted in Madiun city. Methods: This quasi-experimental, observational, collaborative study involved participants from health centers designated by the Madiun City Health Office. Participants included 50 pregnant women, 50 breastfeeding mothers, 50 infants, and 50 at-risk children under two years old. The intervention involved nutritional supplementation provided monthly over six months. Effectiveness was measured by comparing growth indicators before and after the intervention, alongside identifying factors supporting or inhibiting the program's success. Results: Micronutrient supplementation in pregnant women significantly reduced the risk of premature births and low birth weight infants. The nutritional intervention effectively increased infants' weight gain (p = 0.0001), with average infant body weight rising from 7.3 kg at baseline to 8.7 kg after six months. Additionally, the nutrient-rich milk supplementation positively influenced the infants' growth and development outcomes, demonstrating noticeable improvements in growth trajectories and overall health status. Complementary feeding also showed beneficial effects on both maternal and infant health, contributing further to the effectiveness of the intervention program. Conclusion: Nutritional supplementation programs effectively improve infant growth and maternal-infant health, potentially preventing stunting. The successful implementation of the “Smart Sharing” program supports its replication in other regions.