JOICFP recognizes the need for communities to develop sustainable projects, such as those through partnerships with the business community.

As part of its 70th anniversary celebrations in 2005, the Yakult corporation decided to increase its corporate social responsibility programs in developing countries, and chose JOICFP as a partner to assist it.

JOICFP proposed setting up an integrated safe motherhood project in Indonesia, in collaboration with the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (IPPA), as JOICFP's philosophy matches that of Yakult; "...contributing to the health and happiness of people around the world..."

On 22nd September, Yakult formally agreed to the "International Safe Motherhood Project 2005-2009" to be conducted in West Nusa Tenggara, East Lombok Sub-district. In addition to helping mothers and children, the project will show how Yakult contributes to health at the community level.

The project is being funded by Yakult headquarters and by fundraising activities of the 136 Yakult distribution offices in Japan.

West Nusa Tenggara contains arid districts, and is one of the least developed areas in Indonesia. Nutritional status is low, maternal and infant mortality rates are high, and the average age of marriage for girls is 14. To help address the poor health status there, IPPA requested JOICFP to start a project there, and Yakult also recognized the need for this.

Many men leave the proposed project site to work
as migrant labor in Malaysia or the Middle East.
Women marry early and suffer
from lack of sufficient education

Sustainability

The project will consist of three phases. First, extensive baseline surveys are being carried out on areas such as nutrition, maternal and infant mortality as little reliable data are available.

A mother cares for her malnourished baby

Second, a pilot project will commence in 14 selected hamlets of Pemonkon Village, covering around 14,740 people over a wide geographic area. The establishment of effective community organizations will be emphasized.

Third, lessons and experiences will be shared, as IPPA would like to expand the reach of the project.

If the outcomes of these stages are successful, it is expected that Yakult will extend further support in future.