Guardian Strengthens Guardiancares Program Through Increased Access To Sanitation And Hygiene In Yogyakarta

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - Data from the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia reveals that 293 thousand schools in Indonesia still lack access to clean water, sanitation is feasible, and basic hygiene. In addition, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) noted that 28.81 percent of Indonesian children fall ill every month due to lack of clean water.

The government has committed to achieving the Sustainability of Development Goals (SDGs) which includes children's activities in schools, access to clean water and education about the importance of clean water and basic hygiene. As a leading modern health and beauty retailer, the Guardian through its sustainable program, Guardiancares, focuses on improving cleanliness and children's health.

Since its launch in 2022, the Guardiancares program has had a positive impact through various initiatives, such as providing sanitation and clean water facilities, donating more than 24,000 Guardian bath soap products to children and families in flats and schools, and carrying out a series of education related to Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS).

This year, the Guardian collaborated with humanitarian organizations, the Human Initiative, to re-distribute 24,000 Body Wash Guardian products to school children in Jakarta, Banten, West Java, to Yogyakarta, and repair and manufacture of clean water facilities for schools to support better cleanliness and health in the school environment.

The Guardiancares 2024 program, which was officially launched last September in Bogor Regency, has now reached its target optimally. The program, which runs from September to October 2024, is closed through a ceremony attended by the Head of Marketing Guardian Indonesia, Malvin Tarigan, Head of the Yogyakarta DI Health Service, drg. Pembajun Setyaningastutie, M.Kes., and the Head of the Yogyakarta Human Initiative Branch, Mutori at SD Negeri Boto Yogyakarta, Friday, October 25.

Malvin Tarigan, Head of Marketing Guardian Indonesia, emphasized the importance of sanitation access in schools as a quality educational foundation.

"Guardian is committed to helping Indonesian children get proper access to health in the school environment through the Guardiancares program. This initiative aims to improve the cleanliness and health of children, in line with the Government's steps in achieving health targets and indicators of water-related SDGs, hygiene and sanitation (WASH)," said Malvin.

Support from the Human Initiative and the local Health Office in education and implementation of Clean and Healthy Lifestyle (PHBS) is also an integral part of this program, reaching more than 40 schools on the island of Java. By involving volunteers from internal Guardian employees, this program aims to create a sustainable positive impact on the community.

drg. Pembajun Setyaningastutie, M.Kes., Head of the Yogyakarta Special Region Health Office supports initiatives that provide direct benefits to the community, ensuring that every child in Indonesia has proper access to quality health and education facilities.

"The cross-sectoral synergy is the key in supporting the acceleration of the fulfillment of children's health and hygiene, especially from an early age. The Yogyakarta Special Region Government really appreciates the Guardian's commitment that has been realized through the Guardiancares program, which supports the acceleration of the implementation of PHBS, especially the Special Region of Yogyakarta for Indonesia Gold 2045," he explained.

Mutori, Head of the Yogyakarta Human Initiative Branch, said the collaboration between the Guardian and the Human Initiative in distributing 24,000 Body Wash Guardian products and improving clean water facilities in schools showed a shared commitment to improve health and cleanliness among the younger generation.

"We believe that together, we can realize a healthier and more prosperous future for all," explained Mustori.

This Guardiancares program involves various activities, ranging from PHBS education in collaboration with the Health Office, interactive activities with students, to mentoring sessions at schools. The implementation of this ceremony in Yogyakarta marks the end of a series of Guardiancares program activities that have taken place in the areas of Jakarta, Banten, West Java, and Central Java.

The Guardian hopes that the Guardiancares program can be a concrete step to support the government's efforts to improve the quality of public health, especially for children as the next generation of the nation.