International Journal of Medicine And publich Health (MPH)
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): International Journal of Medicine and Publich Health

Integration of Free Nutritious Meal Programs with Primary Health Services

Sella Elita Sembiring (Fakultas Kedokteran Institut Kesehatan Deli Husada)
Muhammad Tsawaby Hasian (Fakultas Kedokteran Institut Kesehatan Deli Husada)
Hana Isal Salina Ginting (Fakultas Kedokteran Institut Kesehatan Deli Husada)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 Jul 2026

Abstract

School feeding programs have been shown to improve educational participation and children’s nutritional status. Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) program represents a major investment in human capital development. However, without integration with primary health care, its long-term health impact may be limited. This study proposes a policy model integrating MBG with community health center (puskesmas) services using a health systems and Theory of Change approach. A conceptual-analytic review of international literature (2010–2024) was conducted. The proposed model includes screening for anemia, nutritional monitoring, referral systems, and digital data integration. Comparative analysis of Brazil and India indicates that cross-sector integration enhances program sustainability and population health outcomes. Integrating MBG with primary health care may improve cost-effectiveness, strengthen the health system, and accelerate human capital development in Indonesia.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

mph

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Medicine & Pharmacology Nursing Public Health Veterinary

Description

International Journal of Medicine and Public Health is a peer-reviewed journal in the field of medicine and health sciences. Areas of science covered in this journal include biomedical sciences, clinical medicine, medical science education, epidemiology, and preventive medicine (social medicine), ...