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SALT LAKE CITY — The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announced a global effort on Thursday to improve the health of women and children, spearheaded by the church's women's organization, the Relief Society.
It will use current church networks and external organizations with similar goals to support families by improving access to nutrition, immunizations and maternal and newborn care.
"Whenever we do anything to bring relief to others — temporal or spiritual — we are bringing them to Jesus Christ and will be blessed to find our own relief in him," said Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson in a news release.
A page was launched on the church's website dedicated to information about children's nutrition, hygiene and wellness to help people around the world, and how members can get involved and help.
"As members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, we have a responsibility to care for all of God's children around the world. One of the ways we make the biggest impact is by prioritizing the health and well-being of women and children," the page says.
It says the goal of the initiative is to help children reach their potential through food security, immunization, education, care initiatives and refugee responses.
President Johnson in the press release listed another goal: empowering families.
"In many cases, loving parents lack the knowledge to provide adequate nutrition for their children. With greater understanding and resources, they are better equipped to make changes that can have a lasting impact," she said.
Currently, the church has programs to screen children for malnutrition and train parents on dietary diversification in 12 countries in Central America, Africa and Asia, and the program will be launched in additional countries soon.
Volunteer members and health experts are teaching about the importance of diet while helping families get immediate treatments, food supplements and medications for deworming, the press release said.
"This project is something that comes naturally to women," said Kristin M. Yee, second counselor in the Relief Society general presidency.
She said members of the Relief Society are already nurturing people in homes and communities and whether they are involved in this initiative or not, they are making a difference in others' lives.
Often the best humanitarian outreach is to those closest to us in everyday acts of kindness.
– Relief Society President Camille N. Johnson
The church is working with governments and charitable organizations to identify where need exists and whether those needs are served best by immediate food assistance or self-reliance projects.
President Johnson said this humanitarian initiative is an "optional opportunity" for Relief Society members who are already involved in helping their local congregations.
"Often the best humanitarian outreach is to those closest to us in everyday acts of kindness. When we serve our families and our neighbors, we are part of a global cause," she said.
The church has previously donated millions of dollars toward addressing global malnutrition. In August, it announced a $44 million donation to help mothers in 30 countries feed their families.
