Leaders from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and seven humanitarian organizations met at Church headquarters on August 6 and 7, 2026, to review three years of progress for a global initiative. The program has improved the well-being of more than 52 million women and children in communities across Africa and Asia.
During the meeting, Church leaders announced a new funding commitment of more than US$65 million. This brings the total investment in the initiative to over $184 million during its first three years of operation.
Participants reviewed results from projects spanning 12 countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Zambia. The initiative involves seven humanitarian organizations: CARE, Catholic Relief Services, Helen Keller Intl, The Hunger Project, iDE, Save the Children, and Vitamin Angels.
Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson stated that working together to improve health, nutrition, education, and opportunity helps create brighter futures for families and communities. She noted the importance of collaboration and faith in building hope and resilience.
The initiative utilizes collaborative groups to combine expertise in nutrition, maternal and child health, agriculture, clean water, and sanitation.
In rural Bangladesh, Hira Chunni Panna established a community nutrition center that serves nearly 200 women and children, providing education and nutrition products to families with limited access to formal health services. In the Philippines, a mother named Marjorie gained nutrition knowledge through a local support group, which she plans to share with her community.
In Nepal, Kamalawoti Paasi used home gardening and nutrition training to help her daughter recover from severe malnutrition. In Ghana, health workers have utilized project-supported training and equipment, such as a motor-tricycle ambulance, to provide lifesaving care to newborns.
