Huaphan authorities use smartphones to promote nutrition

Authorities in Laos' northern province of Huaphan are using smartphones to distribute information among ethnic groups on how parents can continue to cook hygienic food for children aged between six and 23 months.

Officials working to promote proper nutrition among ethnic groups are using the devices following the government’s campaign for people to stay at home to stay safe from the Coronavirus. Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith last week issued an executive order intensifying prevention and control measures against Covid-19.

According to this order, people from all walks of life, including expatriates in Laos, are not allowed to go out of their homes and other accommodation for non-essential purposes during April 1-19.

Officials from the Poverty Reduction Fund under the ministry of Agriculture and Forestry said the relevant authorities in Huaphan recently called on local officials in Homphan village of Hua Meuang district to ensure that villagers keep their kitchens clean while staying at home during the Covid-19 crisis.

For example, in the morning on April 7, a Deputy Head of Homphan village received a call from the province’s nutrition promotion authorities on this issue, and she later distributed the information to villagers via the community’s loudspeaker.

Promoting nutrition for children will focus on keeping kitchens clean, clean cooking and proper selection of food.

The village officials will also encourage families to maintain social distancing by keeping a distance of 1.5 metres when they go out to pick food.

The authorities believe actions such as using smartphones to relay information will help implement mechanisms to promote children’s nutrition under the National Nutrition Improvement Strategy Plan. The government will continue to promote investments in nutrition at the local level to create communities that can sustainably produce and have access to nutritious food.

The Ministry of Health pointed out the Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS-II, 2017) had reported that stunting decreased from 44 percent in LSIS-I to 33 percent, but significant disparities remained across the 18 provinces because some nutrition projects still lack support.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update April 7, 2020)