Multi-sectoral approach launches projects to reduce undernutrition

Two new projects, namely Reducing Rural Poverty and Malnutrition, and Scaling-Up Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene, were launched in Vientiane on Wednesday to tackle the issue of childhood undernutrition.
The projects are being supported by the World Bank at a cost of 460 billion kip (US$52 million).

The initiatives will be rolled out from 2019-2024 in four northern provinces with high rates of undernutrition - Xieng Khuang, Huaphan, Phongsaly and Oudomxay.
Around 42,000 villagers in 12 districts of these provinces are set to benefit from the Reducing Rural Poverty and Malnutrition project worth US$27 million.
Meanwhile, 192,000 villagers are set to benefit from the Scaling-Up Water Supply, Sanitation and Hygiene project worth US$25 million, which is also estimated to assist more than 30,000 children under the age of five.
The government will implement a new cross-cutting and evidence-based approach to tackle the issue of childhood undernutrition with support from the World Bank.
Representatives from line ministries, including Planning and Investment, Agriculture and Forestry, Health, Public Works and Transport, and  Education and Sports officially launched the projects on Wednesday.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Dr Kikeo Chanthaboury; World Bank Country Manager for Laos, Nicola Pontara; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Dr Bounkhuang Khambounheuang; and Deputy Minister of Education and Sports, Associate Professor Dr Phout Simmalavong were the co-chairs.
The two projects complement operations in health, agriculture, and early childhood education, which together form the nutrition convergence portfolio, with the aim of reducing the prevalence of childhood undernutrition.
Dr Kikeo said “Improving the nutrition of our children is key to our goals of investing in people and boosting human capital for a more inclusive pattern of economic growth.”
The convergence approach simultaneously engages multiple sectors to address both the immediate and underlying causes of childhood undernutrition.Evidence from international experience suggests that this multi-disciplinary strategy can successfully tackle chronic undernutrition.
The initiative focuses on the first 1,000 days of life, which are the most critical for child development.
Mr Pontara said “A child born in Laos today will be only half as productive as she could have been if she had complete education, good health and a well-nourished childhood. It is important that all Lao citizens can reach their full potential, so they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future.”
According to the World Bank, undernutrition affects over one third of all children under the age of five and in the project’s target provinces these figures reach up to 54 percent. Severe undernourishment can hinder brain development, school performance, and eventual success finding employment, making it more likely for families to remain in poverty.

By Keoviengkhone Bounviseth
(Latest Update November 14, 2019)