US supports efforts to reduce stunting in Laos

Laos’ Ministry of Health and Save the Children have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to implement the second phase of the Integrated Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
The Integrated Nutrition and WASH project, formally known as USAID Nurture, aims to reduce child chronic malnutrition or stunting and improve household nutrition, water, and sanitation and hygiene practices.

The project has been supporting caregivers, health providers and government officers in addressing the primary causes of stunting by improving the diets of children, pregnant women and mothers, and educating households about safe and healthy sanitation and hygiene practices.
This integrated delivery model supports the Lao government in implementing its National Nutrition Strategy to 2025 and the National Plan of Action for 2016-20.
USAID’s Deputy Country Office Director, Patrick Bowers, on behalf of the US Ambassador to Laos, Dr Peter M Haymond, and representatives of government partners, witnessed the signing of the MOU.
The MOU was signed following approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in order to extend the project for the period of 2020-2021.
According to the latest Lao Social Indicator Survey of 2017, Laos’ stunting prevalence has declined from 35.6 percent to 33 percent. Though this is notable progress, there is still much work to be done to further reduce the stunting rate, especially in Savannakhet and Khammuan provinces, where child malnutrition continues to be a considerable problem.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr Bowers said: “Recognising the importance of nutrition problems in the Lao PDR, USAID continues to provide additional support to the Lao government to reduce stunting among the key target groups in target areas.
“This MOU reaffirms our strong partnership with the Government of Laos under the US-Laos Comprehensive Partnership, which is to improve the well-being of the people of Laos.”
In addition to promoting health and nutrition, the US works in partnership with the government and people of Laos to improve education, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the rule of law.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update June 16, 2020)