Malnutrition has worsened due to Covid pandemic: DPM
 
The government is strengthening collaboration with researchers and academia in a bid to improve the nutrition of mothers and children across the country.
The nutrition situation in Laos remains dire and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is estimated to have worsened conditions, Deputy Prime Minister and Chair of the National Nutrition Committee, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, told the seventh annual Nutrition Forum in Vientiane on  Wednesday.
The form provided an opportunity for a wide range of nutrition stakeholders to review achievements and identify priorities for the improvement of nutrition in Laos.

Dr Kikeo said that despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, Laos had achieved several important milestones that contributed to the improvement of nutrition in 2021.
“It is well established that improving the nutritional status of infants, children, adolescents and women can not only save lives - it can also strengthen the economy,” he said.
“As Laos prepares to transition from Least Developed Country category in 2026, the need to enhance our investments in nutrition is greater than ever,” he added.
The forum enabled stakeholders to take stock of the implementation of the National Nutrition Strategy and Plan of Action and achievements in 2021 related to nutrition, as well as to identify priorities pertaining to nutrition and take action in addressing the issue of malnutrition.
This year’s theme for the forum was ‘Nutrition for Growth’, which highlights the inextricable link between investments in nutrition and the growth of children, communities and the economy.
The European Union Ambassador to Laos, Ms Ina Marčiulionytė, said that last year the EU worked with the government to launch the 2021-2025 National Plan of Action on Nutrition and the National Information Platforms for Nutrition Dashboard, as well as monitor recent legislation on the protection of breastfeeding through the restriction of marketing and promotion of breast milk substitutes.
“We must continue to work together to consolidate our progress by increasing our investments in nutrition, including domestic funding for nutrition, exploring more innovative financing, and leveraging other available resources,” Ms Marčiulionytė said.
Strengthening human capacities to provide effective quality services reaching out to the most vulnerable is a condition to fight malnutrition in a sustainable manner, she said.
The forum brought together ministers, deputy ministers and director generals of key line ministries, vice governors, development partners, civil society organisations, mass organisations, and members of the academia, the private sector and youth representatives.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update February 17, 2022)