The Ministry of Health unveils new research findings supporting an integrated approach to nutrition.

In partnership with World Vision, the Department of Health and Hygiene Promotion (DHHP) co-hosted a day’s event to disseminate research findings from the EU-funded Accelerating Healthy Agriculture and Nutrition (AHAN) Project, and engage key nutrition stakeholders on key recommendations for improving nutrition outcomes for Lao PDR.In partnership with World Vision, the Department of Health and Hygiene Promotion (DHHP) co-hosted a day’s event to disseminate research findings from the EU-funded Accelerating Healthy Agriculture and Nutrition (AHAN) Project, and engage key nutrition stakeholders on key recommendations for improving nutrition outcomes for Lao PDR.

Vientiane, 17 September 2020 – Dr. Phounepaseuth OUNAPHOM, Director General of the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion for the Ministry of Health, chaired the integrated-nutrition researches dissemination day organized by the Accelerating Healthy Agriculture and Nutrition (AHAN) Partnership, a EU-funded project led by World Vision.

Implemented in Attapeu, Saravane and Savannakhet provinces, the AHAN Project conducted several studies on areas related to nutrition over the last 2 years, including a Nutrition-Sensitive Value Chain Analysis, Gender analysis and more recently Qualitative Research on Feeding Practices Among Ethnic Minorities. The recent study on feeding practices was led by Burnet Institute and the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (TPHI). The aim of this event was to disseminate findings and increase stakeholder coordination geared towards creating a supportive environment for improved nutrition. Participants of this national event included representatives from the Government of Lao PDR from multiple ministries at both central and sub-national levels, donors, UN and humanitarian agencies.

Among the key findings disseminated in the morning session, the food insecurity, lack of nutrition knowledge - especially regarding breastfeeding practices - as well as the unbalanced workload based on gender at the household level have been the striking points of discussions. These key findings illustrate clearly that a multi-sector, integrated approach is necessary to address the root causes of malnutrition, and emphases the importance of gathering actors from different backgrounds but following a common goal, in order to improve the nutrition of mothers and children in Lao PDR.

These researches are very useful for nutrition, gender and understanding of feeding practice. It showed the real situation, the real life of people in society, which has been practiced for longtime up to now. And it is the reference data for mothers and caregivers to change the behaviors on positive ways for the new babies get healthy and development as standard.

- Dr Phonepaseuth Ounaphom, Director General of Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion -

We urge all departments and communities to unite and work together, supporting access to nutritious foods for all women and children. Exclusive breastfeeding and provision of nutrient dense foods, along with positive family practices, are key for ensuring vulnerable children grow strong and healthy.

- Roslyn Gabriel, Country Programme Director for World Vision -

The EU Partnership for Improved Nutrition in Lao PDR program is a four year project working in a consortium of partners including AVSF, GCDA and Burnet Institute, led by World Vision. The AHAN project is an Integrated Nutrition Project which follows the global Essential Nutrition Practices model, incorporating interventions from health, agriculture, WASH and gender to support the National Nutrition Plan of Action and ensure that the key underlying causes and barriers that contribute to poor nutritional outcomes are addressed.