VIENTIANE (Xinhua): The Lao government and development partners launched a new partnership to improve maternal and child health and nutrition by helping to strengthen Laos' health and governance systems through the CONNECT initiative.
The launching ceremony, held in Lao capital Vientiane on Wednesday, was attended by Lao Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Lao Minister of Home Affairs Thongchanh Manixay, along with officials from relevant ministries and organizations, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday.
CONNECT is a Laos' Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs-led initiative, supported by the World Health Organisation, focusing on building trust between healthcare providers and communities, working closely with local leaders to strengthen governance, planning and coordination, and increasing access to essential healthcare such as vaccination and maternal care.
The partnership will expand CONNECT to Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Savannakhet, Saravan, and Sekong provinces following the initiative's deployment to more than 259 communities across 10 provinces to date. - Xinhua
