(From left) Dr Snong Thongsna, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, and Fang Hong. - Photo: Vientiane Times/ANN
VIENTIANE: More than 221,000 disadvantaged children in remote areas of Laos will directly benefit from a new nutrition programme run by Unicef Laos with support from the government of China worth about US$1.5 million.
This special partnership will continue for one year starting in 2025 and includes the provision of ready-to-use therapeutic food to treat children suffering from malnutrition.
Other project components include community outreach to locate malnourished children, nutrition education for parents, and training for health workers in 17 provinces to treat childhood diseases such as pneumonia and diarrhoea.
During a ceremony in Vientiane on Wednesday (Dec 6), boxes of food provided to Unicef were unpacked by Unicef Country Representative to Laos, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, and Deputy Minister of Health Dr Snong Thongsna, in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador to Laos, Fang Hong.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Snong said “The partnership between Unicef and the government of China is essential to achieving our health and nutrition goals.”
The launch of this new partnership will have a positive impact on saving the lives of children and families across the country, he added.
The initiative also prioritises child protection services, supporting 15,000 vulnerable children in boarding schools and providing social workers across 18 provinces with the necessary equipment for sexual violence prevention and mental health services.
Fang Hong said “We hope that this project will not only help children suffering from malnutrition and illness, but also help demonstrate solidarity between people and society, and strengthen the shared future of our community.”
“This initiative will yield tangible results: saving lives, protecting the vulnerable, and building a strong foundation for the future. At the same time, we will ensure that no child in Laos is left behind.”
Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani said the project’s measurable positive impacts include treating 6,200 severely malnourished children, improving access to health services for 165,000 children under the age of 5, and providing care for 34,000 newborns.
It also aims to build a sustainable health and social service system, ensuring long-term benefits for future generations.
The partnership is part of the Global Development Initiative endorsed by the PRC, which is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals, including ending hunger, improving health outcomes, and eliminating violence against children.
Project implementation will focus on 10 provinces with high potential demand, including Phongsaly, Attapeu and Champassak, to ensure that service provision is deployed in areas of greatest need, the Ministry of Health said. - Vientiane Times/ANN
