Nourishing the Future

This article was first published on the UNICEF Lao PDR website.

In the serene landscapes of Champassak province in Southern Lao PDR, a transformative initiative was unfolding just as the year 2023 was drawing to a close. From December 25th to 27th, the Centre of Nutrition, bolstered by technical support from UNICEF, embarked on a mission to fortify the front lines of healthcare against a formidable adversary: acute malnutrition.

The training, with support from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, was more than just an educational endeavor—it was a beacon of hope. Thirty healthcare professionals from across the province, representing 10 district hospitals and various health centres, gathered with a common goal: to address the challenge of severe acute malnutrition, estimated to affect about 6,000 children in the province every year, by providing timely treatment services. If left untreated, these children are at a 12 times higher risk of dying compared to healthy children.

The programme was comprehensive, covering the intricacies of malnutrition assessment, treatment protocols, and even the complexities of supply chain management. Participants were not just passive recipients of knowledge; they actively engaged in practical sessions, mastering how to measure and analyse body measurements to understand the severity of malnutrition in children.

But the impact of this training extended far beyond the walls of the session room. As these healthcare workers returned to their facilities, armed with new skills and insights, a ripple effect commenced. Early identification, referral, and management of acute malnutrition cases improved significantly, marking a monumental step in safeguarding the health of the province's most vulnerable children.

The journey doesn't end here. In January 2024, an additional 74 Village Health Volunteers will undergo training in mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC screening), casting a wider net of protection and care across Champassak. This initiative is not just about fighting malnutrition; it's about nurturing hope, building resilience, and shaping a healthier future for the children of Laos.

Through these concerted efforts, Champassak, thanks to the support of the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China (MOFCOM) and the European Union Delegation to Lao PDR, is not only addressing an immediate health crisis but is also laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term change in public health. It's a story of empowerment, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of a world where every child can thrive, free from the clutches of malnutrition.