Vientiane:The Ministry of Finance, with support from UNICEF, organized a consultation focused on public financing for nutrition. The meeting was co-chaired by Mr. Sitthiroth Rasphone, Vice Minister of Finance, and Ms. Tinatin Baum, Acting Deputy Representative of UNICEF Lao PDR, and attended by various stakeholders.
According to Lao News Agency, the primary goal of the meeting was to enhance the capacity for planning, tracking nutrition budgets, and analyzing expenditures in line with Lao PDR’s public financial management reforms.
Mr. Sitthiroth Rasphone highlighted the necessity of translating national nutrition priorities into concrete actions and securing adequate funding. He stressed the importance of strengthening cooperation with UNICEF and relevant sectors to reduce malnutrition among children in Lao PDR.
Ms. Tinatin Baum pointed out that investing in nutrition is crucial for human capital development and the country’s future. She emphasized that robust public finance systems are essential for ensur
ing budget expenditures benefit every child effectively.
The meeting facilitated clear discussions, defining roles, directions, and practical steps towards institutionalizing nutrition budget tracking nationally. Through the Child Nutrition Fund, UNICEF will continue to support the Government of Lao PDR in public financial management reforms for future sustainability.
