Savannakhet:The UK Government and UNICEF have delivered 3,500 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) to the Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR in Savannakhet Province. This initiative is aimed at addressing severe acute malnutrition in children under the age of five.
According to Lao News Agency, the handover is part of a GBP 200,000 (US$268,097) UK Aid package benefiting three provinces. The aid is expected to treat 3,500 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition in Savannakhet, Saravan, and Sekong by 2026.
Dr. Vannasay Sattakoun, Vice Minister of Health of the Lao PDR, emphasized that severe acute malnutrition is treatable and that this support will save lives. He reiterated the government's commitment to working with partners to ensure care reaches every child in need.
Mr. Thongsay Sayyavongkhamdy, Vice Governor of Savannakhet Province, highlighted the critical need for this support, noting that Savannakhet has one of the highest rates of severe acute malnutrition in the country. The RUTF, described as a 'wonder food', provides essential vitamins and minerals and can be consumed directly from the sachet, allowing most children to recover at home.
Her Excellency Ms. Jemima Gordon-Duff, UK Ambassador to Lao PDR, expressed pride in the UK's support for this initiative and the collaborative efforts to bring care closer to affected children in Savannakhet.
The prevalence of wasting among children under five in Lao PDR has risen significantly, with Savannakhet showing alarming statistics. Nationally, 55,000 children suffer from severe wasting annually, yet less than 12% receive treatment, underscoring the importance of the UK's intervention.
UNICEF Country Representative Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani expressed gratitude for the UK's support, which aligns with the shared goal of ensuring all children with severe malnutrition in Lao PDR receive necessary care.
UNICEF manages the RUTF supply pipeline in Laos, and any disruption in supply increases risks for children. Following the handover, officials plan to visit Atsaphangthong District to observe the community-based management of acute malnutrition.