Government officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) and Ministry of Health (MOH), alongside media representatives and health experts from all 18 provinces accord the country convened today in Vientiane Province to tackle the ongoing issue of malnutrition among children under five in the country. The meeting was organised as part of the Mother Infant Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Campaign, a joint initiative between the Government of the Lao PDR, the European Union and UNICEF. (KPL) Government officials from the Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism (MICT) and Ministry of Health (MOH), alongside media representatives and health experts from all 18 provinces accord the country convened today in Vientiane Province to tackle the ongoing issue of malnutrition among children under five in the country. The meeting was organised as part of the Mother Infant Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Campaign, a joint initiative between the Government of the Lao PDR, the European Union and UNICEF.
During the meeting, Mr. Somsavath Phongsa, Director General of the Mass Media Department of MICT, highlighted the role that mass media play in disseminating information about malnutrition and raising awareness about the importance of good diets, nutrition services and behaviour in addressing this issue in the Lao PDR.
“The dissemination of information to communities over time is vital in fostering understanding, and changing attitudes and habits around food and health. It is important that the media continues to inform and educate communities on this topic,” said Mr. Somsavath Phongsa.
Post-pandemic economic challenges have been seen to be negatively impacting household spending, particularly on nutritious food. According to a recent assessment by UNICEF and MOH, optimal infant feeding practices have significantly dropped within a year. Minimum Acceptable Diet rates for children under two declined from 21% in 2022 to 15% in 2023. This is in line with a rise in stunting among children under five, from 33% to 37%.
The meeting aims to arm media outlets with the latest data to spark a nationwide change in nutrition-related behavior. During the workshop, participants will be briefed on the Annual Progress Report of the Implementation of the Nutrition Plan of Action and the National Nutrition Strategy for 2023 by the Nutrition Centre of MOH. Additional information packages will be provided by Center for Health Statistic and Information, along with discussions on the role of media in promoting child health.
Mr. Simon Nazer, Chief of Communications at UNICEF in the Lao PDR, emphasised that the media has the power to educate communities, shift perceptions, and spur collective action. As we look ahead, media will remain a critical ally in disseminating evidence-based strategies, helping us to intensify our efforts and make a meaningful difference in the nutritional well-being of children across the Lao PDR.
Later this month, the Lao Youth Media Team under the Lao National Radio, will coordinate youth consultations on eating habits in three provinces.
The media briefing also coincides with UNICEF’s 50th anniversary in the Lao PDR. As part of the celebration, UNICEF will be commemorating its strong and long-standing partnership with the Lao Government in the past five decades through various events.
Source: Lao News Agency
