World Bank to further support health, nutrition in Laos
The World Bank has approved the second phase of a project to support improving the quality of health and nutrition services in poor and rural areas of Laos.
The objective of the Second Health and Nutrition Services Access Project for Laos is to improve equitable access, utilization, and quality of health and nutrition services in target areas and provide immediate response in case of a crisis or emergency, according to Lao News Agency report on Monday.
The project features funding from the Australian government, the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunization (Gavi), and the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
According to the report, around a third of Lao children are stunted by poor nutrition, and around 7,000 Lao children die before reaching their fifth birthday every year.
The report said that the project will help local authorities work with villagers to address high birth rates among adolescents, poor diets and feeding practices among mothers.
It will also expand services such as family planning, water supply and sanitation, according to the report.
The Country Manager of the World Bank Laos, Alexander Kremer, said that one of the enduring challenges in Laos is to bring health and nutrition services to the large number of people living in remote villages. This project will renew efforts to provide more and better services in rural communities.
Lao Minister of Health Bounfeng Phoummalaysith said the second phase of this project will bring more services and raise awareness of crucial health issues to families in poor and rural areas of the country.
Related articles
Workers' paychecks grew faster in the first quarter, a possible concern for the Fed
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pay and benefits for America’s workers grew more quickly in the first three months2024-05-01Tarata Road gravel fix plan raises ire of small Taranaki community
Big rigs are a common sight on Tarata Road in Taranaki. Photo: RNZ / Robin Martin2024-05-01'Not just Māori but all of us'
Leilani Perese of the Hurricanes Poua leads a haka at Sky Stadium on 9 March 2024 in Wellington. Pho2024-05-013D printed eggs used in fairy tern rescue programme
A tara iti chick steps briefly out of its nest at Waipū to explore. Photo: Supplied / Darren Markin2024-05-01Proof you CAN outrun bad genes with just four lifestyle tweaks
People genetically predisposed to a shorter life can live around five years longer if they follow a2024-05-01Truancy: Why it matters, what the law says and what is being done about it
Photo: RNZ / Marika Khabazi2024-05-01
atest comment