VIENTIANE, LAO PDR — Continuing the United States support to reduce stunting in Laos, today, the Ministry of Health and Save the Children signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the extension period of 2020-2021 to implement the second phase of the Integrated Nutrition and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) project, funded by the United States through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). USAID Deputy Country Office Director Patrick Bowers on behalf of U.S. Ambassador to Laos Dr. Peter M. Haymond and Department of Health and Hygiene Promotion Director Dr. Phonepaseuth Ounaphone witnessed the MOU signing.

The Integrated Nutrition and WASH project, formally known as USAID Nurture, which aims to reduce child chronic malnutrition (stunting) and improve household nutrition, water, and sanitation and hygiene practices, has been supporting caregivers, health providers and government officers in addressing the primary causes of stunting through improving diets of children, pregnant women and mothers, and educating households in safe and healthy sanitation and hygiene practices. This integrated delivery model supports the Lao government in its implementation of the National Nutrition Strategy to 2025 and the National Plan of Action 2016-2020. 

According to the latest Lao Social Indicator Survey (2017), Lao PDR’s stunting prevalence has declined from 35.6% to 33%. Although this is notable progress, there is still much work to be done to further reduce the stunting rate. Especially in Savannakhet and Khammouane provinces, where child malnutrition continues to be a considerable problem. 

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Bowers firmly noted, “recognizing the importance of nutrition problems in the Lao PDR, USAID continues to provide additional support to the Lao government to reduce stunting among the key target groups in the target areas, this MOU reaffirms our strong partnership with the Government of Laos under the U.S. Laos Comprehensive Partnership, which is to improve the well-being of the people of Laos.” 

In addition to promoting health and nutrition, the United States works in partnership with the government and people of the Lao PDR to improve education, facilitate trade and investment, and strengthen the rule of law.