(KPL) The ongoing project, "Media for One Health," held a training session from November 25–29, 2024, in Savannakhet Province, aiming to enhance the skills of central media personnel in producing in-depth reports on human, animal, and environmental health.

This initiative seeks to raise public awareness and understanding of interrelated health and environmental issues while promoting strategies to safeguard human, animal, and environmental well-being.

The training featured expertise from professors of Indonesia and the Faculty of Mass Communication at the National University of Laos, who shared insights on health-focused journalism.

Participants gained valuable knowledge on health journalism, including planning, reporting procedures, interviewing target groups, and investigating health-related issues. The program incorporated practical exercises, enabling journalists to apply theoretical learning in real-life contexts.

As part of their training, participants visited the Demonstration Project for Enhancing Self-Sufficiency and Improving Living Conditions and Hygiene Among Disadvantaged Ethnic Groups in Pakwuay and Nonkhai Villages, Champhon District.

Mr. Peu Khamnouheung, Chief of Pakwuay Village, highlighted the demonstration project’s impact on disadvantaged ethnic communities. Pakwuay, identified as a priority area for development, aims to transform the livelihood of its residents from subsistence and dependence to self-reliance through production.

The project focuses on enhancing living conditions, boosting agricultural productivity to generate income, promoting hygiene awareness, advocating for gender roles and supporting marginalized groups, including the poor, disabled, women, youth, and children.

Initiatives undertaken include establishing community gardens, animal husbandry, and household agriculture (e.g., rice and cassava cultivation), providing technical support and equipment for crop and livestock production, building water systems and improving sanitation for 40–50 model households, enhancing school environments through activities like planting and fence repairs, involving 20 teachers and students.

This project aligns with Champhon District’s five-year socio-economic development plan (2020–2024) and supports the resolution of the 8th General Meeting of the District Party Committee.

In addition to project visits, journalists explored Savannakhet Province’s notable attractions, including Nong Pa Pha, the Monkey Forest (Dong Ling), and Tai Pi Dok Hall. These visits also included stops at facilities like the fuel-saving stove production center in Nong Lam Chan Village, Champhone District.

This training and exposure aim to empower journalists to better report on vital health and environmental issues while showcasing local development initiatives.

KPL