(KPL) The Ministry of Health and UNICEF on Nov 14 marked their 50^th anniversary of cooperation with an event at Mahosot Hospital, Vientiane, focusing on improving children's and mothers' health through better nutrition.

The event hosted by the Health Minister, Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, and UNICEF Lao PDR Representative, Dr. Pia Rebello Britto showcased how nutrition interventions are positively impacting children in the Lao PDR.

International partners including the EU, USAID, and the Governments of Canada, France and Luxemburg as well as WFP, WHO, World Bank, and civil society partners observed the outcomes of their collaborative efforts with UNICEF and the Government of the Lao PDR in addressing malnutrition and enhancing nutrition for children and mothers. This occasion also reflected on the significant progress made since UNICEF's arrival in 1973.

"For the past 5 decades the Ministry of Health and UNICEF have been working closely together, alongside partners, to improve the nutritional status of children and their communities,” said Minister of Health, Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith.

“Today we witness the important role doctors and nurses, as well as parents and caregivers, play in ensuring that children access quality nutrition services to prevent and treat malnutrition, and the importance of supporting and educating our communities on how to engage in positive nutrition practices to support the growth and development of children, communities and the nation at large," Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith added.

When UNICEF arrived in the country in 1973, it was reported that around 80-85 per cent of children were malnourished and were below the normal weight for their height. Thanks to a host of interventions this number has greatly declined – but challenges remain.

“So much has been achieved these past 50 years in supporting children with better nutrition, and this could not have been achieved without this broad partnership between UNICEF, the Government of the Lao PDR, development partners and indeed the doctors and nurses on the front lines” stated UNICEF Lao PDR Representative, Dr. Pia Rebello Britto.

"While we embrace and celebrate our past achievements, we cannot ignore the challenges faced today. We are at a pivotal point where there is a backslide in childhood nutrition, and now is the time to look forward and invest - paving the way towards making nutrition a cornerstone for the future of every child  in the Lao PDR, and with it the human capital of the country,” said Dr. Pia Rebello Britto.

Partners were taken on a tour of the hospital to see the delivery of nutrition services including breastfeeding counselling by accredited breastfeeding counsellors. Partners also observed health workers measuring children's heights and weights and the provision of vitamin A supplements. The tour also included a visit to the inpatient ward where children with severe cases of malnutrition receive lifesaving treatment.

At the event, UNICEF also awarded tokens of appreciation to the Ministry of Health and partners for their collaboration on this important agenda.

KPL