The delegation included Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Ambassador of Germany to the Lao PDR, and Bénédicte Deschamps, Ambassador of France to Laos. They met with the Governor of Sekong Province, Khanty Sylavongsa, to discuss the progress of integrated nutrition and food security programmes.

The mission was led by Marc-André Prost, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Laos.

The visit aimed to assess the implementation of the School Meals Programme, which provides nutritious daily meals to primary school children while also supporting local agricultural supply chains by creating stable markets for smallholder farmers.

During the meeting, Governor Khanty Sylavongsa welcomed the delegation and expressed appreciation for the continued support and cooperation of international partners. He highlighted the important role of school meals in improving student attendance and retention, enhancing learning outcomes, and promoting better nutrition, particularly in remote and disadvantaged communities.

According to provincial authorities, the programme currently covers three districts in Sekong Province and benefits 2,022 direct participants, including schoolchildren receiving daily hot meals, smallholder farmers supplying fresh local produce, and education officials responsible for coordination and monitoring.

Both sides also discussed ways to strengthen cooperation, particularly in expanding local food procurement and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the programme. The delegation reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts to improve child nutrition and rural livelihoods through community-based initiatives.

KPL