Plan International helps to reduce stunting in children

Plan International is contributing to reduce stunting in children and improved nutrition in women in Saravan province for improved nutrition status of women, girls, and boys in targeted marginalised communities.
Plan International Laos and the Ministry of Health represented by the Saravan provincial Department of Health signed a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Integrated Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project for Phase III to contribute to a reduction in stunting in girls and boys aged 0-23 months and improve nutrition in women in 44 target villages in Ta-oy and Saravan districts.  

Project contributes to a reduction in stunting in girls and boys in 44 target villages in Ta-oy and Saravan districts.                 --Photo Plan International Laos

The project is funded by Plan International Australia, The Australian government, and individual donors through Plan International Laos. The project aims to increase the number of households that have access to water and practice good sanitation and hygiene within the target villages, as well as improved skills and capacity of health centre staff for maternal and child health.
Plan International initiated its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Project in Saravan in 2014 and has achieved open defecation free (ODF) status for 36 total target villages in Ta-oy and Saravan districts where the project has worked in collaboration with the District Health Offices (DHO) and Provincial Health Department (PHD). Also, under previous phases of the project, two new health centres with birthing facilities and four new Mother and Child Health Annexes have been constructed in the two target districts.
Based on the achievements of the initial project, Plan International is continuing to support Saravan PHD as well as Ta-oy and Saravan DHOs, and build capacity at the cluster level (Kum-Ban) to implement integrated activities in public health to contribute to the achievement of the goals of the National Nutrition Strategy to 2025 and Plan of Action 2021-2025 (NNSPA) for Saravan province.
Mr Sengsantisith Sanasisane, the Interim Country Director of Plan International Laos said that “Increased access to sanitation and health services for improved nutrition status of women, girls, and boys in targeted marginalised communities is one of our priorities.
The results of the first two phases of the project evidenced that we are on the right track in supporting communities and government partners. Plan International stands ready and alongside the government to contribute to the achievements of NNSPA.
In this third phase of the project, I believe that villagers, especially mothers and children, as well as pregnant women in 44 villages and neighbouring villages will benefit from the technical services and facilities we are going to provide.”
His Excellency Paul Kelly Australia’s Ambassador to the Laos is pleased that the Australian NGO Cooperation Programme (ANCP) funding is contributing to the government’s efforts to reduce stunting and improve maternal health.
“This year the Australian government is providing around AUD 6.3 million to Laos through the ANCP programmes. Itis an important element of Australia’s development efforts in Laos, bringing technical expertise and funding support for multiple sectors.
I hope to visit you in Saravan soon to hear more about some of the great work Plan International Laos and the Saravan provincial Health Department are doing, particularly on the Open Defecation Free Roadmap which is supporting clean water, sanitation and hygiene practice, which is so critical to children’s health”
In this phase, the project will focus on three main areas. To strengthen the behaviour change communication skills of the community-led total sanitation committees that improve and sustain hygiene and sanitation practices in the communities.
To implement the True-friend “Puern Tae” activities at the health centre level which emphasise cleanliness, safety, and friendly client-centred service to encourage more mothers and children, including vulnerable people and people with disabilities to visit the health centre; and to construct and fully equip health centres and maternal and child health annexes which ensure remote and vulnerable villagers especially mothers, and children, and pregnant women have equal access to quality health services.
“I felt a bit worried about delivering a baby – this is my first pregnancy, but visits to the health centre to meet with the health staff ease my concerns. In fact, they are friendly and happily providing good advice for me and my unborn baby. I have been following the instructions provided by the staff at the health centre and will continue visiting them for my antenatal care,” shared Linh, a 25-year-old young mother from the south of Laos, whose community is in the target areas of the new project.
In March 2022, Plan International is going to sign an MoU for Phase III of the Health, Nutrition, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Project to contribute to a reduction in stunting in girls and boys aged 0-23 months and improve nutrition in women in 59 target villages in Houn and Pakbaeng districts in Oudomxay province.  
Plan International began operating in Laos in 2007 to advance children’s rights and equality for girls. We work with vulnerable children, families, and communities so they can build the best possible futures for themselves.
We work with communities where there is low school enrolment and completion, poor hygiene, little-to-no access to sanitation, limited safe water, and high levels of malnutrition.
The provinces that we directly work in are Bokeo, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Saravan provinces, and Vientiane capital. We also deliver programming with 20 Civil Society Organisations in 10 provinces across Laos.
--Source Plan International Laos

By Patithin Phetmeuangphuan
(Latest Update February 25, 2022)