Vientiane, Dec 19 (NationPress) The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in Laos recently held a meeting to evaluate ongoing initiatives and strategize future actions aimed at diminishing poverty and malnutrition. The focus is on enhancing living conditions and extending health and nutrition assistance.

This national steering committee meeting for the rural poverty and malnutrition reduction project reviewed its progress toward the 2025 targets and laid out a roadmap for 2026. Participants engaged actively, providing constructive insights that reflect their dedication to the project’s success, as reported by the ministry and Xinhua News Agency.

The five-year initiative, running from 2024 to 2028, is designed to uplift living standards and deliver vital health and nutrition services to economically challenged families. Covering seven provinces—Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Xieng Khuang, Huaphan, Savannakhet, Salavan, and Sekong—this project encompasses 25 districts and 1,665 villages.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Kikeo Singnavong stressed the necessity for stringent adherence to personnel management, activity planning, budgeting, and project coordination.

He expressed optimism that the project would bolster rural development and poverty alleviation endeavors.

The government of Laos is placing a strong emphasis on child nutrition to facilitate brain development and propel national growth. Strategies to combat malnutrition involve enhancing coordination, augmenting funding, utilizing data for evidence-based programs, and expanding key maternal and child nutrition interventions across various sectors.

Earlier this month, Laos initiated a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination campaign aimed at safeguarding young girls from cervical cancer, further underscoring the nation’s commitment to enhancing public health, particularly among the younger demographic.

The 2025 HPV vaccination campaign offers free HPV vaccines to girls aged 10 across the nation.

At the campaign launch in Vientiane, Deputy Governor Phouvong Vongkhamsao commended international partners for their support, highlighting the increasing importance of health and disease prevention in reducing maternal and child mortality stemming from vaccine-preventable diseases.

Annually, around 320 Lao women are diagnosed with cervical cancer. The Lao government has long been an advocate for women's health, ensuring that girls and women have access to adequate healthcare.

"I am thankful that the Lao government offers free HPV vaccinations, granting all girls the right to protection. I see this as a significant step toward improving public health services in Laos," remarked a father of two daughters in Vientiane while speaking to Xinhua.

He expressed concerns for his children, underscoring that access to free vaccinations should be a fundamental right for all children.

"I want them to thrive in good health, and I understand that cervical cancer poses a severe threat to women. When the time comes, I will ensure both of my daughters receive the vaccine as soon as they qualify," he added.