VIENTIANE, March 6 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government and development partners convened in Lao capital Vientiane for the fifth annual national nutrition research conference, to discuss new study findings on nutrition to bolster the nationwide drive in addressing malnutrition.

During the conference on Tuesday, representatives from the Lao government and non-governmental organizations took to the stage to present the latest findings on nutrition in Laos, according to Lao National Radio report on Wednesday.

According to a report from the Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS), progress in tackling malnutrition in Laos has been stalled due to the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The LSIS also highlighted the need to promote healthier eating habits among children, the educational costs of malnutrition, and the importance of routine data in decision-making processes and interventions at all levels of healthcare.

Lao Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment Sthabandith Insisiengmay highlighted the need for urgent action based on the latest findings shared during the meeting.

In addition to the presentations on the latest nutritional findings in the country, a panel discussion was organized as part of the conference. The panel brought together researchers and policymakers from key sectors related to nutrition to exchange their insights on how to better integrate data into nutrition programs and interventions.

"Our meeting today will provide an important foundation for further discussions at the ninth national nutrition forum this year on how, through investments in nutrition, we can unlock the potential of this country's human capital," said United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Representative to Laos Pia Rebello Britto.

"It is also clear from today's discussions that more concerted efforts are needed to address malnutrition in Laos using high-quality data," she said.

She reaffirmed UNICEF's commitment to working alongside its partners with the Lao government in translating data into tangible interventions for the nutritional well-being of every child in Laos. Enditem

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