Observe how the project activities were implemented and hear how the community was benefiting.
On January 17, 2023, Mr. Mattiphob Duangmixay, Acting Country Director of ChildFund in Laos – Operations, as well as representatives from the Ministry of Health, relevant departments, and the project team, travelled to Tabong Village, Xamneua District, HouaPhanh Province in order to observe how the project activities were implemented and hear how the community was benefiting.
Tabong village residents had previously encountered issues such as: a relatively limited percentage of mothers receiving maternity care at the hospital, many giving birth at home, malnutrition, and breastfeeding for only 2-3 months; there were few Latrines, with just 30% of the houses having one. Littering and poor hygiene were common; children dropped out of school in the middle of the year, and their families did not encourage them to continue.
There have been many positive changes since the Integrated Nutrition for Growth (IN4G) project began to implement the Social Behaviour Change Communications (SBCC) activities, such as more women giving birth in hospitals; people have built 100% of their own Latrine ; and the community has been designated as a model for hygiene practices; There is general cleaning of the village and household 4 times a month; Parents monitor their children’s education, all children are sent to school, and there is more interaction between the school and the community.
In addition to listening to the report, the participants also visited the 1000-day household, Village Saving Group (VSLG), and WASH products.
