Jakarta, 7 November 2024 –  SEAMEO RECFON renewed its partnership for another three years with the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (LTPHI) by signing a Memo of Agreement on 30 October 2024 at LTPHI office in Vientiane, Lao PDR.

The partnership will focus on developing and promoting local specific food-based recommended (LSFBR) diets for nutrition improvement of school-aged and under-five children in Lao PDR.  The partnership will also support the implementation of the Nutrition Goes to School (NGTS) Program in three primary schools in Sangthong District, Vientiane.  LTPHI is one of the supporting institutions within the 5-year collaboration between SEAMEO RECFON and the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR signed in 2023 to strengthen the country’s school-based nutrition program.

After three years, SEAMEO RECFON and LTPHI are expected to produce a manual on LSFBR for school age and under-five children in selected districts In Lao where malnutrition problems are prevalent.  The partnership will also publish research outputs in reputable international journals.

The MoA was signed by SEAMEO RECFON Director Dr. Herqutanto and LTPHI Director Dr. Khampeng Phongluxa.  SEAMEO RECFON Deputy Director for Program Dr. Jess Fernandez represented the Centre during the signing of the MoA by Dr. Khampeng Phongluxa at LTPHI Office.  The event was witnessed by LTPHI division heads and SEAMEO RECFON Senior Expert Dr. Dwi Nastiti Iswarawanti.