Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Canada is partnering with ADRA Laos to implement a 5-year “Integrated Nutrition and Health Initiative for Mokmai” (INHIM) project in Mok Mai district, Xiengkhouang Province, People’s Democratic Republic of Lao.
Mok Mai is one of the least developed areas in the province, with high levels of underweight children (30%), stunting (49%) and a mortality rate of 59% for children under five. Forty-two per cent of the selected villages are identified as poor households with high seasonal food scarcity.
The INHIM project will address the root causes of acute and chronic malnutrition with 9,500 individuals in 20 villages through multi-sectoral, nutrition rehabilitation activities, interpersonal communication, and counseling (SBCC), gender inclusion, and participatory community-led sanitation approaches. The project will also introduce sustainable agriculture practices to increase food diversity, access, and availability. Smart irrigation, soil improvement, climate resilient seeds, and integrated pest management will be taught to vulnerable households, to improve climate resilient food production.