Ireland funds 900K euro expansion of child nutrition program in Southeast Asia

Ireland funds 900K euro expansion of child nutrition program in Southeast Asia

Group of nurses holding babies at Kiyuyu Hospital, Kenya Colony, with trees and sky in the background.

Ireland funds 900K euro expansion of child nutrition program in Southeast Asia

The Government of Ireland has announced a new grant of 900,000 euros to expand a nutrition program across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos. This funding will build on ongoing efforts to improve infant and young child nutrition through regional cooperation. The initiative targets vulnerable groups by increasing access to essential health services and interventions.

The program has been running since 2017, with Ireland contributing a total of 7.8 million euros so far. It operates in around 140 hospitals and health facilities across the three countries, focusing on practical measures to enhance child nutrition. These include training in breastfeeding techniques, setting up 'Excellence Breastfeeding Centres,' and developing breast milk banks.

Vietnam's successful 'Centre of Excellence for Breastfeeding' model will play a key role in the expansion. Health officials from Cambodia and Laos will receive mentoring based on Vietnam's experience. The program also works at the national level, assisting ministries of health in shaping policies and standards. The goal is to strengthen regional collaboration, ensuring that best practices in infant and child nutrition are shared effectively. By combining local implementation with national policy support, the initiative aims to create lasting improvements in healthcare for young children.

The latest grant brings Ireland's total investment in the program to nearly 8 million euros. The expanded initiative will continue to focus on training, infrastructure, and policy development. Health authorities in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos will work together to improve nutrition outcomes for vulnerable infants and young children.

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