VIENTIANE, (Xinhua): The Lao Ministry of Health convened a meeting to discuss plans and guidelines aimed at preventing and reducing anemia among women and children in Laos.
The meeting, held in Lao capital Vientiane on Monday, brought together health officials and relevant stakeholders, the local Pasaxon newspaper reported on Tuesday.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director General of the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion under the Lao Ministry of Health Ketkesone Phrasisombath, noted that anemia remains a major global public health problem, particularly among children, adolescent girls, women of reproductive age, pregnant women, and postpartum mothers.
In Laos, pregnant women and children are the most vulnerable to anemia, particularly those living in rural areas with limited access to healthcare. Iron deficiency, malnutrition, and related health conditions are the main contributing factors.
To address these challenges, the Lao government aims to reduce anemia and lower maternal and child mortality through prevention and early detection.
The Ministry of Health emphasized the importance of screening to identify and treat anemia in a timely manner.
The meeting highlighted the need for coordinated, multi-sectoral collaboration to make anemia prevention a national priority and to strengthen efforts to protect the health of mothers and children across the country. -- xinhua
