Key Results from the Implementation of Social and Behavioral Change Communication Activities in Convergence Provinces (English)

High childhood chronic undernutrition (stunting) and acutely undernourished (wasted) levels are observed in Lao PDR. The government has a strong desire in promoting a Multi-sectoral - Nutrition Convergent Approach to address malnutrition at household and individual levels. The direct factors of malnutrition include inadequate dietary practices and intake and severe or frequent infections (diarrhea, pneumonia). Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) is therefore considered to be a driving tool to change the dietary practice and intake of children under five and to increase the uptake of Mother and Child Health (MCH) services, preventing disease infections and improving nutrition outcomes. This note explores findings on key outcomes from the implementation of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) activities implemented in 881 villages of 12 districts of the 4 Northern Provinces supported by the World Bank (WB). The adoption of the good health and nutrition practices was encouraged during SBCC sessions and supported by cooking demonstrations carried out by Village Facilitators (VFs). This has contributed to increase uptake of health and nutrition services. To maintain this good momentum, the capacity of VFs will need to get adequate support from Health Center Staff, particularly ethnic female mid-wives and the supporting materials and video clips would need to be translated into local ethnic languages.