This is the first NIPN intensive training for 2022. This three-day training was held from 26 – 28 July 2022 in Van Vieng. The purpose of the training was to continue the effort of strengthening the nutritional and statistical capacities of staff working in different agencies. This intensive training session was a continuation of the four capacity-building training held in 2021.
Twenty-eight participants participated in this training from the following sectors:
- The Development policy research institute (DRI)
- Social-economic policy research institute (SPRI)
- Lao Statistics Bureau (LASB)
- Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry
- Ministry of Education and Sports
- Center for Nutrition
Dr Thanongsai Soukkhamthat, Deputy Director of The Development Research Institute welcomed the participants and expressed the importance of the training in carrying out research work. The topics for the training were identified and six modules were prepared accordingly. The modules contained information on basic statistics and nutrition including frequently used terminologies to review the training held in 2021. Additionally, modules covered the difference between qualitative and quantitative research, steps to carry out surveys/studies, sampling, data collection, and data analysis. Towards the end of the training session, a number of statistical packages (WHOAnthro, WHOAnthro plus, and ENA (Emergency Nutrition Assessment) for SMART (Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions) to assess malnutrition were introduced.
The training concluded on a positive note with participants expressing a desire to strengthen their ability to analyze data with a solid understanding of statistics and basic nutrition.
The closing session was jointly attended by Dr. Thanongsai Soukkhamthat and Mr. Vilon Viphon. Dr. Soukkhamthat appreciated the engagement of participants and welcomed their suggestions for future training sessions.