NIPN Strengthens Provincial Capacity for Nutrition Data and Policy Analysis in Southern Laos

Oct 3, 2024

The National Information Platform for Nutrition (NIPN) project conducted a training on data and policy analysis for Salavan and Sekong provinces from September 23-27, 2024. Hosted at the Department of Planning and Investment in Sekong Province, the training brought together representatives from the health, education, agriculture, and planning sectors.

The opening session was co-chaired by Mr. Buachone Keopadubsine, Deputy Director of the Department of Planning and Investment for Sekong Province, alongside Mr. Viengkone Buaphachanh, Director of the Division from the Development Research Institute, Ministry of Planning and Investment, and Mr. Kovalan Kumaran, Nutrition Specialist from UNICEF Lao PDR.

Over five days, participants engaged in sessions covering essential topics such as data management, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and evidence-based planning. The training emphasized practical applications, with participants learning to use simple tools like Excel for analyzing sector-specific data to identify and address nutrition-related issues effectively.

At the closing ceremony, Madame Sisavanh Didaravong, Deputy Director General of the Development Research Institute, highlighted the training’s importance and urged participants to apply their new skills in their work. She emphasized the need for increased coordination among sectors, particularly between the NIPN secretariat and provincial technical teams, to ensure successful implementation of nutrition-focused activities.

This capacity-building initiative marks an important step toward improving nutrition outcomes in Salavan and Sekong provinces through enhanced data analysis and evidence-based policy planning at the sub-national level.

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