Creating an Enabling Environment for Scaling-up MNP in Lao PDR: A Private-public Partnership
Judy McLean *
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Melanie Sutér
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
Shane Powell
UNICEF-Lao PDR, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
Latsamy Siengsounthone
National Institute of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
Sheyla Medina
Population Services International, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
Bounthom Phengdy
Nutrition Center, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
Aine Lynch
UNICEF-Lao PDR, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
Viorica Berdaga
UNICEF-Lao PDR, Vientiane, People's Democratic Republic of Lao.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Objectives: The Scaling-Up-Nutrition movement recognizes the importance of multi-stakeholder partnerships to deliver high-impact nutrition interventions. A private-public partnership in Lao PDR - supported by MMG Limited and involving the Ministry of Health (MoH), UNICEF, Population Services International (PSI) and University of British Columbia (UBC) - offers an opportunity to evaluate such a partnership and to develop an operational delivery model for Micronutrient Powders (MNP).
Develop an effective, scalable and sustainable operational delivery model for MNP through a multi-stakeholder approach involving public and private sector partners.
Methods: UBC, PSI, UNICEF and the MoH collaborated through telecommunications and in person, and conducted formative research in rural and urban areas to inform communication materials, food vehicles, packaging, and distribution channels for MNP. Input from all partners was provided for interview guides and other evaluation tools.
Results: Individually the partners prepared reports on different research components and collectively provided input into findings. Together, a comprehensive communication strategy has been drafted that promotes MNP along with improved complementary feeding. The MoH and UNICEF, with technical input from UBC, is developing a free distribution model using health workers and volunteers to reach children aged 6-23 months. PSI is creating a social marketing model to complement public sector distribution and expand access to MNP for children aged 6-59 months.
Conclusions: This private-public partnership has provided an opportunity to create an enabling environment for scaling-up MNP in Lao PDR. Processes to date highlight the value of different partner perspectives in the design and implementation of formative research, communication materials and programme activities.