Vientiane: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) announced the handover of 149 metric tons of canned fish imported from Russia to the Ministry of Education and Sports in Vientiane today. The donation will be used to provide nutritious lunches for 50,000 primary school students in 13 food-insecure districts of northern Lao PDR, as part of the National School Meals Programme.

According to Lao News Agency, the shipment, which arrived in March, consists of seven containers containing over 607,000 cans of sardines. This contribution complements an earlier delivery of 47 metric tons of cooking oil in October last year, reinforcing Russia’s ongoing cooperation with the Lao PDR in supporting school meal initiatives.

Dr. Phout Simmalavong, Minister of Education and Sports, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting its importance for students in disadvantaged areas of Luang Namtha, Phongsaly, and Luang Prabang provinces. “The canned fish will provide students with important proteins, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of their meals,” he stated.

Since 2018, Russia has partnered with WFP to support Lao government efforts in community resilience building and strengthening the National School Meals Programme. This latest contribution is part of a larger commitment from Russia, valued at USD 2 million, aimed at enhancing food security and improving children’s well-being in Laos. Russian Ambassador to Laos, Vladimir Kalinin, emphasized the importance of this assistance, noting its potential to enhance living standards and counter malnutrition.

Marc-Andr© Prost, WFP Representative and Country Director, acknowledged the National School Meals Programme’s role over two decades in improving school attendance and academic performance. He expressed appreciation for the food donations, which are crucial in areas with high malnutrition rates and seasonal food insecurity.