The health outcomes of more than 320 children under five in six villages across remote Laos have improved thanks to an Australian NGO Cooperation Program funded Go Baby Go (GBG) initiative under the Sustainable Agriculture for Nutrition (SUAN) Project.

Manivanh, a mother of five, is among participants who has learnt about breastfeeding, nutritious food introduction and the importance of hygiene.

Families in the area relied on child-rearing practices which left their children vulnerable to malnutrition and illness. In their community, babies were often introduced to water and solid foods too early, weakening their immune system. Women were also left to carry the burden of childcare and housework alone.

Now, as a group leader for GBG, Manivanh supports other mothers, offering advice and encouragement to child raising. 'Because my children are healthy, it reflects the way I raise them, and I have become a positive example of good child-rearing practices in our community,' she happily shares.

Her commitment not only improved her children’s health but also inspired change at home. Her husband now shares parenting and household duties, creating a more balanced partnership.

'My hope and dream is to continue to practice what I have learned and share it with young mothers, promoting lifelong health, learning, and resilience,' she explains with a smile.