devinitorg/iati-policy-markers huggingface dataset:
USAID Nurture: Improving Community Sanitation and Nutritional Status in Key Vulnerable Areas in Laos (Laos):  .USAID Nurture aims to contribute to a reduction in the stunting rate of young children in targeted areas of Laos by improving infant and young child feeding (IYCF) and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices in "1,000 days" households (homes with pregnant women and children under two years of age) and the use of quality nutrition and WASH services/facilities. .. .USAID Nurture utilizes interpersonal communication through household-level support and peer groups, and links women and children with health services. USAID Nurture also utilizes a modified community-led total sanitation approach integrating nutrition and community mobilization in order to build the capacity of communities to appraise and analyze their own nutrition, water, sanitation and hygiene environment. USAID Nurture leverages private sector relationships to facilitate supplies of products that support the uptake of targeted WASH practices. Working with nongovernmental organizations, activities will improve community use of nutrition and WASH services and facilities to improve equitable service delivery coverage. By developing a model of integrated delivery, these activities will help ensure sustainability   after the life of the project, which is crucial to the USG Mission Objective of improving sustainable health for poor ethnic communities living in remote areas of Lao PDR. A healthy and educated population is a key part of enhancing the economic productivity of Lao PDR and raising the country's long-term competitiveness in the global economy, which opens new opportunities for U.S. businesses. . . Objectives for Laos: The USAID Nurture activity aims to promote good nutrition for pregnant and lactating women and improve infant and young child feeding practices and support the Lao government as it clarifies roles and responsibilities across national, provincial and district levels to help ensure consistency and ownership of multi-sectoral nutrition efforts, and mobilize communities to conduct their own appraisal and analysis of their sanitation environment
OFDA-2014-Laos-Grant-IOM To strengthen the capacity of the Gov. of Lao PDR officials to manage responses to humanitarian emergencies
Strengthening the Oversight Capacity of Provincial Assemblies (Laos):  The Strengthening Capacity and Effectiveness of the People's Assemblies System (STEPS) activity enables Laos' legislative system to engage and respond to citizens' needs and increase government accountability and transparency more effectively. STEPS' primary objectives are to strengthen the capacity and effectiveness of national and local people's assemblies and their abilities to analyze revise, and approve legislation, as well as monitor the implementation of the country's socio-economic development plan and its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Additional core aims deepen members and staff understanding of law and justice dynamics, as well as to improve. Outreach capacity and citizen engagement and redress mechanisms. In addition, this activity will protect and promote the rights and interests of women and girls and vulnerable groups, in part by integrating awareness-raising interventions on diversity, equity, and inclusion for legislative members and their staff. STEPS will also contribute to the implementation of the Indo-Pacific Transparency Initiative under the USG's Indo-Pacific Strategy and align with the USG's Strategy on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) by seeking to improve institutionalization and capacity of the legislative body in Laos to better integrate and sustain WPS' efforts..
Laos Business Environment (Laos):  Laos Business Environment (LBE) is USAID's flagship economic growth activity in Laos, advancing America's Indo-Pacific vision by supporting free, fair, and reciprocal trade between the U.S. and Laos. It also lends American expertise and assistance to the Lao government's efforts to improve private sector competitiveness and open the Lao business market for investors and exporters. The activity works with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, other government agencies, and business associations to enhance trade capacities and services that improve Laos' business environment. The activity focuses on improving competitiveness of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through technical assistance and capacity building aimed at increasing firms' entrepreneurial and management skills, as well as their ability to identify and access markets (including the digital economy). The activity will also help SMEs participate more effectively in public-private dialogue, building their ability to advocate for improved and predictable laws, regulations, procedures, and services that open new market opportunities. LBE aims to improve the ability of officials and firms to implement these policies and regulations, empowering the private sector to more effectively drive Laos' economic development and facilitate good governance. Through these interventions, LBE plays a central role in moving Laos toward sustainable economic growth rooted in the principles of free, fair, and reciprocal trade and open, market-based investment.
Program Design and Learning Assist special populations which may be vulnerable or at-risk on a temporary or chronic basis whose needs are not addressed under emergency humanitarian assistance or other programs. These include groups such as the disabled; orphans, children and at-risk youth; victims of trafficking; victims of gender-based violence; refugees, returnees, ethnic minorities, internally displaced or other socially excluded groups; the elderly; and female heads of household. Depending on circumstances, services may intend to protect groups; mitigate adverse conditions they face, or to remove barriers to help integrate them into society. Components may include measures to increase the capacity of local service and advocacy NGOs and/or professional social workers; to establish public/private service delivery partnerships as well as family and community focused service models; to establish effective referral networks; to develop appropriate service protocols and methods for screening prospective recipients; or to improve public understanding and sensitivity to the needs of the vulnerable. While services provided should not exclude victims of trafficking in persons, programs designed specifically for this group fall under the Peace and Security Objective under the Transnational Crime Area and the Trafficking in Persons and Migrant Smuggling Element.
USAID Laos CTIP (Laos):  .Laos is a source - and to a lesser extent, a transit and destination country - for women, children and men subjected to sex trafficking and forced labor. Victims are often migrants seeking opportunities abroad, who then experience labor or sexual exploitation in destination countries, including Thailand, China, Vietnam, and others..USAID Laos Counter Trafficking In Persons (CTIP) activity works to reduce vulnerability to human trafficking among targeted populations in Laos, including women, children, and migrant workers, some of whom return during the COVID-19 pandemic. This is done through identifying their needs, supporting vocational training and employment opportunities, and increasing accessibility. Laos CTIP improves coordination among TIP agencies, especially in prevention and awareness raising activities. The activity also improves the quality of victim protection services for vulnerable people and trafficking survivors who are at risk for re-trafficking.  This includes a focus on the potential for increased trafficking risks due to the harmful social and economic impacts of COVID-19.  Laos CTIP showcases a model of prevention and protection for the Lao government and other partners, including civil society organizations and the private sector, from which they can better learn about and support efforts to combat human trafficking. This approach enhances coordination and concerted efforts among front line advocates and service providers, as well as anti-trafficking stakeholders at national and local levels, building their capacity and commitment to manage CTIP interventions on their own in the future. It also supports the United States' Indo-Pacific vision for advancing by centering on victims and at-risk populations, reflecting a human rights based approach.
USAID Laos Disability Sector Support (USAID Okard) (Laos):  The public perception in Laos of persons with disabilities remains negative and discriminatory, which sustains the biases and barriers that reduce the desire and the potential for persons with disabilities to participate fully in society. USAID Okard improves and sustains the independence and functional ability of  persons with disabilities to facilitate their full participation and inclusion in society and enhance their overall well-being. Currently operating in the capital city of Vientiane and Xiengkhouang and Savannakhet provinces, the activity will implement the dioxin remediation directive and expand further into areas badly damaged affected during the Vietnam War era, including in areas heavily affected by unexploded ordnance and sprayed by agent orange. Victims are treated regardless of their age, sex, gender expression, ethnic origin, or indigenous status, and regardless of causes of disability. Okard will increase utilization of health services, provide economic opportunities, and strengthen the enabling environment for the improved quality of life of persons with disabilities through technical assistance to the Government of Laos (GOL) and organizations supporting persons with disabilities.  In addition, the activity will provide support for small scale infrastructure adaptation related accessibility and income generation activities for people with disabilities.Through a community based inclusive development demonstration, interventions will also strengthen disability law and policy frameworks, improve accessibility of services, health and rehabilitation, social protection, livelihood opportunities, and promote the participation of people with disabilities in public life. These efforts contribute to the priorities of the GOL and advancing U.S. commitments in Laos by helping to address the legacies of conflict that are so vital to upholding U.S. leadership, values, and interests in Southeast Asia. Objectives for Laos: USAID Okard aims to promote greater economic self-sufficiency, improve functional ability and well-being of persons with disabilities and their households, especially those who have mobility limitations and creating a conducive environment that allows persons with disabilities to participate optimally to the society. Objectives include: 1) Persons with disabilities and their households will have improved access to health and rehabilitation services. 2) More people with disabilities and their households will be employed or self-employed. 3) Health and economic empowerment improvements will be sustained through stakeholder engagement.
Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program (EMDAP) (Laos):  The U.S. supports partnership building for economic development in Laos by utilizing Emerging Markets Development Advisers Program under Volunteers for Economic Growth Alliance (VEGA), a USAID-funded Leader with Associate (LWA) mechanism. Use of this mechanism will leverage the expertise of a USG expert to strengthen and professionalize the American Chamber of Commerce in Laos. This mechanism is a cost-effective way to bring an expert to Laos for up to two years to work with the AMCHAM Chapter, the GOL and Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, other Foreign Chambers of Commerce, and other local NGOs to promote private sector development and  public-private partnerships. The capacities of business organizations working in Laos are low due to lack of staff and resources, and a skilled volunteer placement in the country is a way to help bolster their activities and pave the way for future initiatives.
Climate Change - Clean Energy Support avenues for meaningful public participation and oversight, as well as for substantive separation of powers through institutional checks and balances. Transparency and integrity are also vital to government effectiveness and political stability.
The Lao PDR Competitiveness and Trade Multi-Donor Trust Fund (LCT) with the World Bank The objectives of the Competitiveness and Trade Project are to simplify business regulations, facilitate trade, and improve firm-level competitiveness. There are four components to the project, the first component being improving the business environment. The pillar aims to improve the transparency and efficiency of the general business environment to reduce the costs it currently imposes on all enterprises, and SMEs that find it more difficult to deal with complex and nontransparent procedures that are applied based on deals, rather than rules. As a result, regulatory reforms are expected to particularly benefit such companies. Throughout this pillar, emphasis will be on ensuring that reforms and initiatives benefit particularly SMEs and proportionally benefit women-led enterprises. The second component is the facilitating trade and connecting to markets. This component is designed to support the Government of Lao PDR in implementing the provisions of the WTO TFA.20 Full and effective implementation of the TFA commitments is expected to reduce the high trade costs and delays resulting from administrative procedures to obtain trade documents and clearance for imports and exports, to increase certainty and reliability of imports and exports, and to increase trade transparency. The third component is the improving firm-level competitiveness will be implemented through component C.1 (Business Assistance Facility). This component is to complement improvements in the overall business and trade environment, this pillar will support individual private enterprises in accessing business development services through a matching grant facility. The intervention aims to reduce costs internal to firms by improving company management and innovation in terms of products, markets, and distribution channels such as e-commerce.
Sustainable Rehabilitation Services in Lao PDR (Laos):  The activity aims to increase the inclusion and engagement of People with Disabilities (PWDs) in society through receipt of quality prosthetics and orthotics services and physical and occupational therapies. The primary beneficiaries of the activity are disabled Lao citizens. Working through a local non-governmental organization, the primary objectives are to: 1) strengthen human, organizational, and system capacity of the Centre for Medical Rehabilitation in the provision of prosthetics and orthotics services and physical and occupational therapies; 2) increase quality of prosthetics and orthotics services of five rehabilitation centers delivered to PWDs to optimize their abilities to function and participate as meaningful and productive members of society; and 3) facilitate referrals between networks of clinical services to enable PWDs to access the services. Objectives for Laos: The project aims to support women, men, girls and boys with physical disabilities in Laos to gain free access to prosthetic, orthotics and physical therapy, provide training activities to develop quality standards of care while improving the quality of prostheses and increasing patient satisfaction, and strengthen clinical skills which helps provide essential rehabilitation services throughout the country.
Education Project The USAID-UNICEF Partnership will expand access to quality early childhood education and smooth transition to and completion of primary schooling for children in remote areas. Parents will also be engaged so they are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support their childrens development.
Nutrition Increase availability and use of proven nutrition interventions to reduce mortality, morbidity, and food insecurity, including nutrition education to improve maternal diets, nutrition during pregnancy, exclusive breastfeeding, and infant and young child feeding practices; fortified or biofortified staple foods, specialized food products, and community gardens to improve consumption of quality food; and delivery of nutrition services including micronutrient supplementation and community management of acute malnutrition. Strengthen host country capacity by advancing supportive nutrition and food security policies and improving nutrition information systems. Objectives for Laos: USAID works to strengthen and improve NIN’s foundational documents and materials, particularly the Institute’s terms of reference, which includes the scope, organizational chart, budget and position descriptions required to complete the formal establishment of the Institute and enable it to undertake its mission. Objectives include: Terms of reference finalized, including organizational structure, financial and procurement policies, human resources structure including job descriptions for all required positions; Exchange visits to Vietnam’s Nutrition Center of Excellence with the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Home Affairs, with other regional exchanges as needed; Five-year strategic plan adopted, including a Capacity Development Plan.
USAID Microenterprise (Laos):  Laos Microenterprise aims to strengthen the competitiveness of microenterprises by building their knowledge and skills to respond to market needs; increasing access to finance, agricultural equipment, and technology; and establishing market linkages between microenterprises and buyers. LME works with public and private sector partners to equip agricultural microenterprises and farmers with the skills needed to respond to market needs and access technology, while also assisting them to reduce operations costs by enhancing their negotiating power and establishing reliable linkages between microenterprise groups and markets. LME also helps agriculture microenterprises gain access to finance by increasing the ability of financial institutions, such as savings banks and credit unions, to manage and assess loans and develop new financial products tailored to the needs of microenterprises. This is combined with support for expanding markets and establishing linkages with larger buyers both domestically and abroad. In FY 2023, LME will continue to expand its business skills training program and provide small matching grants to microenterprises to help them grow and increase revenues and rural employment.  . Objectives for Laos: The project aims to: At least 8,000 supported microenterprises improve their business performance; 25 percent increase in income for beneficiary firms; 2,000 microenterprises linked to other businesses through partnerships; 180 market linkages created between farmers’ groups and buyers.
Trade Development Fund (a Lao multi-donor trust fund) (Laos):  .The Second Trade Development Trust Fund (TDF II) is a $14 million, five-year project administered by the World Bank. It is financed through a multi-donor partnership including Australia, the EU, GIZ, and Irish Aid. The TDF II supports the implementation of the government's trade and integration priorities outlined in the 2012 Diagnostic Trade Integration Study Roadmap and, in particular, to contribute to improved competitiveness, with a focus outside of the natural resource or extractive sectors. A key priority for the TDF II is to shift from a pre- to post-WTO accession agenda, with an increased focus on implementing policy reforms and following through on trade commitments to directly benefit the private sector.This contribution will support activities that decrease the regulatory burdens of cross-border trade.  This complements LUNA II activities which are more focused on improving economy-wide regulatory and policy issues......
LUNA-Lao Project Under this project, Nathan Associates supported the Government of Lao PDR in making the reforms necessary for the country to join the WTO, implement the U.S.-Lao PDR Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA), meet its obligations under the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), and follow its strategy for economic growth and poverty reduction. We provided technical assistance to the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, other ministries, the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce to modernize and deepen commercial laws and policies, judicial procedures, and institutional capacities in keeping with domestic needs and international best practice. In supporting the implementation of far-reaching trade agreements, the project helped advance the rule of law, improve governance, and stimulate economic growth.
Laos Energy Security (LES) the les activity supports the government of laos efforts to achieve a resilient and financially viable power sector that contributes to the national goal of green and sustainable economic growth through three main objectives: 1. improving energy sector planning 2. strengthening the energy sectors policy, legal, and regulatory environment 3. improving the performance of the state-owned utility.
Laos Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (Laos):  The Laos Maternal Child Health and Nutrition (LMCHN) activity will address inequitable health and nutrition outcomes of the most underserved segments of the population through a targeted health system strengthening approach. It will demonstrate innovative models, building on lessons learned from previous U.S.government and other international development partners' investments to improve health and nutrition outcomes. LMCHN will strengthen equitable access to quality health and nutrition services for adolescents, specifically the most vulnerable girls (10 to 19 years old), to ensure young pregnant women can access quality services. The Activity will collaborate with UNICEF and the MOH in conducting a series of workshops to advocate for the rollout of simplified approaches to Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM) and Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) including the provision of vitamin A supplementation for children from 6 months to five years of age to boot their immunity and provide life saving protection particularly for vulnerable children in rural remote areas to have a better chance to survive, develop, and thrive in their community and in society. LMCHN will support the Government of Laos to have greater ability to steward, design, manage, and monitor a system of high-quality, integrated multi-sectoral approach reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health and nutrition services. Communities will strengthen their roles as active agents of change in service quality, and access to and use of services, and the adoption of behaviors to improve health outcomes. LMCHN's goal is to improve health and nutrition outcomes among pregnant and postpartum women, newborns, children, and adolescents.  ....