Healthcare and Food Security

Abstract

This article discusses a close relationship between health care and food security of among Thai and Khmu in Ky Son district (Nghe An province, Vietnam), and Thai and Khmu in Xiang Khouang province (Lao PDR). Food security and community health are assessed through two main indicators: poverty and malnutrition. This article reveals that indicators of poor health vary between the two ethnic groups in Vietnam and Laos. One key factor was that the proportion of morbidity in high-income group is lower than in low-income group because well-off families can afford foods rich in nutrition and vitamins, leading to better health outcomes. Additional factors affecting community health include education level, clean water and sanitation, customs and habits. The relationship between food security and healthcare related to natural, human, social, financial and physical capitals. Based on the findings, the author made some recommendations to improve community health in survey sites, to improve food security