Trends in the development of Thailand's nutrition and health plans and programs

Thailand's achievements in health and social development, since its First National Economic Development Plan (1961) and those of its National Food and Nutrition Plans beginning in the Fourth National Economic and Social Development Plan (1977), have received worldwide acclaim. During the last decade the nation has experienced dramatic results in reducing protein-energy malnutrition (PEM), including the virtual eradication of severe PEM. Children and adults alike have better access to health care services, preventive and curative, during the past decade as Thailand's poverty alleviation, primary health care and quality of life approaches have reached out into even the remotest of rural villages. This paper explores the reasons behind this successful effort with special reference to how Thailand integrated nutrition plans into national health and rural development policies and programs.