Lao PDR Commits to Prioritizing Nutrition

Vientiane, June 26, 2024 - At the Second Lao PDR Human Capital Summit today, the Lao government announced a renewed commitment to tackling malnutrition, recognizing that proper nutrition in a child’s first 1,000 days will determine a person’s intelligence and strength for life.

The summit, titled Accelerated Nutrition Actions for Human Capital Development and chaired by the prime minister, brought together leaders and experts to discuss strategies for improving nutrition and investing in the nation's future.

H.E. Dr. Sonexay Siphandone, Prime Minister of Lao PDR,  opened the event by highlighting the importance of nutrition as the basis of a strong and resilient economy, noting the government’s commitment to improving nutrition outcomes, building human capital, and ensuring economic growth and prosperity. “The Government of Lao PDR is strongly committed to implementing comprehensive strategies to tackle malnutrition through a multisectoral approach, from central to local levels and including various stakeholders and development partners.”

H.E. Mr. Phet Phomphithak, Minister of Planning and Investment, also emphasised the importance of nutrition interventions and the Lao Government’s prioritisation of this vital area. “"The Ministry of Planning and Investment will continue to closely coordinate with all stakeholders to mobilize more investments in nutrition, including the public sector, development partners, the private sector among others, as well as allocate these investments to effectively. Good nutrition is the basis for a strong human capital that will help us successfully implement the National Socio-Economic Development Plan, especially for improved nutrition outcomes."

During the summit, H.E. Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, additionally highlighted examples of effective nutrition interventions globally according to a 2018 framework, which can act as a guideline for different countries in making the right investments to improve the nutrition of infants, children, adolescents and women. The Minister of Health also noted the importance of prioritizing nutrition and the need for participation from all sectors to improve nutrition for all.

The latest data reveals that nearly 33% of children in the Lao PDR under 5 are stunted, with impaired growth and development due to chronic malnutrition, while close to 11% are affected by wasting, which is when a child is too thin for her or his height. These conditions lead to chronic diseases, poor school performance, and reduced lifetime earnings. A child born in the Lao PDR today will be only 46% as productive as she could be with full education and health. Adequate nutrition, especially in the early years of life, ensures proper brain development.

Pia Rebello Britto, UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, told participants that investment in nutrition is essential for national growth. “The Lao PDR’s economic stability and future growth depend on the actions we take today,” she said. “In these challenging times, it's more crucial than ever to ensure that every dollar, every kip, is spent wisely. An investment in child nutrition is an investment in the nation's future. We need to focus on interventions that deliver the greatest impact, reaching every child, in every corner of the country—today, for a better tomorrow.”

Alberto Rodriguez, World Bank Human Development Director for East Asia and the Pacific, said, “Improving nutrition among women and young children requires investment in different sectors, ensuring that mothers and infants receive a package of essential nutrition related services, along with robust monitoring systems”.

The summit concluded with a government commitment to prioritize nutrition in the upcoming Tenth National Socioeconomic Development Plan. The government pledged to develop an accelerated action plan led by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cultural and Social Affairs, establish a coordinating unit to oversee implementation, and implement a nutrition budget tagging system to ensure effective investment and resource use.

Backed by the World Bank and UNICEF, the summit series focuses on investing in people's knowledge, skills, and health. The first summit, in May 2023, focused on education.