Lao PDR puts early childhood at the heart of national progress, partners call for investment in first 1,000 days of a child’s life

Vientiane, 20 October 2025 — The Lao Women’s Union, Government of Australia and UNICEF, together with government ministries, development partners and civil society, convened a national parenting forum today to scale up support for parents and caregivers during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life.

Global evidence shows that high-quality early childhood investments yield some of the highest returns in public policy: children are more ready for school, healthier throughout life, and more likely to earn a decent income.

“A family is the first classroom, and parents are a child’s first and most important teachers,” said Her Excellency Mme. Aly Vongnobountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union. “With simple, practical support - breastfeeding, playful talk and reading, good nutrition, regular check-ups - we can change a child’s life course. We call on all partners to invest with us so every parent receives the help they deserve in the first 1,000 days.”

National data form the Third Lao Social Indicator Survey highlights both urgency and opportunity. About 33% of children under five are stunted, 11% are wasted, only 37% of toddlers have received all vaccines on schedule, 45% of infants are exclusively breastfed, and 27% of children aged 3 to 4 attend early education

However, successful projects offer a proven track to address and reverse these challenges. Thanks to the “Love and Care for Every Child – Happy Families Grow Together” initiative, supported by the Government of Australia through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, thousands of parents are being supported to practice simple, evidence-based solutions - talk, sing, play, comfort - while linking families to antenatal care, healthy food, growth monitoring, immunization and early learning.

“Australia is proud to support Lao PDR’s commitment to nurturing care for every child,” said Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy in Laos. “Investing early delivers the best value for money: healthier children, better learning, and a more productive workforce. We stand ready to work with government and partners to invest in practical solutions that reach every family no matter where they live.”

The Parenting Forum also emphasised equitable access for remote villages, non-Lao speaking families and children with disabilities, and encouraged family-friendly workplace policies to make it easier for parents to support children with what they need most.

“The first 1,000 days are when human capital is built,” said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative to Lao PDR. “By including early childhood and parenting into the 10th NSEDP, we can ensure every baby’s brain gets the nutrition, protection and stimulation it needs. That is good for children and smart economics for Lao PDR.”