Reduce prevalence of stunting among children under 5 years to 25% by 2030 through enhanced nutrition interventions

The Government of Lao PDR commits to reduce stunting prevalence from 32.8% (2022) to 25% by 2030 through a comprehensive, multi-sectoral approach:

1. Enhancing Dietary Diversity and Food Security The government will promote agricultural education and crop diversification to increase availability and affordability of nutritious foods. Fresh local produces will be integrated into food-based safety nets, particularly the National School Lunch Programme, ensuring children have access to diverse, nutrient-rich diets.

2. Nutrition-Sensitive Social Protection Expanded social protection initiatives including cash for nutrition programs, nutrition vouchers paired with behavior change communication, and targeted support to nutritionally vulnerable populations including pregnant and breastfeeding women, girls, and children under 2 years of age (the critical 1,000-day window)—will improve household food security and dietary quality.

3. Strengthened Health Service Delivery The government will improve nutrition service delivery through the primary health system, with particular focus on remote and underserved areas where malnutrition

burden is highest. Integration of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) interventions across all health facilities will promote exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods, and appropriate feeding practices.

4. Behavior Change and Social Communication Multi-sectoral social and behavior change interventions will sensitize communities, health workers, and stakeholders on the importance of healthy diets, breastfeeding, and optimal feeding practices, while highlighting the health and economic consequences of malnutrition.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation The impact of food system policies and nutrition interventions will be regularly assessed through surveys, studies, and evaluations to ensure interventions are delivering intended health benefits and achieving the stunting reduction target.

This commitment aligns with the National Socio-Economic Development Plan (NSEDP) and contributes to long-term economic growth through improved child health outcomes.