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, multisectoral approach, by:

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

2. Expanding nutrition-sensitive social initiatives, including cash for nutrition programmes, nutrition vouchers paired with behaviour 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). These measures will improve household food security and dietary quality.

3. Strengthening health service delivery. The government will improve nutrition service delivery through the primary health system, with a particular focus on remote and underserved areas where the malnutrition burden is highest. Integration of infant and young child feeding interventions across all health facilities will promote exclusive breastfeeding, timely introduction of complementary foods and appropriate feeding practices.

4. Promoting behaviour change and social communication. Multisectoral social and behaviour change interventions will sensitise 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. Improving 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.