Arya News - Stunting remains widespread in the country, with about 44 percent of children under five affected, totalling around 385,000 cases. Alarmingly, 20 percent of children are already stunted by the age of six months.
VIENTIANE – The government is stepping up efforts to reduce child stunting by 25 percent by 2030, reaffirming its commitment to improving public health and building stronger foundations for national development.
This commitment was underlined at a meeting of the National Nutrition Committee at the Prime Minister’s Office on Tuesday, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the committee, Professor Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune.
The session built on the outcomes of the 10th National Nutrition Meeting and last year’s committee meeting, with leaders pledging to improve nutrition for all, especially children.
Participants reviewed progress made in the first half of 2025 and discussed plans for the remainder of the year, with a particular focus on sourcing funding to accelerate the pace of nutrition work.
Improved nutrition is a top priority during the final phase of the 9th five-year National Socio-Economic Development Plan, and an important step as the government prepares for developments beyond 2025.
According to the latest Lao Social Indicator Survey, nearly 2 million people in Laos, mostly women and children, suffer from some form of under-nutrition.
Stunting remains widespread, with about 44 percent of children under five affected, totalling around 385,000 cases.
Chronic malnutrition remains a major concern, with 35.6 percent of children under five showing signs of long-term undernourishment. Alarmingly, 20 percent of children are already stunted by the age of six months.
During the meeting, the committee reviewed two key documents: a resolution from the Prime Minister’s Office and a resolution from the Ministry of Health, both of which offer guidance to strengthen nutrition efforts nationwide.
In addition, participants discussed updates to the draft 10-year National Nutrition Strategy (2026-2035) and the five-year National Nutrition Action Plan (2026-2030), which received broad support.
The government aims to create a healthier population by addressing the root causes of malnutrition and ensuring that children are given the chance to grow, learn, and contribute to the country’s future.