In Lao PDR, almost all children who are too short for their age (stunted) suffer from multiple and overlapping deprivations such as inadequate housing and sanitation, lack access to health, nutrition and education.
About 60,000 children under 5 years are at risk of death due to acute malnutrition annually from inadequate dietary intake and childhood illness. Additionally, 1 out of 2 children are anaemic due to poor nutrition and helminthes infections.
A holistic and multi-sectoral approach is required in addressing the complex mix of determinants of malnutrition. Investments in interventions which directly impact nutrition outcomes with complimentary interventions that indirectly relate to nutrition are required. Effective multi-sectoral coordination for synergy in programme design and implementaion are required. Strengthening the capacity of individual sectors to implement nutrition related interventions through human resource allocation for nutrition; increased public sector financing for nutrition and monitoring of results are essential.
