Laos Reinforces Commitment to Combating Malnutrition at Human Capital Summit
Government Pledges Enhanced Nutrition Initiatives to Boost National Development
At the Second Lao PDR Human Capital Summit held today, the Lao government reaffirmed its dedication to addressing malnutrition, acknowledging the critical impact of nutrition during a child's first 1,000 days on their lifelong health, intelligence, and strength.
The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, convened national leaders and global experts to forge strategies for advancing nutrition and bolstering the nation's future. This commitment is part of a broader initiative to enhance human capital and stimulate economic growth.
"Proper nutrition is foundational to developing a robust and resilient economy," stated Prime Minister Siphandone. He emphasized the government's strategy to integrate efforts across various sectors and levels of governance, involving multiple stakeholders and development partners.
Statistics from the summit reveal that nearly one-third of children under five in Laos are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, impacting their development and future economic productivity. Addressing these issues is seen as pivotal for the country’s socio-economic stability.
UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, Pia Rebello Britto, highlighted the urgency of investing in child nutrition as a cornerstone for national prosperity. She advocated for targeted interventions that ensure comprehensive reach and high impact across the country.
The World Bank’s Human Development Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Alberto Rodriguez, also underscored the necessity of multi-sectoral investment to provide essential services and robust monitoring to improve nutrition among women and children.
The summit concluded with a strong governmental pledge to prioritize nutrition in the forthcoming Tenth National Socioeconomic Development Plan, including the formation of an accelerated action plan and a coordinating unit led by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cultural and Social Affairs. This plan aims to ensure the efficient use of resources dedicated to nutrition initiatives.
This initiative is backed by international organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF, emphasizing the global importance of investing in human capital for sustainable development.
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The summit, chaired by Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone, convened national leaders and global experts to forge strategies for advancing nutrition and bolstering the nation's future. This commitment is part of a broader initiative to enhance human capital and stimulate economic growth.
"Proper nutrition is foundational to developing a robust and resilient economy," stated Prime Minister Siphandone. He emphasized the government's strategy to integrate efforts across various sectors and levels of governance, involving multiple stakeholders and development partners.
Statistics from the summit reveal that nearly one-third of children under five in Laos are stunted due to chronic malnutrition, impacting their development and future economic productivity. Addressing these issues is seen as pivotal for the country’s socio-economic stability.
UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, Pia Rebello Britto, highlighted the urgency of investing in child nutrition as a cornerstone for national prosperity. She advocated for targeted interventions that ensure comprehensive reach and high impact across the country.
The World Bank’s Human Development Director for East Asia and the Pacific, Alberto Rodriguez, also underscored the necessity of multi-sectoral investment to provide essential services and robust monitoring to improve nutrition among women and children.
The summit concluded with a strong governmental pledge to prioritize nutrition in the forthcoming Tenth National Socioeconomic Development Plan, including the formation of an accelerated action plan and a coordinating unit led by the Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Cultural and Social Affairs. This plan aims to ensure the efficient use of resources dedicated to nutrition initiatives.
This initiative is backed by international organizations like the World Bank and UNICEF, emphasizing the global importance of investing in human capital for sustainable development.
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