Laos, UN, and India Join Forces for Large-Scale Food Fortification Project
New initiative aims to combat malnutrition by fortifying rice with essential micronutrients.
On March 6, 2025, the Government of the Lao PDR, the United Nations, and the Government of India signed a project agreement to strengthen food fortification in Laos. The project, titled "Strengthening Large Scale Food Fortification in the Lao PDR: The Case for Investing in Rice Fortification," aims to address micronutrient deficiencies, particularly iron deficiency anemia, which affects 40% of women of childbearing age and 44% of children under five in the country. Over the next two years, rice, a staple in the Lao diet, will be fortified with essential vitamins and minerals to help reduce hidden hunger.
Since 1995, the Lao PDR has implemented food fortification regulations, such as mandatory iodized salt, but this new initiative focuses on fortifying rice. Ms. Aphone Visathep, Vice Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of adding micronutrients like vitamin A, B, iron, and zinc to glutinous rice, which lacks these essential nutrients. The project aims to improve public health and combat the negative impacts of malnutrition on growth and development.
The Government of India is contributing USD 1 million to the project through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. India’s success in fortifying rice, benefiting 400 million people, serves as an inspiration for Laos. Mr. Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Laos, expressed the country’s commitment to sharing its knowledge in food fortification. The United Nations, in partnership with India and the World Food Programme, will play a crucial role in implementing the project and ensuring its long-term success.
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Since 1995, the Lao PDR has implemented food fortification regulations, such as mandatory iodized salt, but this new initiative focuses on fortifying rice. Ms. Aphone Visathep, Vice Minister of Health, emphasized the importance of adding micronutrients like vitamin A, B, iron, and zinc to glutinous rice, which lacks these essential nutrients. The project aims to improve public health and combat the negative impacts of malnutrition on growth and development.
The Government of India is contributing USD 1 million to the project through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. India’s success in fortifying rice, benefiting 400 million people, serves as an inspiration for Laos. Mr. Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Laos, expressed the country’s commitment to sharing its knowledge in food fortification. The United Nations, in partnership with India and the World Food Programme, will play a crucial role in implementing the project and ensuring its long-term success.
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