The visit was jointly led by Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham , Deputy Minister of Finance and UNICEF Deputy Representative to the Lao PDR Ms. Magali Romedenne. They were joined by senior officials from national ministries, the Lao Women's Union, and Savannakhet provincial and district authorities.
"A healthy start for our children is an investment in the future of the Lao PDR," said Mr. Soulivath Souvannachoumkham. "We want to make sure public resources are planned, allocated and used well so they deliver results for children. This visit has allowed us to see first-hand how policy and budget decisions become services for families in their own villages."
The case for acting early is strong. The period from pregnancy to a child's second birthday, known as the first 1,000 days, is a critical window for health, nutrition, early stimulation, child protection and safety, early identification of disability, clean water and environment and responsive care to support a child’s growth and development . Investment during this period helps lay the foundation for lifelong health, well-being and learning.
The Government's share of national nutrition spending more than doubled between 2020 and 2022, from 7 to 17 per cent. Yet the challenges remain. According to the Lao Social Indicator Survey III (2023), one in three children under 5 is stunted, or too short for their age, and 11 per cent are wasted, or too thin for their height.
The delegation met with Village Health Volunteers, health workers and families to learn how community-based growth monitoring, treatment for malnutrition and the Lao Women's Union's Love and Care for Every Child parenting programme support parents, caregivers and young children.
"The earliest years shape a child's whole future," said Ms. Magali Romedenne. "In Savannakhet we have seen the dedication of health workers, volunteers and families, and also how much remains to be done. UNICEF will continue to support the Government's leadership so that every kip invested makes a difference for children, especially those who need it most."
Provincial leaders, the Ministry of Finance officials and UNICEF later met to discuss financing services the give children a healthy start. Discussions focused on priority interventions, making effective use of available resources, and strengthening coordination across health, nutrition and social services.
The visit comes as the Government and UNICEF prepare to implement their 2027–2031 Country Programme of Cooperation. A healthy start for every child is one of its four priorities, alongside learning and skills, adolescent development, and climate resilience and adaptation. Both partners said the aim is to connect policy, financing and services through Government systems, so that every child can survive, thrive and reach their full potential.
