Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis on Stunting

The Lao PDR has over the years prioritized nutrition as a development issue and has
been active at the global stage through the Scaling Up Nutrition Movement since 2011.
Through the concerted efforts of multiple stakeholders, stunting which is the result of
chronic undernutrition reduced from 44 percent in 2011 to 33 percent in 2017 (LSIS).
In spite of this significant progress, there exists wide disparity of levels of stunting
and intensity of child deprivations across the country, with poor and rural areas most
affected.

Stunting reduction is a development priority for unleashing the unlimited potential
of the next generation in Lao PDR. Stunting affects the growth and development of
children. This impacts on their cognitive development and ability to learn. Stunted
children do not realize their full growth potential and tend to have lower income levels
in adult life.

This report “Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis on Stunting among children under
5 years in Lao PDR” is an extension of the Multiple Overlapping Deprivation Analysis
(MODA) report, titled SDGs and Children – Measuring Progress on Child Wellbeing in Lao
PDR. The analysis shows very strong positive correlation between stunting and children
who are multi-dimensionally deprived in Lao PDR.

The report highlights the need for concerted effort by all stakeholders to address
the multiple and overlapping determinants of stunting in Lao PDR. Supporting the
ambition and commitment of local authorities through capacity building at provincial,
district and village level for better planning, implementation and monitoring of
initiatives to address multi-dimensional poverty among children is critical.

The full report is available through UNICEF.