Vientiane: The Lao Women’s Union, the Government of Australia, and UNICEF, in collaboration with key ministries, development partners, and civil society organizations, convened a National Parenting Forum to enhance support for parents and caregivers during pregnancy and the first two years of a child’s life-a period recognized as the most critical window for child development.
According to Lao News Agency, global evidence indicates that high-quality early childhood investments yield significant returns in public policy, resulting in healthier children who are better prepared for school and likely to achieve higher lifetime earnings. Mrs. Aly Vongnobountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union, emphasized the importance of early parental support, advocating for investments in practical support measures like breastfeeding, playful talk, and regular health check-ups to positively influence a child’s developmental trajectory.
The Third Lao Social Indicator Survey reveals both progress and challenges: approximately 33% of children under five are stunted, 11% are wasted, only 37% of toddlers receive all vaccines on schedule, 45% of infants are exclusively breastfed, and 27% of children aged 3 to 4 attend early education programs. Successful initiatives demonstrate effective strategies to address these issues. The ‘Love and Care for Every Child – Happy Families Grow Together’ program, backed by the Government of Australia through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program, provides thousands of Lao parents with guidance on nurturing care practices and connects families to essential services such as antenatal care and early learning.
Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission at the Australian Embassy in Laos, highlighted Australia’s support for Lao PDR’s commitment to nurturing care, noting that early investments yield the best outcomes in health, education, and workforce readiness. The forum also underscored the need for equitable access to support for families in remote areas, non-Lao speaking communities, and those with disabilities, along with advocating for family-friendly workplace policies.
Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, stressed the importance of integrating early childhood and parenting support into national development plans to ensure optimal brain development in infants. The National Parenting Forum reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Lao Government, Australia, UNICEF, and partners to invest in families, ensuring every child in the Lao PDR has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
