Vientiane: The World Food Programme in Laos (WFP) has published the 2024 Implementation Report and the 2025 Plan, sharing critical insights and information with Lao media on May 23, 2025. This event marks a significant step in WFP’s ongoing efforts to combat food insecurity and malnutrition in the region.

According to Lao News Agency, Mr. Phouthone Muangpak, Development Advisor of the World Food Programme in Laos, emphasized the global challenges of food security and nutrition due to factors such as economic crises, climate change, and natural disasters. As a United Nations agency, the World Food Programme plays a crucial role in addressing emergency food shortages and combating hunger worldwide. In Laos, WFP is a key partner in supporting the government’s efforts to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture.

In 2024, WFP focused on reaching the most disadvantaged and vulnerable groups by expanding and strengthening the school lunch program. The government increased the budget for school meals from 1,000 kip to 5,000 kip per day, benefiting over 63,000 students in 702 schools. Additionally, more than 4,000 teachers and government officials received training on healthy eating. WFP also launched a large-scale rice fortification initiative to prevent malnutrition and improve nutrition. Furthermore, 62 community empowerment projects were completed, including infrastructure developments like roads, irrigation canals, and water systems, as well as the establishment of vegetable gardens. Training on emergency preparedness, logistics services, and supply chain management was provided, and coffee seedlings were distributed to farmers to boost production and income.