Save the Children International in Laos is dedicated to ensuring that every child thrives in an environment that protects them from preventable health risks, enabling them to grow and develop successfully. Our life-cycle approach focuses on the well-being of both children and mothers, addressing key challenges and catalyzing positive changes in healthcare practices.
Laos has made significant progress in reducing child mortality; however, it still remains among the highest in Southeast Asia. The current under-five mortality rate is 28 per 1,000 live births (LSIS 2023).
Chronic undernutrition (stunting) remains high in Lao PDR, with approximately 32.8% of children under five stunted, 24% underweight, and 10.7% wasted. Wasting has worsened compared to 2017, now reaching 10.7%—more than double the national target of less than 5%—and is classified as a serious level according to WHO thresholds (Lao Social Indicator Survey 2023).
The causes of undernutrition in Lao PDR are multifaceted, ranging from factors present before a child is born (such as the mother’s stature, education, health, diet, and age during pregnancy) to those affecting the child after birth (including suboptimal infant and young child feeding practices, poor dietary diversity, and inadequate hygiene and sanitation). Good nutrition and age-appropriate diets are key immediate and intermediate determinants of improved nutritional outcomes, alongside appropriate care, feeding practices, and access to health services.
Climate change presents growing challenges to public health globally, with vulnerable populations facing the greatest risks due to environmental and socioeconomic stressors. In Lao PDR, rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent extreme weather events—such as floods—are contributing to increased health risks, including the spread of climate-sensitive diseases such as dengue and diarrhea.
A boy receives the routine vaccination at the Mobile Vaccination in Luang Prabang Province. Save the Children Laos
What We Do
Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Nutrition
Save the Children is committed to ensuring that every child in Lao PDR grows up healthy, well nourished, and protected from preventable health risks. Our work focuses on the most vulnerable children and families, advancing inclusive, quality, and climate-resilient Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) and nutrition services.
We strengthen community and health system capacities to respond to malnutrition, disease, and climate-related health threats. We also collaborate closely with the SUN Civil Society Alliance (SUNCSA) and government partners to advance multisectoral nutrition efforts. By promoting breastfeeding, improving complementary feeding practices, and supporting community-based nutrition programs, we help address widespread undernutrition.
Our engagement in national forums and policy processes ensures that nutrition is recognized as a cross-cutting priority, closely linked to health, education, food security, climate resilience, and social protection. Together with our partners, we work to reduce undernutrition and stunting while building stronger systems that sustain improved nutrition outcomes for children, adolescents, and women.
Strengthening Climate-Resilient Health Systems
Save the Children adopts a comprehensive systems-strengthening approach to support Lao PDR in building a resilient and climate-adaptive health sector. Through a Green Climate Fund–supported initiative, we work with the Ministry of Health and WHO to enhance governance and leadership, upgrade climate-resilient and energy-efficient health facility infrastructure, strengthen WASH services, and build community capacity to adapt to climate change. We also improve health information systems across 100 health facilities and 250 communities in 25 climate-vulnerable districts across seven provinces, benefiting over 2.3 million people.
In addition, we build the capacity of health workers to detect and respond to climate-related disease outbreaks, such as dengue and diarrheal illnesses. This includes integrating climate data into routine health systems and supporting the implementation of the Health National Adaptation Plan (HNAP).
Through ongoing policy engagement and collaboration with national stakeholders, we advocate for increased investment and the integration of climate-informed strategies into national health planning, ensuring a stronger and more resilient health system that protects children and communities from current and emerging climate-related health risks. Click here to Learn more about the project.
Innovative Programming on Dengue Prevention and Control
Save the Children International (SCI) Laos implements innovative, evidence-based approaches to reduce dengue transmission, working closely with the Ministry of Health and the World Mosquito Program.
Our programming includes piloting the Wolbachia method in selected districts of Vientiane—an approach scientifically proven to reduce mosquito-borne disease transmission. This initiative is supported by strong community engagement, awareness-raising activities, and the mobilization of village-level participation to promote sustained behavior change and community ownership.
We also support vector control monitoring and field surveillance aligned with the National Dengue Action Plan, contributing to sustainable dengue prevention and reducing the risk of outbreaks in targeted communities.
Mone, Lab coordinator is holding the mosquitoes carrying Wolbachia
2025 DIRECT REACH THROUGH HEALTH AND NUTRUTION PROGRAMS
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139,879
People reached through Health and Nutrition programs
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Children reached through Health and Nutrition programs
Future Forwards
Acknowledging gaps in health service coverage, our future focus involves working with diverse stakeholders to reach the unreached. Strengthening health systems, adopting integrated approaches, empowering communities, and leveraging technology and innovation are key components of our vision for the future. Save the Children International in Laos remains committed to pioneering solutions that improve health outcomes and create lasting impact.