Helping children in Laos

Many children in Laos live with their families in remote regions, far from health centres, schools and access to safe drinking water. Families farm small rice fields and largely support themselves. When the harvest is poor, food quickly becomes scarce and often lacks variety. Rice fills the stomach, but on its own it is not enough for children to grow up healthy and develop well. More than a third of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition. Acute malnutrition also remains a problem.

Access to safe drinking water and medical care is inadequate for many families. In more than two thirds of households, drinking water is contaminated. This can trigger illnesses such as diarrhea and vomiting. When a child falls ill, the nearest health facility is often too far away. A third of children have no access to safe water and sanitation.

Poverty, malnutrition and illness reinforce one another and shape the daily lives of many children. Their educational opportunities are also limited: by the end of primary school, only about one child in ten can read well enough. This means they lack key foundations for a self-determined life and a better future.

Together with local partners and communities, UNICEF supports children and families in remote regions of Laos. Malnourished babies and children are identified and treated earlier. Families receive guidance on how to feed young children in a healthy and nutritious way. Families gain access to clean drinking water, sanitation and medical care.

UNICEF also trains volunteers who support children and their families in everyday life. They share knowledge on health, hygiene and nutrition, identify risks early and help children grow up healthy. In this way, UNICEF helps break the cycle of poverty, illness and malnutrition, and improves the conditions for children's development and education.

With your donation, you can help provide:

• adequate nutrition for babies and children;
• early detection and treatment of malnutrition;
• access to clean drinking water and safe sanitation;
• medical care for children in remote regions;
• the training and support of volunteers who assist families in everyday life;
• information and guidance on health, hygiene, nutrition and child development.

With your donation, you help protect children in Laos from the effects of hunger, disease and poverty – and give them a better foundation for their future.