(KPL) The Lao PDR is stepping up efforts to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies by launching a large-scale rice fortification initiative aimed at improving national nutrition and public health.

As part of this effort, the National Workshop on Fortification: Advancing Sustainable Nutrition Security in Lao PDR was held in Vientiane on August 28, marking a key milestone in the country’s journey toward food system transformation.

Rice fortification is a cost-effective solution to address conditions such as iron deficiency anemia, which affects an estimated 40% of women of reproductive age and 44% of children under five nationwide. The deficiencies can result in fatigue, impaired learning, stunted growth, and—in the case of pregnant women—birth defects such as neural tube disorders. In 2020 alone, anemia-related health impacts caused economic losses of more than USD 241 million.

To tackle this issue, the Lao PDR launched a national rice fortification project in early 2025, with funding and technical support from the Government of India. As the world’s largest implementer of rice fortification, reaching over 400 million people through its food safety net programs, India is sharing its expertise to help the Lao PDR build a sustainable and scalable model.

Rice, being the staple of the Lao diet, is an ideal vehicle for fortification. Enriched rice looks and tastes like regular rice but is fortified with essential vitamins and minerals critical for health and development.

The Ministry of Health’s Nutrition Center and the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion are leading the government’s efforts to make fortified rice a regular part of the national food system.

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), the technical implementation partner, is providing support based on over 30 years of global experience in food fortification, including successful projects in more than 12 countries across Asia.

Currently, WFP and the Lao Government are working together to develop national rice fortification standards and a regulatory framework. These will ensure that fortified rice is produced safely and consistently, while also providing guidance for scaling up and building public trust through quality assurance.

The national workshop marks the first step in the consultation process for setting these standards laying a strong foundation for long-term improvements in nutrition and health across Lao PDR.

KPL