Determinants of Child Malnutrition in the Lao PDR

This policy note uses the most recent available data to outline the primary factors contributing to child stunting and malnutrition in Laos. The report draws on data from the baseline round of impact evaluation surveys conducted in 2020 as part of the Nutrition Convergence Projects. By applying a multivariate analytical model developed by the World Bank (2016) and the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method to this data, the analysis identifies the most significant correlates of nutrition outcomes, providing insight into proximate determinants. While the analysis does not establish causation, it indicates potential transmission channels. Building on these findings, this note emphasizes the multisectoral nature of child undernutrition in Laos, identifies key determinants of child stunting, and presents policy recommendations to address them