Child poverty in Bhutan continues to affect some of the country’s most vulnerable families, particularly in rural communities where access to education, health care and other essential services can be more limited. For children growing up in remote areas, geographic barriers may make it more difficult to access the support needed for healthy development and long-term opportunity. To help close these gaps, UNICEF works with the Bhutanese government on initiatives designed to improve education, strengthen child protection systems and expand access to health and nutrition services.

Child Poverty in Bhutan

Although Bhutan has reduced poverty over recent decades, disparities remain between urban and rural communities. According to UNICEF, 20.7% of children in Bhutan experience multidimensional poverty, meaning they face deprivations in areas such as education, health, housing or access to basic services. Children living in remote communities are often among the most affected, as distance and limited infrastructure can make it more difficult to access schools, health facilities and social support programs.

Poverty can affect children in multiple ways, from limiting access to early learning opportunities to reducing access to health care and nutrition services. To address these challenges, UNICEF collaborates with the Bhutanese government on initiatives that expand early childhood development programs, strengthen child health services and improve protection systems for vulnerable children.

Expanding Access to Early Childhood Development

Access to early childhood education remains a challenge for some families in Bhutan, particularly those living in remote communities. According to UNICEF, only 38.6% of eligible children attended an Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) program in 2022, highlighting ongoing gaps in access to early learning opportunities. While Bhutan has continued expanding early childhood services, increasing access for children in isolated areas remains an important priority.

To help address these challenges, UNICEF works with the Bhutanese government to strengthen ECCD services across the country. In addition to supporting Bhutan’s 442 public ECCD centers, the organization helps expand home-based intervention programs that reach children who may not have access to center-based services.

The impact of these programs can be seen in some of Bhutan’s most remote communities. According to UNICEF, the home-based intervention program identifies children who are unable to access ECCD centers and brings early learning opportunities directly into their homes. Facilitators such as Kelzang conduct monthly visits with children and parents, using play-based activities and educational materials to support children’s development. In the remote district of Dagana, another facilitator, Norbu Jamtsho, supports approximately 35 children through monthly home visits designed to help families create learning opportunities at home.

Recent UNICEF evaluations found that home-based ECCD interventions are supporting more than 100 children in remote communities while helping improve cognitive, social, emotional and motor development outcomes. By bringing early learning opportunities directly to families, these initiatives help ensure that geographic isolation does not prevent children from receiving support during critical stages of development.

Investments in early childhood development can have long-term benefits for children and families. By helping children enter school prepared to learn, ECCD programs may improve educational outcomes and reduce inequalities that can contribute to poverty later in life.

Improving Child Health and Nutrition

Nutrition-related challenges continue to affect many children in Bhutan, particularly during the early years of development. According to UNICEF, approximately 45% of children ages 6 to 59 months experience anemia, a condition that can affect growth, learning and overall well-being.

To help address these issues, UNICEF works with the Bhutanese government to strengthen maternal and child health services while expanding nutrition programs for children and families. In 2019, UNICEF supported the introduction of a national micronutrient powder program for children ages 6 to 23 months, helping address nutritional gaps that contribute to childhood anemia.

More recently, UNICEF has partnered with the government to strengthen support for mothers during pregnancy and early childhood. In 2023, Bhutan launched the Comprehensive Mother and Child Health Program, which includes conditional cash transfers for eligible pregnant women and mothers with children under the age of 2. The program aims to reduce financial barriers that may prevent families from accessing essential health services.

By improving nutrition and health during critical stages of development, these initiatives can help children grow, learn and thrive. Healthier children are more likely to succeed in school and reach their full potential, making nutrition an important component of efforts to reduce child poverty in Bhutan.

Supporting Vulnerable Children and Adolescents

In addition to improving access to education and health services, UNICEF works with the Bhutanese government to strengthen child protection systems and support adolescent well-being. According to Bhutan’s National Health Survey 2023, more than 80% of children ages 1 to 14 experienced some form of violent discipline during the previous month, highlighting the need for stronger child protection measures and greater awareness of children’s rights.

To address these challenges, UNICEF supports programs that strengthen protection services, improve access to support systems and promote positive parenting practices. The organization also works with government agencies and community partners to prevent violence against children and strengthen support for vulnerable families.

UNICEF has also invested in programs designed to support adolescents as they navigate social, emotional and educational challenges. One example is the Helping Adolescents Thrive initiative, which promotes mental health and emotional well-being among young people. By helping adolescents build confidence and develop skills to manage everyday challenges, these programs support young people as they pursue education and more stable futures.

Reducing child poverty involves more than improving access to education, health care and other essential services. Helping children and adolescents grow up in safe and supportive environments is also an important part of ensuring that they can reach their full potential.

Continued Efforts to Reduce Child Poverty in Bhutan

Child poverty in Bhutan remains a challenge for some families, particularly those living in remote communities with more limited access to essential services. Through programs focused on early childhood development, nutrition, health care and child protection, UNICEF continues to work with the Bhutanese government to address barriers that can affect children’s well-being and future opportunities. While challenges remain, investments in children continue to play an important role in reducing poverty and promoting long-term development. By expanding access to education, health services and support systems, UNICEF and its partners are helping create greater opportunities for vulnerable children and families across Bhutan.

– Natalia Fleith Gelasko

Natalia is based in Berlin, Germany and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr