Lao PDR and WHO reinforce commitment to advance primary health care and universal health coverage

A key focus of discussion was health priorities and solutions, including transformative primary health care (PHC) towards universal health coverage (UHC), tobacco and alcohol control, health taxation and sustainable health financing, immunization, and health emergency response. 

“We are delighted to welcome Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, a long-standing supporter of health in the region, and recognize WHO’s broad and extensive support for health,” said Mme Baykham Khattiya. 

“Since WHO’s establishment of the first UN office in-country in 1962, the organization and its staff have been close, trusted partners. These efforts have contributed to Lao PDR’s remarkable health progress, including the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and trachoma and near-elimination of malaria, the development of a strong nationwide vaccination programme, the successful management of COVID-19, and a nearly 80% reduction in maternal mortality in the last two decades.” 

Mme Baykham Khattiya continued: “Together, we have made important health gains, but we are facing a changing set of health pressures and rising expectations from communities. Strengthening primary health care is central to our response, and the new taseng reform gives us an opportunity to bring services closer to people by engaging communities and working across sectors. We count on WHO’s continued partnership in this transformative effort.”  

With rapidly changing lifestyles, the burden of noncommunicable diseases has increased in Lao PDR, accounting for around 60% of all deaths in 2016. Addressing this increasing burden requires significant change to health systems, policies and lifestyles, including maintaining momentum on tobacco and alcohol control and strengthening health taxes to reduce consumption while generating sustainable financing for health. 

During the meeting amid his first official visit to Lao PDR since assuming the post of Regional Director, Dr Piukala reiterated WHO’s ongoing support and commitment to building on this decades-long, life-saving partnership. 

“Our collective action with Lao PDR is proof that together we can address even the most significant health challenges, with everyone bringing their own strengths to weave for health and well-being in the tapestry of health in the country. During my mission, my focus is learning more about how WHO can support the Lao people across the spectrum of health – from transforming health systems through primary health care, to ensuring health systems and facilities are climate-resilient, to addressing non-communicable diseases by strengthening tobacco and alcohol control efforts, to supporting strong and resilient communities at a time when our region faces mounting health emergencies.” 

“At the same time, we must recognize the hurdles to be overcome, particularly ensuring sufficient financing for health in Lao PDR. Continued assistance from development partners that have enabled such significant progress remains essential, as do sufficient government investments and contributions, enabled by increased taxes on tobacco and alcohol. Strong health systems and a healthy population ultimately contribute significantly to any country’s socio-economic progress, and I am gratified to note the emphasis Lao PDR places on working towards Health for All.” 

Ahead of the dialogue with the Minister of Health, Vice Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth hosted Dr Piukala for a site visit in Luang Prabang that provided an overall view of the health sector. In Luang Prabang Province, Dr Piukala met with a range of authorities, including the Provincial Health Office and the Provincial Hospital, to review priorities and progress at the provincial level.  

During his mission to Lao PDR, Dr Piukala also visited Xaythany District and Taseng Xangmixay in Vientiane Capital, where the focus has shifted to district and sub-district (taseng) levels. The site visit highlighted how primary health care, listening to communities and multisectoral coordination can bring services closer to people.  

Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala is the first WHO Regional Director from the Pacific, taking office in February 2024. A surgeon by profession, Dr Piukala also served as Minister of Health in his homeland of Tonga.  

In Lao PDR, WHO collaborates extensively with the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries to address a wide range of health challenges. WHO’s focus is promoting sustainable and resilient health systems, protecting communities from health emergencies and both communicable and non-communicable diseases, and safeguarding health amid climate change and environmental threats.