On 5 December, the University of Health Sciences (UHS), in collaboration with Gamlangchai, a Community-Based Mental Health Organization in Laos, conducted a National Mental Health Stakeholders Consultation.
The meeting aimed to discuss the feasibility of establishing a Mental Health Association to strengthen mental health and psychosocial support services across the country.
A particular focus of the consultation was exploring opportunities to set up a dedicated “National Mental Health Hotline” to respond to the growing needs of communities seeking mental health support.
This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve access to timely and professional mental health care in Laos.
The consultation was led by Mayfong Mayxay, Rector of the University of Health Sciences (UHS), Professor of Tropical Medicine and Infectious Diseases, and a Member of the Lao National Assembly (9th Legislature), together with Bounkong Sihavong, Vice Chair of the Health Professional Council and former Minister of Health.
The event also brought together 47 participants, including representatives from CBM Global, the donor supporting the consultation, as well as officials from the Ministry of Technology and Communications, the Lao Women’s Union, hospitals, the National University of Laos, civil society organizations, and UHS students and associations involved in mental health promotion and psychosocial support.
Broad Multi-Sector Participation Signals Growing Focus on Mental Health
This diverse participation reflects a strong multi-sector commitment to advancing mental health development and improving the accessibility and coverage of mental health services across the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.
“We cannot advance mental health in Laos without coordinated action among multidisciplinary professionals, institutions, and communities nationwide,” Mayfong Mayxay said, emphasizing the need for multi-sector collaboration.
Co-chair Bounkong Sihavong, former Minister of Health, highlighted the significance of forming the first-ever Mental Health Association in Laos: “The establishment of the Mental Health Association marks an important milestone. It will provide the structure, coordination, and voice needed to strengthen mental health for our population.”
During the consultation, stakeholders agreed to establish the Mental Health Association and identified ten members to form its Founding Committee. A Chairperson and Vice Chairperson were appointed, and a Secretariat was assigned to prepare the necessary documentation and procedures for the official registration of the Association.
National Mental Health Hotline Identified as First Priority
If officially endorsed, the proposed Mental Health Association would function as a collaborative national platform, bringing together its members to design and coordinate mental health and psychosocial support programs that are culturally and contextually appropriate for communities across Laos.
Stakeholders identified the development of a National Mental Health Hotline as the Association’s first priority.
The hotline is intended to offer coordinated support through trained operators and clear referral pathways, responding to rising public demand and addressing the limitations of existing hotlines that are increasingly receiving mental health related calls.
This National Mental Health Stakeholders Consultation and Peer Support Program, funded by CBM Global, are part of Gamlangchai’s social impact mission to prevent mental health illness and promote Well-being.
For further information, Koraket Tanseri, Operations Lead at Gamlangchai, can be reached at +856 20 95 102 722 or koraket.tanseri@gamlangchai.org
