Health

Bear Paws, Pangolin Meat Seized in Vientiane Restaurant Raid Amid Laos’ Wider Crackdown

Lao authorities have stepped up their crackdown on illegal wildlife trade after raiding a Chinese-owned restaurant in central Vientiane, one of several wildlife enforcement operations carried out this year. On 18 May, officers from the Law Enforcement Network for Aquatic Animals, Wildlife and Forestry (LAO-WEN) inspected a restaurant in Chommany...

Laos Releases Dengue-Blocking Mosquitoes in Savannakhet

On 9 June, Savannakhet Province launched its first bacteria-enhanced mosquito release program, becoming the...

Rescuers Pull First Survivor Alive From Flooded Cave in Laos

One of the villagers trapped for more than a week inside a flooded cave...

Fish Deaths Spread Along Xe Don in Champasak as Water Tests Raise Concerns

Local communities have reported several fish death cases along the Xe Don River in...

While Exports Flow, Low-income Families Bear the Heat of an Uneven Grid

Additional reporting by Simmavanh Vayouphack When temperatures climbed above 40°C across many parts of Laos...

Climate Crisis in Laos: Heatwaves Threaten Agriculture and Public Health

Despite enduring one of the coldest winters in years, Laos continues to grapple with the lasting effects of the past years of severe heatwaves. Unresolved...

Ministry Warns of Norovirus and HMPV, Urges Caution in Vientiane Capital

The Lao Ministry of Health warned residents of Vientiane Capital of a series of respiratory diseases that normally come along with the cold season,...

Ministry of Health pilots text message vaccine reminders for childhood immunizations

On 30 January, the Ministry of Health celebrated the start of a 12-month pilot that will see text message (SMS) reminders sent to parents...

Heroes in Pink: Celebrating the Legacy, Future of Midwifery in Laos

Dubbed the “heroes in pink," Souksavanh Paserthsak has witnessed first-hand how midwives have evolved to save lives and support rights in Laos. As deputy director...

Laos Launches New Initiative to Preserve, Enhance Traditional Medicine Production

On 20 January, the Institute of Medicine and Traditional Medicine under the Ministry of Health signed a new agreement with the Chanthabouly District Young...

Laos Faces Severe Blood Shortage as Only Five Provinces Meet Donation Targets

Laos has long been grappling with a blood donation shortage. In 2024, several provincial branches of the Lao Red Cross failed to meet their...