Health

Laos Gives Unlicensed Beauty Clinics Until November to Obtain Permits Amid Weak Oversight Concerns

The Ministry of Health has ordered unlicensed medical and beauty facilities across Laos to obtain official permits by 30 November, but the directive has raised questions over its delayed public release and how authorities will enforce the deadline. The Ministry issued the directive on 29 May but did not publicize...

Thailand’s HIV Cases Pass 550,000, Laos Reports Rising Infections Among Young People

Thailand has recorded 557,993 cumulative HIV cases, health authorities say, even as new infections...

Trendy ‘Squishy’ Toys Suspended in Laos Over Chemical Safety Concerns

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys...

Former MRC Chief Anoulak Kittikhoun Named First Lao Head of Mekong Institute

Former Mekong River Commission (MRC) Chief Executive Officer Anoulak Kittikhoun has been appointed Executive...

Laos Turns to Public-Private Partnership to Tighten Product Quality Controls

Laos has launched a new state-backed company to inspect and certify the quality of...

Thailand Sets 30-Day Deadline for E-Cigarette Crackdown

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has ordered a swift crackdown on e-cigarette sales, giving authorities a firm 30-day deadline to implement decisive measures. The...

Breaking the Cycle of Gender-Based Violence in Laos

A Silent Crisis Gender-based violence (GBV) is one of the most widespread human rights violations worldwide. In Laos, the statistics mirror global trends—about one in...

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...