Health

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

Laos has ordered the immediate suspension of the import and sale of Squishy toys nationwide after authorities warned that some may contain hazardous chemicals that pose health risks, particularly to children. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce issued the order on 28 July, instructing provincial industry and commerce departments across...

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...

Laos Suspends Vientiane Private Hospital Suspected of Organ Trafficking

The Ministry of Health announced the immediate closure of BLL Hospital after a Taiwanese...

Laos Must Spend More on Healthcare as Costs Rise, World Bank Says

Healthcare in Laos is under growing financial pressure, and the country can no longer...

New Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Vientiane 40 Percent Complete

Construction of a new treatment and rehabilitation centre for individuals with addiction to illegal substances in Phonhong district, Vientiane province, is now 40 percent...

Houaphanh’s Nam Xang River Turns Red Due to Iron Ore Wastewater Discharge

On 12 January, an overflow of wastewater from an iron ore washing reservoir in Viengxay district, Houaphanh Province, turned the Nam Xang River dark...

Farmers, Workers, Business Professionals See Highest HIV Infection Rates in Laos

The Lao Ministry of Health reported 1,896 new HIV cases identified between January and November 2024.  On 29 November, ahead of World AIDS Day, Deputy...

Covid-Like Virus Rises in China, Experts Say Not to Worry

In December 2024, China saw a rise in respiratory infections, particularly among children under 14, due to human metapneumovirus (HMPV), according to CBS News....

Laos Reports Over 20,000 Dengue Fever Cases in 2024

Dengue fever continues to challenge public health in Laos, with over 20,000 cases reported in 2024, leading to 11 fatalities. While the number of...

Norovirus Outbreak Affects 1,436 in Rayong, Thailand, with Rapid Spread Among Children

A total of 1,436 people in Klaeng district, Rayong, Thailand have fallen ill with symptoms of diarrhea after consuming contaminated water and ice, the...