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...

Contamination Detected in Popular Thai Herbal Inhaler, Nationwide Recall Issued

On 28 October, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) determined that Hong Thai’s popular Formula 2 herbal inhaler failed safety tests due to contamination,...

World Sight Day 2025: Investing in Eye Health Could Bring USD 31.2 Million Benefit to Laos Over the Next Five Years

A recent study revealed that an investment of USD 2.12 million in eye health could generate USD 31.2 million in economic benefits for Laos...

Laos Reports Over 9,400 Dengue Fever Cases in the First Nine Months of 2025

Dengue fever continues to challenge communities across Laos, with 9,408 infections and one death recorded between January and September 2025, according to the Ministry...

Rising HIV Infections Among Youth in First Half of 2025 Highlight Ongoing Health Challenge

More than 1,100 people in Laos were newly infected with HIV in the first half of 2025 as the disease continues to quietly affect...

“Sharing New Life” Campaign Launched to Support Maternal, Newborn Health

Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn & Suites Vientiane have launched a new campaign turning hotel stays into life-saving support for mothers and newborns across...

Thai Authorities Seize Over 14,000 Items of Illegal Cosmetic Silicone, Unregistered Medicines

On 19 September, Thai authorities seized over THB 8 million (approximately USD 251,000) worth of illegal cosmetic products in Bangkok. The seizure included more than...