Health & Environment

Laos Steps Up Crackdown on Beauty Clinics, Orders Dr. Nith to Halt Procedures

The Ministry of Health has ordered Dr. Nith Beauty Center, a local beauty clinic chain, to suspend its medical services after an inspection found the Vientiane facility performing injections and other medical procedures without ministry authorization. Ordered on 2 September, the suspension notice followed an inspection of the center in...

Laos, Singapore Look to Forests, Farms for Carbon Finance

Laos is moving to turn emissions reductions from forests, agriculture and other projects into...

Laos Warns of More Rain, Flash Floods, Landslides in Early September

Laos will see more rain this week, with the Department of Meteorology and Hydrology...

Laos Bans Unregistered Cosmetics Resembling Popular Brands

The Food and Drug Department (FDD) has banned the import, sale, distribution, advertising, and...

Flooding Disrupts Flights to Luang Namtha, Oudomxay Also Reports Flooding

Lao Airlines has suspended flights between Vientiane and Luang Namtha after after rising waters...

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....

Khammouane Authorities Temporarily Suspend Mining Operations After Land Collapses

The Ministry of Energy and Mines has suspended operations at a mining site in Khammounae province after two land collapses raised safety and environmental...

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...

Vientiane’s New Bus Project: A Step Forward or a Traffic Gamble?

Additional reporting by Kheuakham Chanlivong In Laos, daily commutes are largely dominated by private vehicles, with public buses playing only a minor role in Vientiane...

Mekong River Commission Launches Education Hub, One Mekong App in Vientiane

On 23 December, the Mekong River Commission (MRC) celebrated the opening of its Education and Visitor Center and the launch of the One Mekong...