Laos Takes Action Against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria
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Vientiane, Dec 12 (NationPress) Laos has initiated a new health initiative aimed at curbing the spread of HIV, tuberculosis (TB), and malaria, while enhancing healthcare accessibility and training local public health professionals.
The initiative focuses on preventing the emergence and dissemination of diseases, while also ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods, especially for at-risk populations in the northern Bokeo province, as stated by the country's Ministry of Health on Thursday.
Moreover, the project intends to bolster the skills and capabilities of community and public health workers through ongoing training and structured career development, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
Additionally, the involvement of civil society organizations will be promoted to facilitate collaborative governance and field data monitoring and evaluation. This initiative is in line with Laos' ambition to eradicate these diseases by 2030.
Earlier this year, the World Bank approved the second phase of a project designed to enhance the quality of health and nutrition services in impoverished and rural regions of Laos.
The aim of the Second Health and Nutrition Services Access Project for Laos is to improve equitable access, utilization, and quality of health and nutrition services in designated areas, along with providing immediate responses during crises or emergencies.
This project is supported by funding from the Australian government, the Global Alliance for Vaccine and Immunisation (Gavi), and the Global Fund to Combat AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Reports indicate that approximately one-third of Lao children suffer from stunting due to inadequate nutrition, and around 7,000 children in Laos tragically die before reaching their fifth birthday each year.
The project is anticipated to assist local authorities in collaborating with communities to tackle high adolescent birth rates, as well as poor dietary practices among mothers.
Furthermore, it will enhance services related to family planning, water supply, and sanitation.
According to Alexander Kremer, the Country Manager of the World Bank Laos, a persistent challenge in Laos is delivering health and nutrition services to the vast population residing in remote villages.
This initiative is a renewed effort to provide improved services in rural communities.
