Rice, the cornerstone of Lao PDR's diet, could become a game-changer in battling malnutrition. Micronutrient deficiency, also called hidden hunger, caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals, stunts growth and development in Laos. Around 40% of women of childbearing age and 44% of children under 5 are plagued by iron deficiency anemia, leading to severe and lasting health issues.The project agreed on jointly today, titled "Strengthening Large Scale Food Fortification in Lao PDR: The Case for Investing in Rice Fortification," will be implemented over the next two years. It aims to enhance the nutritional quality of rice by adding essential vitamins and minerals. Food fortification is one of the most cost-effective public health interventions to reduce micronutrient deficiencies at scale.“Fortification is not an entirely new agenda point for Lao PDR. Since 1995, our Ministry of Health has regulated the standards for production and importation of iodized salt in Laos, making fortification of salt mandatory. Glutinous rice, which is the most important element of our national food culture, is a good source of energy, but does not contain micronutrients such as vitamin A, B, iron and zinc, which people generally lack in our country. Adding such micronutrients is an opportunity in our fight against malnutrition,” said H.E. Ms. Aphone Visathep, Vice-Minister of Health. The Government of India supports this intervention with USD 1 million over two years through the India-UN Development Partnership Fund. “India’s investment into fortification has been a national success, reaching 400 million people in India with fortified rice to counter micronutrient deficiencies. India is proud to share its knowledge and experience in rice fortification with Lao PDR. This partnership reflects our strong bilateral relations and our commitment to supporting sustainable development in the region," said Mr. Yogeshwar Sangwan, Ambassador of India to Lao PDR.“The United Nations plays a vital role as a partner for governments globally in transforming food systems with evidence-based and cost-effective solutions. Staple food fortification is a cost-effective way to bring micronutrients into the diets of all Lao people and leave no one behind. It’s an accelerator towards eradicating malnutrition and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We are thankful for the partnership with India to deliver such an important initiative, which exemplifies the power of South-South cooperation,” said Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR. Since 2013, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has been a leading partner to the Government on rice fortification. “WFP brings 30 years of global expertise in food fortification. The cooperation we signed today aims to implement the steps laid out in Lao PDR’s Food Fortification Strategic Action Plan. Strong political will combined with the expertise of the Republic of India and WFP will open opportunities for the public and private sectors to enhance national capability to fortify rice and improve the diet of millions of people in Laos,” said Mr. Marc-Andre Prost World Food Programme Representative and Country Director in Lao PDR.  For more information please contact (email address: firstname.lastname@wfp.org):Ildiko Hamos, WFP Partnerships and Communications Coordinator, Tel. +856 (0)21 330 300 ext. 2500, Mob. +856 (0)20 5607 6452, WhatsApp: +856 (0)20 7717 7913Vilakone Sipaseuth, Communication Officer, Tel: +856 (0)21 330 300 ext. 2502, Mob. +856 (0)20 5200 5618 Peiyan Zhang, Communication and Reporting Officer, Mob. +856 (0)20 55 419 751, filtered_html

Mittaphab Hospital plays a critical role in delivering specialized care. The hospital serves over 110,000 patients annually, both inpatients and outpatients, yet faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, over-capacity, and equipment gaps. Its rehabilitation aims to address these issues while positioning the hospital as a model for sustainable and inclusive healthcare in the region.Photo courtesy of the UN in Lao PDR. Strengthening Healthcare SystemsThe overarching objective of the project is to enhance healthcare delivery and resilience in Lao PDR. The initiative includes:Rehabilitation Works: Redesigning and upgrading hospital infrastructure in line with UNOPS standards for sustainable health facilities.Medical Equipment Procurement: Procuring and installing state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance diagnostic and treatment capacities.Capacity Building: Implementing training programs in hospital management, hygiene, waste management, infection prevention, and maintenance.Particular attention was paid to climate resilience and ensuring inclusive healthcare services in rehabilitation design. Innovation is also prioritized throughout the project to ensure advanced medical technologies are incorporated to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the population for years to come. The project aligns with the Ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), contributing to Outcome 2: improved quality of human resources and healthcare services. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026) by advancing equitable and inclusive access to health services, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.Collaborating for ImpactToday’s milestone highlights the power of international collaboration. The Russian Federation’s funding underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare in Lao PDR, while UNOPS brings technical expertise to ensure the project adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The Ministry of Health has been a key partner, providing strategic guidance and local leadership to align the project with national priorities.Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager, emphasized the project’s commitment to long-term impact by stating, “By embedding sustainability into every aspect of the project—whether through climate-resilient designs, operational efficiency, or inclusive capacity-building programs—we are ensuring that Mittaphab Hospital is not just modernized but future-proofed.”“Quality health care is essential for people’s well-being and a productive workforce. COVID-19 showed us how quality health care can be life-saving and how preparedness for future health hazards and other shocks, including disasters, is so absolutely crucial.  Hence, we need to be ready and well equipped to tackle these new challenges.”  said Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR. Mr. Vladimir A. Kalinin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Lao PDR, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared goals by saying, "Together with our Lao and UNOPS partners, we are supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure to create a healthier future for all in Lao PDR. We hope that this collaboration will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country." H.E. Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, Lao PDR, highlighted the transformative impact of the project by stating, “The rehabilitation of this hospital will not only enhance its infrastructure but also significantly improve the quality of care for patients, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s 5 Goods and 1 Satisfaction (5G1S) policy.”  A Vision for the FutureOnce completed, Mittaphab Hospital will stand as a beacon of hope for equitable healthcare in Lao PDR. Its expanded diagnostic and treatment capacities will play a pivotal role in addressing critical health challenges and ensuring that no one is left behind.By prioritizing climate resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and innovation, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure. The rehabilitation of the Mittaphab Hospital is not just about modernization—it is about empowering communities, fostering resilience, and laying the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come. Notes to the Editors:More photos can be found here.Press Contacts: Ffion Conlon, UNOPS Partnerships Specialist for South East Asia and Pacific ffionc@unops.org  , filtered_html

Mittaphab Hospital plays a critical role in delivering specialized care. The hospital serves over 110,000 patients annually, both inpatients and outpatients, yet faces challenges such as aging infrastructure, over-capacity, and equipment gaps. Its rehabilitation aims to address these issues while positioning the hospital as a model for sustainable and inclusive healthcare in the region.Photo courtesy of the UN in Lao PDR.Strengthening Healthcare SystemsThe overarching objective of the project is to enhance healthcare delivery and resilience in Lao PDR. The initiative includes:Rehabilitation Works: Redesigning and upgrading hospital infrastructure in line with UNOPS standards for sustainable health facilities.Medical Equipment Procurement: Procuring and installing state-of-the-art medical equipment to enhance diagnostic and treatment capacities.Capacity Building: Implementing training programs in hospital management, hygiene, waste management, infection prevention, and maintenance.Particular attention was paid to climate resilience and ensuring inclusive healthcare services in rehabilitation design. Innovation is also prioritized throughout the project to ensure advanced medical technologies are incorporated to meet the evolving healthcare demands of the population for years to come. The project aligns with the Ninth National Socio-Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), contributing to Outcome 2: improved quality of human resources and healthcare services. It also supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (2022–2026) by advancing equitable and inclusive access to health services, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 3: Ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.Collaborating for ImpactToday’s milestone highlights the power of international collaboration. The Russian Federation’s funding underscores its commitment to advancing healthcare in Lao PDR, while UNOPS brings technical expertise to ensure the project adheres to the highest standards of quality and sustainability. The Ministry of Health has been a key partner, providing strategic guidance and local leadership to align the project with national priorities.Ms. Eda Kraja, UNOPS Country Manager, emphasized the project’s commitment to long-term impact by stating, “By embedding sustainability into every aspect of the project—whether through climate-resilient designs, operational efficiency, or inclusive capacity-building programs—we are ensuring that Mittaphab Hospital is not just modernized but future-proofed.”“Quality health care is essential for people’s well-being and a productive workforce. COVID-19 showed us how quality health care can be life-saving and how preparedness for future health hazards and other shocks, including disasters, is so absolutely crucial.  Hence, we need to be ready and well equipped to tackle these new challenges.”  said Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR. Mr. Vladimir A. Kalinin, Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Lao PDR, highlighted the importance of collaboration and shared goals by saying, "Together with our Lao and UNOPS partners, we are supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure to create a healthier future for all in Lao PDR. We hope that this collaboration will make a significant contribution to the socio-economic development of the country."H.E. Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health, Lao PDR, highlighted the transformative impact of the project by stating, “The rehabilitation of this hospital will not only enhance its infrastructure but also significantly improve the quality of care for patients, aligning with the Ministry of Health’s 5 Goods and 1 Satisfaction (5G1S) policy.”A Vision for the FutureOnce completed, Mittaphab Hospital will stand as a beacon of hope for equitable healthcare in Lao PDR. Its expanded diagnostic and treatment capacities will play a pivotal role in addressing critical health challenges and ensuring that no one is left behind.By prioritizing climate resilience, gender equality, social inclusion, and innovation, the project sets a new benchmark for sustainable healthcare infrastructure. The rehabilitation of the Mittaphab Hospital is not just about modernization—it is about empowering communities, fostering resilience, and laying the foundation for a healthier future for generations to come. Notes to the Editors:More photos can be found here.Press Contacts: Ffion Conlon, UNOPS Partnerships Specialist for South East Asia and Pacific ffionc@unops.org  , filtered_html

 The two-week-long campaign, involving 40 partners, supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the European Union (EU) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), aimed to raise awareness and foster actions to prevent and eliminate violence against women and girls. In Laos, about 1 in 3 women have experienced sexual, physical or emotional violence, and yet of these women, only 1 in 10 sought help from authorities such as the police, medical centres or Lao Women Union and relevant sectors.  These numbers underscore the urgent need for enhanced coordination and efforts to effectively prevent violence, provide accessible support services, and ensure that survivors are met with compassion, dignity and action.The Orange Patuxay event, held under the theme 'Toward 30 Years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to End Violence Against Women and Girls,' brought together a diverse group of local and international attendees. Participants wore orange in solidarity, creating a powerful collective statement to advance the advocacy efforts, which will continue until December 10 (Human Rights Day). The event saw active engagement from a wide range of stakeholders, including government representatives, United Nations agencies, embassies and development partners, civil society organizations, disability advocates, and both public and private sector representatives. Their unified presence highlighted the commitment to ending all forms of violence against women and girls in Lao PDR, amplifying the 'Say No' message through their participation in various activities.During the ceremony, a video message from the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone was broadcast for the audience , reaffirming the commitment of the Lao Government  to prevent and eliminate all forms of violence regardless of sexes and genders. In his message, he states: "Every year, during the 16 Days of Activism, we unite to reaffirm our ownership, leadership, cooperation, and engagement in ending violence against women and girls. Our government stands firm in its commitment to implementing laws and policies that promote gender equality and protect women's rights. We are dedicated to strengthening mechanisms to prevent and address violence, transforming harmful attitudes, and ensuring perpetrators are held accountable under the law. By allocating resources and investing in initiatives that support gender equality, we are paving the way for a future where every woman and girl can live free from fear and violence." Speaking at the ceremony, Mme Aly Vongnorbountham, President of the Lao Women’s Union (LWU) and Vice Standing President of the National Commission for the Advancement of Women,  Mothers and Children, said: "Orange radiates positivity and hope, symbolizing a brighter future free from violence against women and girls. Together, we can take a stand—support survivors, empower them with vital information to access justice, and amplify our voices to challenge harmful societal norms. Join the campaign to advocate for stricter laws, stronger enforcement, and greater resources to end violence against women and girls. Let’s unite for a world where every woman and girl can live in safety and dignity."Mr. Kambiz Kabiri, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge said: In the past decade, Lao PDR has undergone a remarkable transformation in cultural norms. Through the combined efforts of public awareness campaigns, strong government leadership, and substantial investments in Prevention of Violence Against Women (VAW), coordinated by relevant ministries and development partners, tolerance for domestic violence has significantly diminished. However, the work is far from complete. UNFPA remains resolute in advocating for bold action to raise awareness, drive advocacy, and promote innovative solutions to eradicate the violence against women and girls.H.E. Mr. Jung Yung SOO, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea:“The Republic of Korea sees the Violence Against Women and Children as a significant matter for eradication and elimination. They put their effort to tackle the problem by supporting Khanhom Project and establishment of the GEVAW Center is a significant milestone to respond and eradicate violence against women in Lao PDR.  The Republic of Korea and KOICA will continue to support and stand by Lao PDR to fight against GBV and enhance gender equality based on outcomes of the KhanHom Project”.Mr. Bakhodir Burkhanov, The UN Resident Coordinator in Lao PDR: [The United Nations pledges to continue its strong partnership with Laos and all stakeholders to build a future where women and girls can live without the fear of violence. The Pact for the Future, recently adopted by world leaders including Lao PDR, reaffirms the critical importance of eradicating all forms of discrimination and violence, to not only protect their fundamental rights, but also to build resilient, equitable communities where all can thrive.H.E Mark Gallagher, Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Laos “Gender equality is more than a goal; it is a fundamental right and a shared responsibility, central to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030. Today is both a celebration of progress and a call to action. We must redouble efforts to eliminate GBV, expand reproductive health programs, and enhance education and economic opportunities for women and girls to ensure they can live lives of their choosing”.H.E. Ms. Benita Sommerville, Deputy Head of Mission, Australian Embassy to Lao PDR : “The Australian Government is committed to advancing gender equality and ending gender-based violence in all its forms. To achieve gender equality, men's violence against women must end, so women can be and feel safe – at home, at school, at work, in their communities and online. Australia is committed to implementing effective interventions to help stop violence against women. Australia’s International Development Policy highlights the need to address, prevent and respond to gender-based violence, to make our region peaceful, stable, and prosperous. We are proud to work alongside the Lao government and our partners to combat gender-based violence and champion the rights and dignity of all women and girls.”The illumination of Patuxay Monument into orange marks the first official government event in a dynamic, action-packed calendar for the 16 Days of Activism, spanning from the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November to Human Rights Day on 10 December. The campaign will feature a series of impactful activities, including seminars, media campaigns, and public discussions on critical topics such as the importance of mental health for survivors of gender-based violence, HIV/AIDS, and the rights of people with disabilities.Following Patuxay illumination in orange, a diverse and inclusive fashion show themed "The Empowerment Runway" took place at ASEAN Park, spotlighting various forms of violence while advocating for inclusivity and respect for the rights of all women, including those with disabilities, women from rural and ethnic communities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.The 16 Days of Activism serves as a powerful platform for raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and driving tangible action to eliminate violence against women and girls. It calls for solidarity and collective actions, through united efforts to build a future of safety, equality, and dignity for all women and girls in Lao PDR., filtered_html