Newly appointed Minister of Health meets WHO Representative to Lao PDR

Today, newly appointed Minister of Health H.E. Mme Baykham Khattiya and WHO Representative to Lao PDR Dr Timothy Armstrong conducted their inaugural meeting, alongside senior Ministry of Health and WHO Lao PDR officials at the Ministry of Health.

Mme Baykham Khattiya commended WHO for its strong, decades-long collaboration with the Government of Lao PDR, highlighting joint efforts to strengthen the health system and health services, and ensure the greatest level of health nationwide.

“We deeply appreciate WHO's consistent support across many areas within the health sector, and beyond," said Mme Baykham Khattiya. “This partnership has been instrumental in our journey to improve health for all, has saved millions of lives, and ensured generations of healthier families and communities. We look forward to achieving further progress together.”

During its 75 years as a WHO member, the country has achieved numerous health milestones, including the successful management of COVID-19, the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and trachoma, the near elimination of malaria, and an 82% reduction in maternal mortality between 2000 and 2023. Through this, WHO’s support has ranged from guiding policy and legislation, to supporting the implementation of life-saving activities.

During the visit, Mme Baykham Khattiya and Dr Timothy Armstrong discussed collaboration on remaining health burdens – including vaccination, outbreaks, and disease elimination – as well as escalating challenges like climate change, non-communicable diseases, and limited funding available for health.

“WHO is incredibly proud to work alongside the Government of Lao PDR, and the dedicated team at the Ministry of Health, to support Lao PDR’s significant health progress and tackle remaining challenges,” said Dr Armstrong.

“We are committed to this vital partnership and supporting health for all Lao people,” continued Dr Armstrong, “particularly ensuring the health sector’s budget allocation of at least 9% of the total government budget is met, and exploring new opportunities for revenue like via health taxes on tobacco and other harmful products. We look forward to building on our success, together, under the strong leadership of Minister Khattiya.”

In Lao PDR, WHO partners extensively with the Ministry of Health and other relevant ministries to address a wide range of health topics. With the impacts of climate change, ongoing economic challenges, and lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the country and its population are particularly vulnerable. In Lao PDR, WHO focuses on promoting sustainable and resilient health systems, protecting communities from health emergencies and diseases, and safeguarding health amid climate change and environmental threats.