From commitment to action: Lao PDR moves forward with Health National Adaptation Plan

The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), ADB and development partners, convened a national consultation to operationalize the health component of the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) 3.0 and the Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) 2025–2030, advancing collective action to strengthen climate resilience of the health system in Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

The consultation brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Health and national health institutions, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, Ministry of Finance, mass organizations, provincial authorities, and other development partners.

 “Lao PDR is already experiencing the health impacts of climate change through the rise of temperature and more extreme weather events,” said Dr Mayfong Mayxay, President of the University of Health Sciences. “The Health National Adaptation Plan provides a clear and practical roadmap to protect the health of our people and to ensure that climate resilience is embedded across all levels of the health system.”

The meeting aimed to foster multisectoral collaboration and establish thematic working groups to support effective implementation and monitoring of the H-NAP. Implementing partners discussed the development of an operational annual action plan, while gathering feedback from development partners and mapping their commitments,to promote coordinated resource mobilization.

The Health National Adaptation Plan (H-NAP) 2025–2030 serves as Lao PDR’s key strategic framework for strengthening climate resilience in the health sector. Its objectives are to reduce vulnerability to current and future climate-related health impacts and to increase adaptive capacity by mainstreaming climate change adaptation measures into health sector planning and programmes. Developed through multiple rounds of consultation and close collaboration between the health and environment sectors, the plan reflects national priorities, evidence-based actions and stakeholder recommendations.

Lao PDR remains highly vulnerable to climate change. Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and more severe extreme weather events are already affecting health. It is estimated that at least 40 000 people in the country could be exposed to flooding due to climate change by 2030 if no additional action is taken.

“Heat-related illness and climate-sensitive diseases are intensifying pressure on the health system, especially in rural and remote areas,” said Dr Christopher Fitzpatrick, WHO Deputy Representative to Lao PDR. “Now is the time to make good on the promise of the HNAP. WHO is committed to supporting the Government of Lao PDR in turning the plan into action for the Lao people, across the health sector and beyond.”

This consultation forms part of a broader, multi-year effort to strengthen climate-resilient health systems in Lao PDR. The initiative is jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health, WHO and Save the Children, with generous support from the Green Climate Fund (GCF). It aims to enhance institutional capacity, improve climate-informed decision-making, and protect the health of communities most vulnerable to climate-related risks, now and in the years ahead.