12 February 2010, the ground-breaking Summit on Adolescent & Youth Health Development was convened at Don Chan Palace in Vientiane with the theme “Young People’s Health in the Lao PDR: Why Worry?” The meeting was cordially co-chaired by H.E Dr. Bounkhouang Phichith, Vice Minister of Health and Mr. Serge Verniau, UNRC a.i to Lao PDR.

More than 150 top level participants were in attendance including representatives from National Assembly, government ministries, mass organizations, INGOs, Development Partners, journalists and young people. The meeting was jointly facilitated and supported by Ministry of Health and four UN agencies: UNFPA, UNICEF, UNODC and WHO. [Read more]

Vientiane: The United Nations is stepping up its response to last week’s typhoon in southern Lao PDR, sending food, water and hygiene supplies to communities hit hardest by the devastating storm and floods.

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Vientiane, July 3, 2009: “Realistic solutions” to the invisible crisis of malnutrition were the focus of two four-day National Nutrition Policy Dissemination Workshops in Oudomxay and Champasack provinces, 6-9 and 26-29 May, said Dr. Bounkouang Phichit, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Health (MOH). 

Attended by 220 participants including Dr. Bounkouang Phichit, Mr. Khamhoung Houengvongsy, Vice-Ministers of MOH, Mr. Bounpone Vannachith, Vice-Governor of Oudomxay Province and Dr. Douangchan Keoasa, Director General of Department of Hygiene and Prevention MOH, the series of workshops had in-depth presentations and discussions on the National Plan of Action for Nutrition and the National Nutrition Strategy, focusing on their linkages with the National Nutrition Policy and all sectors related to nutrition.

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29 April 2009 - Based on assessment of all available information and following several expert consultations, Dr Margaret Chan, WHO's Director-General raised the current level of influenza pandemic alert from phase 4 to 5. She stated that all countries should immediately activate their pandemic preparedness plans. At this stage, effective and essential measures include heightened surveillance, early detection and treatment of cases, and infection control in all health facilities.

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