Luxembourg grants EUR32 million to strengthen healthcare

Luxembourg is continuing support for the Lao health sector with a grant of more than EUR32 million to carry out a new health and nutrition programme in four provinces.
The extension of support by Luxembourg was reported during a meeting between the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency and the Ministry of Health, involving the steering committee of the new programme.

Government officials join with representatives of Luxembourg after a project steering committee meeting in Vientiane.

The meeting was chaired by Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith and Charge d’Affaires of the Grand-Duchy of Luxembourg to Laos, Mr Sam Schreiner.
Participants reviewed the accomplishments and outcomes of the Laos-Luxembourg Health Sector Support Programme Phase II from 2014 to 2023, funded with EUR36.35 million, and sought guidance from steering committee members regarding the rollout of the new health and nutrition programme planned for the period 2023 to 2027, with a budget of EUR32.44 million.
The programme will primarily focus on the provinces of​ Vientiane, Borikhamxay, Khammuan and Bokeo, and continued support will be provided for the Joint Participatory Mechanism to ensure the sustainability of healthcare outputs in these provinces.
In addition, more will be done to enhance interventions at the cardiology centre in Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane.
In alignment with the health sector reform framework outlined by the Lao Ministry of Health for 2021-2030, the new programme will align its tasks and activities to achieve long-term health targets and indicators specified in the health sector reform plan.
Three key priority areas have been identified, including ensuring better access to health care services, particularly for maternal and child healthcare, in the target provinces.
Efforts will be made to make healthcare affordable for local communities and ensure that quality care is provided for all individuals.
During the meeting, participants engaged in open and productive discussions and the co-chairmen expressed appreciation for the achievements and results accomplished to date.
The meeting also discussed the provision of guidance for the health planning process and programme implementation in line with the strategies of the Ministry of Health and the government.
This approach aims to maximise resource utilisation and work towards achieving the set goals, according to a Luxembourg report.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 28, 2023)