Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong (right) and Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov co-chair the meeting on Tuesday.

Laos, UNFPA review progress, set priorities for 2025

The Lao government and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) highlighted key achievements in reproductive health and gender equality during their annual review meeting in Vientiane on January 28.
Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment, Mrs Phonevanh Outhavong, who co-chaired the meeting with UNFPA Representative Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, said the gathering served as a platform to discuss the progress made under the 7th Country Programme for Laos, which runs from 2022 to 2026.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education and Sports, Lao Women’s Union, Lao Youth Union, development partners, and civil society organisations.
Discussions focused on priorities for 2025, including addressing maternal health, family planning, and gender-based violence.
Dr Kadyrov highlighted the progress made in the fields of reproductive health, gender equality, and support for young people.
“Over the past year, the programme strengthened national reproductive health and family planning services, promoted gender equality, and empowered young people, especially those in rural areas, with life skills and knowledge about their rights,” he said.
In 2024, the programme launched initiatives to improve reproductive health and reduce preventable maternal deaths.
Efforts also focused on ensuring there is no unmet need for family planning and addressing harmful practices such as child marriage.
UNFPA also supported efforts to prevent and address gender-based violence.
In flood-affected areas, health services were provided to 4,000 women and girls, and 1,700 dignity kits were distributed. Life-saving assistance was given to survivors of gender-based violence through collaboration with the Lao government and stakeholders.
The Pilot Census and Post Enumeration Survey conducted in 2024 provided crucial recommendations to prepare for the 5th Population and Housing Census this year.
The census will generate essential data to inform the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and sectoral policies.
“Collaboration and coordination are key to empowering women and young people, advancing sexual and reproductive health, addressing gender-based violence, and ensuring data-driven policymaking,” Dr Bakhtiyor said.
The review meeting concluded with presentations by line ministries, which highlighted achievements, challenges, and opportunities from 2024 and outlined key interventions for 2025.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest UpdateJanuary 29, 2025)