The meeting reviewed HIV/AIDS prevention and control efforts in 2026 and discussed plans for 2027.

Khammuan records 89 new HIV cases in first 9 months of 2026

Khammuan province recorded 89 new HIV cases during the first nine months of this year, highlighting the continued need to strengthen prevention, testing and treatment services.
According to Pasaxon Daily Newspaper, the figures were announced at a meeting held on October 22 to review HIV/AIDS prevention and control activities in 2026 and discuss plans for 2027. The meeting was attended by health officials and relevant partners to assess progress and identify priorities for improving the provincial response. Deputy Head of the Administration Office at the Provincial Health Department and AIDS Healthcare Foundation Project Coordinator, Mr Phongsakone Khamdalanikone, said 9,300 people had undergone HIV testing during the first nine months of this year.
In 2025, the number of people tested reached 13,406, reflecting the expansion of HIV testing services across the province.
“Cumulative figures from 2020 to 2026 showed that 77,308 people had HIV tests in Khammuan province, with 544 testing positive and 67 deaths recorded,” he said.
To strengthen prevention and control efforts, provincial authorities have outlined several measures for 2027 and beyond. These include expanding mobile HIV testing services, increasing targeted outreach to groups at higher risk of infection, and strengthening cooperation among government agencies, health services, local communities and development partners.
The measures aim to improve access to testing, encourage early diagnosis and support the long-term sustainability of HIV prevention and control programmes.
Across Laos, some 2,000 new cases of HIV were detected in 2023 and 2024. Between January and September 2025, about 1,600 individuals tested positive, with 60 percent in the 20-34 age group.
Although HIV prevalence in Laos remains relatively low, reaching key populations, including men who have sex with men and transgender people, continues to pose challenges for prevention efforts.
Health authorities and partners are seeking stronger collaboration and more accessible testing services to help people learn their HIV status early and obtain appropriate care and support.
The meeting stressed the importance of sustained efforts to prevent new infections, expand testing coverage, and improve the effectiveness of HIV/AIDS programmes in Khammuan province and throughout Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update October 27, 2026)