Dr Phonepadith Xangsayarath (front right) displays the project funding agreement signed with the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

AIDS support group provides US$2.6m to strengthen health services in Laos

The AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) has committed more than US$2.6 million to support the implementation of Phase III of a project to improve the prevention, care, and treatment for HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infections in Laos during the years 2026-2030.
The project aims to strengthen and expand access to HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention, testing, care, and treatment services, ensuring they are accessible, equitable, and efficient for all.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on project funding was signed on Friday by AHF President Mr Michael Weinstein and Director General of the Department of Communicable Disease Control under the Ministry of Health, Dr Phonepadith Xangsayarath.
The agreement establishes a formal framework for cooperation between the Ministry of Health, through the Center for HIV/AIDS/STI, and AHF to ensure the continued implementation of HIV/AIDS and STI prevention and treatment activities in Laos.
Under the agreement, AHF will support the provision of essential medicines, laboratory chemicals, medical equipment, condoms, and necessary facilities for health service units to ensure continuity of patient care and treatment.
The two sides will also strengthen the technical capacity of medical personnel, public health workers, and community volunteers through training and technical support in patient management, treatment, and disease surveillance.
In addition, the project will support the mobilisation and management of financial resources, budgets, and technical assistance in alignment with the National Strategy on HIV/AIDS.
One of the project’s key objectives is to improve access to HIV prevention interventions and HIV and syphilis testing among most-at-risk populations, while ensuring that all individuals diagnosed with HIV are successfully linked to appropriate care and treatment services.
Implementation will involve central and provincial hospitals, particularly antiretroviral (ART) service sites in the targeted provinces. Activities will include strengthening the capacity of healthcare workers through training, particularly in areas where gaps in HIV testing and diagnosis services have been identified.
Training will cover blood testing recommendations, including HIV testing for sexual partners of people living with HIV, with refresher training conducted annually.
The project will also strengthen HIV testing services and referral mechanisms, aiming to ensure that all individuals diagnosed with HIV are successfully linked to treatment services.
Furthermore, efforts will be made to improve condom availability and distribution by establishing and maintaining condom distribution boxes at designated locations, regularly monitoring them, and ensuring a continuous supply of condoms to support HIV and STI prevention.
Through this five-year partnership, the Ministry of Health and AHF aim to strengthen the national HIV/AIDS and STI response, improve the quality of health services, and expand access to essential prevention, testing, care, and treatment services across Laos.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update November 10, 2026)