Senior officials from Laos and Luxembourg attend the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the Lao-Luxembourg Health and Nutrition Programme in Vientiane on Tuesday.

Luxembourg approves over 35 million Euros for healthcare, nutrition activities in Laos

The government of Luxembourg has approved a significant budget for the year 2024, providing more than 35 million Euros for health and nutrition programmes in Laos.
Approximately 2 million Euros will be directed towards the Lao Red Cross and the national blood transfusion centre to improve the blood cold chain system throughout the country. This investment will ensure the safe and effective delivery of lifesaving blood donations across Laos, according to a press release from the Embassy of Luxembourg to Laos.
Another 1.1 million Euros reallocated from the previous intervention (LAO/027) will support renovations and equipment for the Maria Theresa Provincial Hospital in Vientiane province.
The approved budget was the main topic at the 2nd Steering Committee Meeting of the Lao-Luxembourg Health and Nutrition Programme (LAO/035), co-chaired by Laos’ Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Poummalaysith, and Chargé d’Affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, Mr Thomas Lammar.
The meeting, which took place in Vientiane on Tuesday, saw the official adoption of a budget increase to strengthen healthcare infrastructure and systems throughout Laos, as announced during a visit by Luxembourg’s Vice-Prime Minister to Vientiane on February 8 this year.
The Steering Committee also approved a collaboration with the Lao Statistics Bureau valued at 200,000 Euros. This collaboration will facilitate the finalisation and dissemination of the results of the third Lao Social Indicators Survey.
This crucial data will provide invaluable insights into the current health and nutrition landscape of Laos, informing future policies and interventions and ensuring that they address the most pressing needs of the Lao people.
Steering Committee members assessed the programme’s accomplishments in its first year and charted the course for continued success in 2024. A key outcome was the official approval of the Annual Operational Plan for 2024, ensuring a clear roadmap for programme activities.
Mr Lammar said “The meeting was essential to reaffirm our collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Laos. Luxembourg’s commitment to the health sector remains steadfast, even after 20 years of cooperation and over 100 million Euros spent over the years.”
The Health and Nutrition Programme (LAO/035) is funded by the Government of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update April 11, 2024)