Community mobilization of the promotion of vaccination and in Daksouang village, Dakcheung district of Xekong province.

Lao Front for National Development bolsters immunisation in underperforming provinces throughout Laos

With the support from the Government of Australia and UNICEF Lao PDR, the Lao Front for National Development (LFND) is organising workshops for health authorities and community leaders throughout six provinces of the Lao PDR in a bid to bolster immunisation efforts for children, particularly around the measles-rubella vaccine.

Community mobilisation of the promotion of vaccination  in Songkhon village, Kaleum district of Xekong province.

Vaccination is a key public health intervention in safeguarding children’s lives. As such, these workshops are specifically targeted at provinces that continue to have low routine immunisation rates, which are Bokeo, Khammuan, Savannakhet, Savan, Attapeu and Xekong provinces.
The most recent of the workshops were organised in Attapeu and Xekong provinces from 29 April to 2 May 2024 and involved various stakeholders, including religious leaders and health workers. The workshop helped equip them with the skills to effectively communicate to their communities about vaccines and its importance.
During the workshops in Attapeu and Xekong provinces,  Director of the Department of Social Strata and Civil Society Organisations of the LFND, Mr Vandy Chansombath  urged all related departments to provide strong support in mobilising communities around vaccination, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign from 20-31 May 2024.
“Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to protect children from serious illness, including from measles and rubella, and improving their overall well-being. The measles-rubella vaccine for instance has been used for several decades worldwide. It’s important that children receive this life-saving vaccine at the recommended age,” said Mr Vandy Chansombath.
 UNICEF Communication Specialist, Mr Tabongphet Phouthavong also emphasised that improving measles and rubella vaccination rates in the Lao PDR is critical to avoiding the deadly outbreak of these diseases in the country, especially in light of increasing cases of these diseases worldwide.
“UNICEF reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the health of Lao children and expanding access to life-saving immunisations for all. We need to ensure no child is left behind and we will continue working closely with local authorities to do so,” stated Mr Tabongphet Phouthavong.

Echoing this statement, Vice President of Xekong LFND, Mr Darasak Phanthanalay  stated that district and village authorities should provide active support in enhancing immunisation efforts where routine immunisation rates are low. 
Dr Bounnanh Chanthavong from the Xekong Provincial Health Office, also noted how immunisation coverage remains low in some areas due to the lack of qualified health staff, budget and current difficulties accessing all the district and villages due to the lack of vehicles. He explained: “many people still do not understand the importance of vaccination. The lack of internet access, phone connection and language barriers are also major obstacles hindering our efforts. Nevertheless, we remain committed to our duty and will redouble our efforts alongside LFND, UNICEF and related departments to increase vaccination rates.”
At the conclusion of the workshops,  LFND, UNICEF, health authorities and the media conducted activities in Attapeu and Xekong provinces to mobilise villages for vaccination as well as provide them with information about vaccines and health education in general. These activities were led by LFND and organised in Halang village in Samakhixay district of Attapeu province, alongside Songkhon and Daksouang villages in Dakcheung district of Xekong province.
All vaccines in the Lao PDR have been approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the Ministry of Health and are proven safe and effective in protecting children from severe illnesses and life-threatening diseases.

 (Latest Update May 6, 2024)