AHF Wellness Clinic in Vientiane.

AHF Wellness Clinic in Vientiane reports strong results six months after opening

Nearly 400 people have received free, stigma-free healthcare services from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Wellness Clinic in Vientiane since its launch, marking a significant achievement in its first six months of operation. The clinic, the first of its kind in the capital, is expanding access to STI and HIV services for underserved and at-risk communities.
Operated by AHF Laos in partnership with the Center for HIV/AIDS and STIs (CHAS) and testVTE Center, the clinic provides a safe and inclusive environment for individuals who face challenges accessing conventional healthcare, including workers, students, and key populations.
Launched in December 2024, the clinic is located at House no. 374, Kaisone Road, Chomany village, unit 16 in Xaysettha district.
It operates daily—weekdays from 10am to 7pm and weekends from 1pm to 7pm.

A medical doctor attends to a client at the clinic.	A peer counsellor provides support to a client at the clinic.

Staffed by a physician and nurse, the clinic offers comprehensive services, including STI diagnosis and treatment, HIV testing and linkage to care, risk-reduction counselling, mental health and CHEMSEX screening, PrEP referrals, and free condom distribution.
“This clinic offers a much-needed alternative for clients who cannot visit public healthcare facilities during working hours due to job or school constraints,” said Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, Ministry of Health, Dr Phonepadith Sangkharath, “Its success reflects the growing demand for client-centred, community-based services in Laos.”
Promising Results
From January to April 2025, the clinic recorded 376 total client visits, 327 clients tested for HIV, 15 new HIV-positive cases (4.5 percent) were linked to treatment, 2 known-positive clients were reconnected to ARV care, 327 clients screened for syphilis, 14 reactive results, including 4 co-infected with HIV, 5 clients sought STI treatment directly.
These results underscore the clinic’s success in identifying new cases, linking clients to care, and contributing to national efforts to control HIV and STIs.
Peer-Led Outreach Boosts Engagement
The clinic’s peer-led outreach model has been a vital driver of client engagement. Trained peer counsellors use Facebook, X, and other platforms to raise awareness, offer real-time advice, and encourage people to seek services. As a result, around 90 percent of walk-in clients said they discovered the clinic online.
In addition to providing direct services, the clinic is strengthening health system linkages through collaboration with community-based partners such as the Vientiane Youth Clinic.
Client Testimonial
One client who visited the clinic said “Before visiting the Wellness Clinic, I didn’t know where to turn. I saw their post on Facebook, messaged a peer, and decided to go in. Learning I was HIV positive was devastating—but the support I received helped me realise I could live with it. I’m now on ARV treatment, my health is improving, and I feel hopeful about the future. This clinic changed my life.”
Since 2018, AHF has worked with the Lao government to scale up access to HIV and STI prevention, testing, and treatment across the country. The Wellness Clinic in Vientiane marks a milestone in ensuring that no one is left behind when it comes to healthcare.
AHF is the world’s largest non-profit provider of HIV/AIDS care, serving over 2.3 million people in 47 countries.
To learn more, visit www.aidshealth.org, follow AHF on Facebook (@aidshealth), Twitter (@aidshealthcare), and Instagram (@aidshealthcare).

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 5, 2025)