Mr Vilaysook Sisoulath (centre) addresses a meeting to discuss the findings of the 2025 Population and Housing Census.

Govt takes stock of census results to guide policy-making

The Lao Statistics Bureau has convened a meeting with key partners to review preliminary findings from thematic reports on fertility, nuptiality and mortality based on the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
The talks were viewed as a key step towards transforming demographic data into actionable national policy.
The consultation meeting, held on Thursday in Vientiane with technical support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and development partners including the governments of Australia, Switzerland and Luxembourg, brought together key stakeholders to examine the initial findings of the reports.
According to the Lao Statistics Bureau, four thematic reports have been prioritised for immediate consideration. These cover fertility and marriage, mortality, migration and urbanisation, and population projections.
The four studies form part of a broader series of 12 thematic reports planned to provide a deeper analysis of findings from the 2025 Population and Housing Census.
Deputy Director General of the Department of Economic and Social Statistics under the Ministry of Finance, Mr Vilaysook Sisoulath, stressed the importance of moving beyond recording population figures to formulating policies that address specific needs.
“While the main census report gives us a high-level picture of our population, these deeper thematic studies help us understand changing trends across key sectors,” he was quoted as saying.
“The feedback gathered today will ensure these reports become practical guides for shaping our 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and directing government resources to where they are needed most in every province,” he added.
During the technical sessions, international experts presented preliminary findings on key demographic indicators, including fertility rates, marriage patterns, and adolescent birth trends.
Technical experts Mr Ralph Hakkert and Mr Ben Jarabi presented the findings, which could help policymakers better understand changes in population patterns and reproductive health needs.
The consultation also examined preliminary findings on infant, child and maternal mortality, which are important indicators for assessing healthcare services and inequalities in access to healthcare.
These studies are expected to provide valuable information for national planning, particularly in improving maternal and child healthcare and expanding access to reproductive health services.
Participants shared comments and recommenda-tions on the preliminary findings, key indicators and methods used to analyse the census data.
The meeting also discussed linking the census findings to digital mapping tools, allowing population trends and other indicators to be displayed at provincial and district levels.
This approach could help government agencies better identify development needs and direct resources to areas where they are most needed.
According to a press release, feedback from the consultation will be included in the draft reports, which are scheduled to be finalised and officially launched in 2027.
The findings are expected to strengthen national data systems and support efforts to improve healthcare, including sexual and reproductive health and rights, while expanding opportunities for women, girls and young people across Laos.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 6, 2026)