Deputy Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth (centre) administers polio vaccine.

800,000 children set to receive polio vaccine

The Ministry of Health, with support from UNICEF and WHO, on March 3 launched the National Polio Supplementary Immunisation Activity in Vientiane to ensure that every eligible child receives the vaccine.
The vaccination drive reaffirms Laos’ commitment to protect every child from polio and strengthen the country’s immunisation system.
Polio is a highly infectious virus that can cause irreversible paralysis and, in severe cases, death.
Health workers and volunteers will deliver the vaccine to about 800,000 children across the country, including those in remote and underserved communities.
The national launch ceremony brought together senior government officials, development partners, health professionals, and representatives of mass organisations, underscoring the government’s determination to protect children’s health.
The event was attended by Deputy Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth and senior officials from the Ministry of Health, UNICEF and WHO.
Dr Phayvanh said the government is fully committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of location or background, has access to essential vaccines.
“This national polio campaign reflects our continued vigilance to prevent outbreaks and strengthen routine immunisation services.” 
As long as polio exists anywhere, children everywhere remain at risk, making continued vaccination essential, he added.
The campaign is supported by partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI), including Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, with generous funding support from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through KSrelief.
UNICEF and WHO are working closely with the Ministry of Health to support vaccine logistics and cold chain management, training and supervision, risk communication and community engagement, and monitoring throughout the campaign.
UNICEF Country Representative in Laos, Mr Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, highlighted the importance of community engagement and frontline health workers.
“Vaccines save lives, but it is the dedication of health workers and the trust of communities that make immunisation successful. UNICEF is proud to support the Government of the Lao PDR in reaching every child, especially the most vulnerable and those in remote areas.”  
 WHO Representative in Laos, Dr Timothy Armstrong, underscored the importance of sustained vigilance, saying “Although the world has made remarkable progress towards polio eradication, the virus continues to circulate in some regions.”
“Maintaining high immunisation coverage through routine immunisation and, if needed, campaigns such as this one, is essential to protect children and to secure a polio-free future.”
Over the coming days, thousands of health workers and volunteers will travel to villages, schools, and communities to ensure all eligible children receive the polio vaccine.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update March 6, 2026 )