Lao PDR

Millennium Development Goal 6

Combat HIV AIDS, Malaria and Other Diseases

The rampant spread of infectious diseases threatens to reverse development progress, reduce life expectancy and cut productivity. HIV AIDS poses an unprecedented health, economic, and social challenge on a global scale. By infecting young people disproportionately–half of all new HIV infections are among 15 to 24 year olds– the epidemic undermines local and international stability. According to official case reports, HIV/AIDS prevalence is still low in the Lao PDR, with an estimated adult HIV rate of around 0.06%. There are, however, several risk factors that make Lao PDR particularly vulnerable including: proximity to countries with higher HIV/AIDS prevalence; steadily increasing travel and migration, both internal and transboundary; high incidence of poverty and low living standards; increase in the use of illicit drugs and the regular use of alcohol; inadequate access to effective STD treatment; relatively low awareness about the existence, causes, and prevention of HIV/AIDS; poor implementation of universal precautions against HIV/AIDS transmission in health facilities; and lack of universal screening for HIV of blood transfusions or blood products before use. The government's National Strategy and Action Plan to combat HIV AIDS aims to support widespread, multi-sectoral efforts to ensure the low prevalence rate continues. Other infectious diseases also seriously threaten development priorities. In the Lao PDR, malaria has consistently been among the top three causes of reported morbidity and mortality, and around 70% of the population live in areas where they are at risk. Furthermore the tuberculosis prevalence rate has been estimated at 144 cases per 100,000 which makes the Lao PDR a high-prevalence nation.