Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is a small land-locked South-East Asian country with a population of almost 7 million (WHO,2016), Lao PDR has made significant progress in socio-economic development that has increased life expectancy and decreased infant mortality, but the health status remains one of the lowest in the region. The life expectancy of males is 64 years and 67 years for female (WHO,2016) and Lao PDR infant mortality rate is 47 per 1000 live births (WHO,2018). The shortage and unequal distribution as well as the poor quality and motivation of many staff in the health sector remain critical issues. Non-communicable disease and disabilities are on the increase in Lao PDR and pose a major challenge to an already overstretched health system.
Interplast began delivering activities in Laos from 1996. Programs focused on training local staff in the techniques of cleft repair and reconstructive plastic surgery at Mahosot Hospital in Vientiane with a focus on burns management. Interplast has worked in Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang Province.
To ensure the sustainability of reconstructive plastic services in Laos, the ongoing professional development of key personnel is essential. A focus on improving the standard of care provided by the ward nurses has also been an important feature of Interplast program activities. A key highlight of Interplast’s programs in Lao PDR was the establishment of a local cleft team at the Mahosot Hospital, following training from Interplast teams. This local team now undertakes outreach programs to the provincial areas of Laos, with some support from Interplast. As a result of this change in need, Interplast’s programs in Laos now focus on burns surgery and associated allied health.
In the 2019/2020 financial year, Interplast will deliver surgical and training programs in Vientiane and Phonsavanh, including training focused on burns rehabilitation and hand therapy. These programs will provide crucial reconstructive surgery to local populations, while also delivering important training to local medical personnel.
For more details, visit our Calendar of Program Activities or get in contact with us.