Vientiane: Anouparb Vongnorkeo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, welcomed Saia Ma’u Piukala, the Regional Director for the Western Pacific of the World Health Organization, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Vientiane on March 5, 2026.
According to Lao News Agency, Deputy Minister Anouparb greeted Dr. Piukala on his second official visit to Laos, emphasizing the strong partnership between Laos and the WHO since Dr. Piukala’s previous visit during Laos’ ASEAN Chairmanship in 2024. The Deputy Minister expressed gratitude for the long-standing support from the WHO, which has been present in Laos since 1962. He highlighted significant achievements from this collaboration, such as the elimination of lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and malaria, the expansion of nationwide immunization programs, a robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a nearly 80 percent reduction in maternal mortality.
The discussions between the two officials included the implementation of the Lao PDR-WHO Country Cooperatio
n Strategy for 2024-2028. This strategy aims to strengthen sustainable health systems to achieve universal health coverage, improve preparedness for health emergencies and disease outbreaks, promote a healthy population, and advance the overall well-being of all citizens. These objectives align with the National Socio-Economic Development Plan and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Piukala expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and congratulated Laos on its successful leadership as the ASEAN Chair in 2024. He acknowledged the country’s progress toward graduating from the Least Developed Country status and reaffirmed the WHO’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Health of Laos and the Lao government in promoting health and well-being for the people of Laos.