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The Lao PDR has taken a significant step toward developing a National One Health Action Plan with the successful conclusion of the One Health Situational Analysis Workshop held from April 28-30 in Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province The workshop, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, brought together key stakeholders to assess the country’s One Health progress and identify future priorities.
(KPL) The Lao PDR has taken a significant step toward developing a National One Health Action Plan with the successful conclusion of the One Health Situational Analysis Workshop held from April 28-30in Vangvieng District, Vientiane Province. The workshop, led by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, brought together key stakeholders to assess the country’s One Health progress and identify future priorities.
Funded by the European Union under the Sustainable Wildlife Management (SWM) Programme, with additional support from the French Facility for Global Environment (FFEM) and the French Development Agency (AFD), the workshop was technically supported by FAO, WHO, CIFOR-ICRAF, CIRAD, and WCS.
Dr. Ratsamy Vongkhamsao, Deputy Director General of the Department of Communicable Diseases Control, emphasized the importance of integrating human health, animal health, wildlife, and environmental sectors to strengthen One Health implementation. The FAO-developed One Health Assessment Tool (OHAT) was used to evaluate gaps, challenges, and opportunities for collaboration.
Dr. Satoko Otsu of WHO highlighted the broad scope of One Health, covering antimicrobial resistance, food safety, zoonotic disease prevention, and environmental health. Meanwhile, Ms. Kim Kyung-Mee, FAO Representative, stressed that the OHAT results will guide the development of a strategic action plan for Lao PDR.
Key outcomes from the workshop include a baseline One Health assessment, identification of sector-specific challenges, and a draft action plan to enhance cross-sector coordination. Dr. Souphavanh Keovilay of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry noted the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration in achieving these goals.
Ms. Cécile Leroy of the EU Delegation reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to One Health, praising the inclusive participation of government, academia, and civil society. The workshop marks a critical milestone in integrating environmental considerations into national One Health planning.
Moving forward, the Regional Quadripartite (FAO, UNEP, WHO, WOAH) will support Lao PDR in aligning One Health with biodiversity strategies and legal frameworks, paving the way for a comprehensive National One Health Action Plan.
The SWM Programme, active in Lao PDR since 2017, promotes sustainable wildlife management, health security, and biodiversity conservation through a One Health approach.
KPL
