Lao Health Teams Ensure Flawless Security for International Delegates

Lao health authorities have successfully ensured comprehensive health security for international delegates participating in a series of international meetings and related events held from September 12 to 18, 2026. Dr Sonexay Ladsavong, Director of Mittaphab Hospital, confirmed that the overall health of all participating delegates has remained robust, with no severe illnesses or major public health incidents reported throughout the mission. As part of the national commitment to hosting international delegations, health authorities established a dedicated medical task force to provide 24/7 healthcare coverage across multiple venues, including Luang Prabang Province, the National Convention Centre, and 14 designated hotels. Key Medical Deployment Areas Dedicated medical support was deployed for delegates visiting clearance sites and Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) destruction activities. The operation integrated emergency teams from three central hospitals—Mittaphab, Mahosot, and Setthathirat—alongside Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital. Mittaphab Hospital contributed a specialised six-member team comprising cardiovascular, neurological, and emergency medicine specialists, fully equipped with specialised medications and emergency devices. Specialists in cardiology, neurology, and emergency medicine were stationed onsite, supported by comprehensive emergency medical supplies to manage any immediate contingencies. Hotel Accommodations Collaborative healthcare teams from the capital's central hospitals were stationed across the 14 official hotels, operating double-shift teams to manage routine care and minor health issues. Emergency Referral Hospitals & 24/7 Standby Mittaphab, Mahosot, Setthathirat, and Hospital 103 maintained round-the-clock emergency readiness. Furthermore, a joint rapid-response framework involving central hospitals and the Vientiane Health Department remained on standby for any cross-border medical evacuation requirements. National Blood Centre The centre maintained a 24/7 operational schedule with fully stocked blood reserves to guarantee immediate emergency response capabilities. Public Health Surveillance and Seasonal Preparedness Addressing journalists regarding potential imported infections or seasonal illnesses—particularly during the transition from the rainy season to cooler weather—Dr Ladsavong emphasised proactive public health measures. Health teams implemented monitoring protocols for common seasonal ailments such as influenza and routine upper respiratory infections. Delegates exhibiting flu-like symptoms, including fever or a cough, were advised to immediately contact their assigned liaison officers or onsite medical teams for prompt triage, screening, and isolation if necessary, ensuring uninterrupted participation in proceedings. Separately, news from the same period includes a grant from the Embassy of Japan in the Lao PDR to support school construction, fundraising efforts by the Legacies of War Foundation in the US for UXO clearance in Laos, and an international conference on strategic infrastructure connectivity among Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia hosted by the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences. Source: KPL Laos News