Feb. 21, 2024 (Vientiane, Lao PDR)—Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including cardiovascular disease, stroke, cancer and diabetes, are responsible for 60% of all deaths in Lao PDR. The epidemic of NCDs poses devastating consequences for individuals, families and communities as well as for health systems.
Vital Strategies and the Ministry of Health, Lao PDR, announced a new 18-month program today to address the growing NCD problem and support the government in developing tools to advance NCD prevention, screening and management. The program was formally launched at a symposium event at the Don Chan Palace Hotel earlier this week. Specifically, the program will look at two leading NCDs in Lao PDR—diabetes and cardiovascular disease—along with the closely related health condition, hypertension, more commonly known as high blood pressure.
“We can only realize our best, healthiest future with sustained focus on preventing noncommunicable diseases,” said Dr Siddhi Aryal, Regional Director, Vital Strategies Asia Pacific Hub. “We commend the Lao Ministry of Health’s commitment to tackle the burden of NCDs in the country and look forward to our work supporting the health care community to develop the necessary tools and services to improve health and wellbeing for all.”
“Proven, effective policies and interventions will help prevent and reduce NCDs in Laos,” said Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health Lao PDR. “We are proud to partner with Vital Strategies to develop a strategic action plan for NCD management and to reduce the burden of these leading killers for our residents.”
“Sanofi’s Global Health Unit aims at improving the lives of millions of people through better access to health care and quality medicines. We are pleased to support Vital Strategies and the Lao PDR government in achieving better prevention and management of diabetes, hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases at all levels of the health system,” said Thibaud Lefort, Head of Operations, Sanofi Global Health Unit.
In Lao, growing urbanization, changing dietary patterns, sedentary lifestyles, limited awareness and an aging population have contributed to the rise of NCDs. The Vital Strategies team will provide direct technical and strategic assistance to essential health agencies both at national and sub-national levels. The initiative focuses on enhancing the capabilities of health care professionals, managers, policymakers and community health workers, enabling them to implement comprehensive screening and management programs for cardiovascular diseases, hypertension and diabetes. The objective is to develop a prevention and management protocol for NCDs that will encompass the patient’s entire health care pathway from primary health care centers to hospitals.
Vital Strategies is the primary implementing partner for this project, which is powered by Sanofi’s Global Health Unit for Sustainable Impact. Sanofi Global Health is a nonprofit unit within Sanofi pharmaceuticals and funds the training of health care professionals and the set up and development of sustainable care systems for those who suffer from chronic diseases and require complex care.
Sanofi will not promote any of its drugs or services as part of this collaboration with Vital Strategies and will not be involved in the day-to-day project activities and/or influence the development of the final NCD prevention, management and treatment protocol.
For more information, visit: www.vitalstrategies.org
About Vital Strategies
Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities, and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives.
To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or Twitter @VitalStrat.
Media Contact:
Shreya Bhat
Communication and Partnership Officer, Vital Strategies Asia Pacific Hub
sbhat@vitalstrategies.org ; +65 8288 6202