(KPL) In recognition of ASEAN Dengue Day, Save the Children International in Laos is pleased to announce that the expanded Driving Down Dengue in Laos (DDDiL) project is now fully operational. In close partnership with the Ministry of Health’s Department of Communicable Disease Control, the initiative is delivering comprehensive training to health workers ahead of the planned release of Wolbachia mosquitoes in July 2025.

The DDDiL project is a joint effort between Save the Children and the Department of Communicable Disease Control, made possible through generous support from the Government of Australia and the World Mosquito Program.

A minimum public acceptance rate of 60% is required before the Wolbachia mosquito release can proceed. This community acceptance survey is currently underway, with high expectations based on the 99% approval rate achieved during the first phase of mosquito releases in 2023.

In late May, a Training of Trainers (ToT) program was successfully held. The training enhanced the capacity of health officials by covering key areas such as dengue prevention, mosquito release procedures, optimal container placement strategies, and the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping tools for Vientiane Capital.

“These well-trained health officials are now equipped to lead training sessions for 164 villages and 228 village health volunteers across seven districts,” said Khamlar Phaodavanh, Head of the Communicable Disease Control Division, Vientiane Capital Health Department. “This cascading model is essential for strengthening community-level preparedness for the upcoming Wolbachia release and improving local capacity to fight dengue.”

Luke Ebbs, Country Director for Save the Children in Laos, highlighted the broader context of the project, stating:

“Climate change is undeniably increasing the threat of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue, making innovative, sustainable solutions more important than ever. The expansion of Driving Down Dengue in Laos and the upcoming Wolbachia mosquito release are major steps forward in protecting children and communities from this growing public health threat.”

Dengue continues to pose a serious health challenge in Laos, particularly during the hot and rainy season from May to October. In 2024, the country recorded 20,150 dengue cases and 11 related deaths. Vientiane Capital remains a high-priority intervention zone due to its significant disease burden.

The DDDiL project launched its first phase in 2022 and began Phase II in March 2025, scaling up activities across Vientiane Capital. Looking ahead, the initiative is set to expand further from 2026 to 2028, targeting Luang Prabang, Oudomxay, Savannakhet, and Champasak provinces.

KPL