(KPL) The meeting was co-chaired by Viengxay Vilavong, Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Health’s Finance Department, and Dr. Achala Upendra Jayatilleke, Acting Coordinator and Health Systems Development Team Lead at the World Health Organization (WHO) Country Office in Laos. Participants included representatives from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ministry of Health departments, hospitals, research institutes and other relevant government agencies.

The consultation highlighted the need for coordinated action across multiple sectors, as NCDs pose significant public health and socio-economic challenges. Their prevention and control require cooperation beyond the health sector, involving areas such as education, agriculture, food systems, finance, commerce, environment, employment and social protection.

The Ministry of Health is leading the development of the 10-year national action plan in cooperation with relevant ministries, development partners, civil society organisations and local communities.

The plan is intended to establish a coordinated national framework for NCD prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term care. It will also clarify the responsibilities of government agencies and other stakeholders, while setting measurable targets, implementation timelines, resource requirements and sustainable financing arrangements through 2035.

The consultation provided an opportunity for relevant agencies and partners to review the proposed committee structure and operational arrangements, helping lay the groundwork for coordinated implementation of the national plan.

KPL