The initiative reaffirms the commitment of the Lao PDR to protect all children from polio and strengthen the national immunization programme. The campaign mobilizes medical personnel and volunteers to reach more than 800,000 children nationwide, including those living in remote and underserved communities.

Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth said that in 2025 the Lao PDR recorded laboratory-confirmed cases of polio and measles, verified by laboratories in Japan and the Lao Center for Epidemiological Analysis. Outbreaks of polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases were reported in multiple provinces and districts, particularly in border villages.

He noted that vaccination coverage in several communities has remained low for years, resulting in a growing number of unvaccinated children. This trend has been observed in densely populated urban areas, sparsely populated regions, and hard-to-reach locations, contributing to outbreaks of polio, measles, and other preventable diseases.

To boost immunization coverage for polio and measles-rubella and reduce the number of children missed during routine services, the Ministry of Health, through the Mother and Child Health Center and in collaboration with development partners, is administering polio drops and the measles-rubella vaccine to children under five years of age nationwide. The campaign aims to ensure that every eligible child—both in urban and rural areas—receives the necessary vaccines without omission.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that the Party and Government remain committed to ensuring healthcare access for all children by providing essential and appropriate basic health services. He described the launch ceremony as a significant opportunity to raise awareness about immunization and encourage communities, local authorities, and parents to actively support vaccination efforts.

The nationwide campaign will be carried out from March 3 to 12, 2026.

For his part, Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Representative to the Lao PDR, highlighted that while vaccines save lives, success depends on the dedication of health workers and the trust of communities. He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Lao PDR in reaching every child, especially those in remote and vulnerable areas.

In the coming days, thousands of health workers and volunteers will travel to villages, schools, and communities across the country to ensure that every child receives the polio vaccine.

KPL