(KPL) The meeting was co-chaired by Minister of Health Baykham Khattiya, Japanese Ambassador to Laos Koizumi Tsutomu, and World Health Organization (WHO) Representative to Lao PDR Timothy Armstrong, with the participation of government officials, development partners and representatives of relevant sectors.

Participants reviewed progress under the 10th Five-Year Health Sector Development Plan (2026–2030) and discussed priority action plans for 2027.

With Official Development Assistance (ODA) expected to decline following LDC graduation, the meeting highlighted the need to increase domestic budget allocations for healthcare and mobilise additional financing from alternative sources, including climate finance.

Other priorities included expanding the use of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) in health management and service delivery, while ensuring data privacy, safety and ethical standards. Participants also stressed the importance of developing and retaining qualified medical personnel, particularly in rural and remote areas, and improving healthcare facility standards to meet public expectations.

Minister Baykham Khattiya said LDC graduation represented an important milestone that also required greater national responsibility and ownership of the country's health development. She reaffirmed the government's commitment to strengthening domestic financing for the sector.

Japanese Ambassador Koizumi Tsutomu stressed that technology should serve as a means of strengthening the healthcare system and improving services for the Lao people, rather than being an end in itself.

WHO Representative Timothy Armstrong reaffirmed the organisation's commitment to supporting the Lao government throughout the transition and helping build a resilient healthcare system.

The government and development partners will continue working together to strengthen the sustainability of the health sector and ensure equitable access to quality healthcare services for all people.

KPL