Vientiane: The Government of the Lao PDR and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently conducted an annual review and planning meeting to highlight significant progress made during the third year of the implementation of the 7th Country Programme 2022-2026.
According to Lao News Agency, Ms. Phonevanh Outhavong, Vice Minister of Planning and Investment, opened the meeting by acknowledging the tangible achievements of 2024 and laying out priorities for 2025 within the framework of the ongoing Country Programme. The event was attended by representatives from various ministries including Planning and Investment, Health, and Education and Sports, alongside members of the Lao Women’s Union, Lao Youth Union, development partners, UN agencies, and civil society organizations.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Outhavong emphasized the importance of the annual review and planning meeting as a platform for discussing progress, identifying lessons learned, and addressing challenges to ensure successful implementation of priority interventions.
UNFPA Representative Bakhtiyor Kadyrov highlighted that over the past year, the Country Programme has strengthened national reproductive health and family planning services, promoted gender equality, and expanded opportunities for the youth. He noted that initiatives such as delivering life-saving support for survivors of gender-based violence, empowering young people with knowledge about their rights, and ensuring maternal health have been crucial in driving progress.
Representatives from line ministries presented key achievements and challenges faced in 2024 while outlining priorities for 2025. Initiatives launched by UNFPA and the government in 2024 have focused on enhancing reproductive health and family planning services, aiming to achieve zero preventable maternal death, zero unmet need for family planning, and zero gender-based violence.
A significant number of young people, especially from rural areas, have been empowered with knowledge about their rights and equipped with essential life skills through the UNFPA and government partnership. This empowerment lays the groundwork for young people to reach their full potential.
Furthermore, UNFPA provided technical support to prevent and address gender-based violence in Lao PDR and collaborated with stakeholders to provide life-saving support to survivors. In flood-affected areas, health services were provided to 4,000 women and girls, and over 1,700 dignity kits were distributed as part of UNFPA’s humanitarian response.
The Pilot Census and Post Enumeration Survey conducted in 2024 offered critical recommendations for the upcoming 5th Population and Housing Census, expected to provide valuable data for the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan and sectoral policies.
Mr. Bakhtiyor underscored the importance of collaboration and coordination in achieving results related to empowering women and young people, advancing sexual and reproductive health, addressing gender-based violence, and ensuring data-driven policymaking. He expressed gratitude to all government counterparts and implementing partners, particularly the Ministry of Planning and Investment, for their support in achieving progress during the third year of the seventh country programme.
