A decade of impact: Luxembourg and Lao PDR celebrate 10 years of scholarships resulting in more than 1,000 qualified health professionals

The year 2025 marks a significant milestone in Luxembourg’s longstanding partnership with Lao PDR and their shared commitment to strengthening the health sector. Since 2015, Luxembourg Cooperation, through the Health and nutrition programme implemented by LuxDev has been supporting scholarship programmes that aim to strengthen human resource development among health professionals.

Over the past decade and across four main provinces, Bokeo, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay and Khammouane, over 1,000 health professionals have been empowered through short- and long-term training opportunities. These national and international scholarship programmes enable Lao health professionals to gain critical skills to provide safer and more effective care, thereby contributing to improved health services and stronger, more resilient health systems in Lao PDR. 

To celebrate these achievements and maintain momentum and motivation high for the next phase of health professional development, the Lao Health Alumni Conference was co-hosted by the Ministry of Health, the Embassy of Luxembourg in Lao PDR and LuxDev on 25 November 2025. 

This event represented a valuable opportunity to bring together a group of over 50 alumni, who had the opportunity to exchange their experiences and lessons learned with key stakeholders from the Ministry of Health, provincial health department leaders, the Luxembourg Embassy, and LuxDev.

The conference featured:

• keynote presentations on the scholarship programme and success stories;
• a panel discussion with senior decision makers;
• a panel discussion highlighting alumni reflections and experiences;
• opportunities for networking and professional exchange.

The discussions conveyed a clear and energising message: the momentum built around human resource development must continue, driven by strong commitment and shared motivation. Participants came together to reaffirm their dedication to sustaining scholarship programmes, emphasising that the long-term impact of training is realised only when alumni take ownership of their learning and apply it with focus, courage, and determination. Alumni testimonies powerfully illustrated this message, showcasing not only their achievements but also how they were supported to push themselves beyond their limits, expand their skills, confidence, and professional horizons in ways that inspire the next generation of learners.

In summary, this conference was a timely opportunity to mobilise a sustainable alumni network by celebrating achievements, connecting professionals and reaffirming commitments towards improved health services between alumni, government representatives and Luxembourg. By emphasising connection and mobilisation, and framed by celebration, this event underscored the need for Human Resource Development to be a continuous process that demands ongoing support. Within the networks established during this conference, lies a wealth of opportunities, ranging from mentorship and feedback exchange to collaborative ventures and lifelong friendships between Lao PDR and Luxembourg. 

The Health and Nutrition Programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.