Improving diagnostic and treatment for cardiac patients through cardiology training: a South-South cooperation between Mongolia and the Lao PDR

From 26 to 30 January 2026, a group of cardiology and internal medicine doctors participated in a heart failure and telemedicine training in Vientiane Capital with the aim of strengthening national capacity for cardiovascular care in the Lao PDR. The training, supported by the Health and nutrition programme, brought together a total of 17 participants from central hospitals – namely Mahosot Hospital, Mittaphab Hospital and Setthathirath Hospital – and 4 provincial hospitals from Khammouan, Bolikhamxay, Vientiane Province and Bokeo. The activity was implemented under the framework of the Letter of Understanding (LoU) on cardiology capacity building, signed between the Shastin Third State Central Hospital of Mongolia and LuxDev, reinforcing the triangular cooperation between Lao PDR, Mongolia and Luxembourg.

In the Lao PDR, available health data reveal that cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with acute cerebrovascular accidents (stroke) and ischaemic heart disease identified as the top two causes of death. This underscores a critical need for cardiology services to be strengthened within hospitals. While these challenges are significant, the Lao PDR is not alone in facing them, and LuxDev can leverage the accumulated technical expertise from other, long-standing health sector interventions. Indeed, since 2001, Luxembourg has successfully supported the strengthening of the cardiovascular health sector in Mongolia through successive project phases, culminating in the current project entitled Cardiology, cardio-surgery and telemedicine in Mongolia.

With the aim of sharing the acquired knowledge, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Ministry of Health of Mongolia and the Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR in 2024, which exemplifies the strong political will to strengthen cardiology services and establish a structured framework for South-South cooperation. While the MoU established the strategic framework for cooperation, this training activity was implemented under the framework of the LoU signed between the Shastin Third State Central Hospital of Mongolia and LuxDev. This letter defines the modalities for cardiology capacity building and contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the Health and nutrition programme.

Delivered by a team of cardiology specialists from the Shastin Third State Central Hospital of Mongolia, the five-day training aimed to strengthen participants’ clinical skills in heart failure management and the integration of telemedicine into routine practices for better diagnosis and treatment. The training applied a blended learning approach, integrating lectures, case-based discussions and interactive sessions to effectively bridge theory and clinical practice. A key element of the programme’s focus on sustainable capacity development is the progressive strengthening of skills. This training built on prior education, as the same participants had completed the advanced ECG and ischaemic heart disease training in November 2025. Furthermore, the training concluded with integrated case conferences, post-training assessments and the development of practical action plans to support the application of newly acquired knowledge in participants’ respective health facilities.

Participants reported clear intentions to apply the gained knowledge in hospital settings, highlighting both the relevance and the positive impact of such training activities in life-saving practices. Several participants also emphasised their intention to cascade the learning, meaning sharing the new knowledge and skills with other medical staff across cardiovascular units.

A participant also noted: 

The event was opened by Dr Khampasong THEPPANYA, director general of the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation under the Lao Ministry of Health, and Dr Silvia MORGOCI, senior sector adviser of the Health and nutrition programme. The chairs highlighted the importance of strengthening cardiovascular services at both central and provincial levels to support better patient outcomes across the health system in the Lao PDR. By reinforcing clinical competencies and promoting telemedicine, this initiative contributes to the improved management of heart failure and to enhanced access to quality cardiovascular care across the Lao PDR. 

The Health and nutrition programme is financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and jointly implemented by the Ministry of Health of the Lao PDR and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.