Lao-Luxembourg Health and nutrition programme conducted the Joint Participatory Mechanism National Council

On 10 July 2025, the Joint Participatory Mechanism National Council (JPMNC) of the Health and nutrition programme convened a high-level meeting at the Ministry of Health in Vientiane. This mechanism is a financial collaboration between the governments of Laos (20%) and Luxembourg (80%), implemented through the Ministry of Health and LuxDev. The initiative aims to sustain reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services with equitable access, high quality, and cost-efficiency.

The meeting was co-chaired by H.E. Mme Aphone VISATHEP, Deputy Minister of Health, and H.E. Mr. Thomas LAMMAR, the chargé d'affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos. Participants included Mr. Timothy ARMSTRONG, Representative of World Health Organization, Mr. Robert DE WAHA, Representative of LuxDev, representatives from the Ministry of Finance's Department of Public Debt Management, and senior staff from the Ministry of Health and Provincial Health Departments of the four target provinces (Vientiane Province, Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Bokeo).

The main objectives of the JPMNC meeting were to review achievements and results to date, plan health activities for the last six months of 2025, and approve the proposed Joint Participatory Mechanism (JPM) budget plan for 2026, amounting to approximately LAK 35.54 billion. This budget will support 4 provincial health departments, 33 district health offices, 31 district hospitals, and 220 health centers. Notably, Bokeo province will implement the first year of JPM in 2026. 

The six main areas of intervention are: 

• good governance;
• strengthened RMNCAH delivery services;
• development of health information systems;
• health technology services;
• human resources for health;
• access to nutrition services.

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.