LAO/035
Programme santé et nutrition

Dernières nouvelles

• LAOS - Improving patient care: key takeaways from the 5G1S Annual Review Workshop

  Publié le 11 Mars 2025    Par Nicolas TASCH   

  The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Lao PDR successfully concluded its annual review workshop on the implementation of the "5 Goods 1 Satisfaction" (5G1S) policy, held on February 26-27, 2025, in Thalat, Vientiane Province. Participants included high-level representatives from the MOH Cabinet, the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation (DHR), as well as the Departments of Planning and Finance, and Hygiene and Health Promotion. Additionally, Provincial Health Departments, provincial hospitals, and international development partners took part in the discussions. The workshop proved to be a productive platform for reviewing progress, sharing best practices, and strategizing for future improvements in healthcare quality across the nation.

  The workshop was opened by Dr Bounfeng Phoumalaysith, Minister of Health, who underlined the importance of continuous quality improvement, particularly through the implementation of the 5G1S policy. He also acknowledged the recent endorsement of the Healthcare Quality Assessment Tool and its accompanying guidelines by the MOH in January 2025, highlighting their alignment with the Lao context and their role in standardising hospital practices. The workshop centered on the MOH's ongoing commitment to "Good quality health services are provided to Lao people". Participants engaged in discussions and presentations related to the 5G1S policy, infection prevention and control (IPC), healthcare quality assurance, and the newly endorsed Healthcare Quality Assessment Tool. Presentations from MOH departments provided a comprehensive overview of 5G1S implementation in 2024, highlighting both successes and challenges.

  Detailed discussions focused on identifying areas for improvement and developing actionable solutions for 2025. Provincial Health Departments (PHDs) and Provincial Hospitals shared valuable insights into their successful 5G1S coordination and quality improvement initiatives. These presentations showcased innovative approaches to committee structures, training activities, monitoring processes, and patient engagement. Participants received updates on relevant policies, quality improvement initiatives, and patient safety measures.

  

  The newly endorsed Healthcare Quality Assessment Tool was thoroughly presented and discussed, providing participants with a valuable resource for evaluating hospital quality. Doctors from the 5G1S committees at Khammouane and Champasak hospitals expressed confidence in the tool, noting that it is clear, practical, and aligned with established guidelines. They emphasized its applicability in hospital quality assessment and highlighted the importance of teamwork in developing effective quality improvement (QI) plans. The workshop also fostered open and collaborative discussions on the advantages, challenges, and solutions for quality improvement. Participants actively engaged in sharing their experiences and perspectives, contributing to a rich exchange of knowledge.

  

  The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, providing a valuable opportunity for enhanced understanding of 5G1S implementation progress, increased knowledge of best practices in healthcare quality improvement, improved coordination and collaboration among stakeholders, and effective dissemination of the Healthcare Quality Assessment Tool.

  This progress is evident at Bolikhamxay Hospital, where the 5G1S tool is being implemented step by step across departments. While staff now have a better understanding of the tool, some aspects require budget approval from hospital leadership. Regular medical audits and nursing SOPs have already been integrated using available resources. Efforts are being made to reinforce that 5G1S is part of routine work rather than an additional task. The sustained implementation is supported by the nurses embedded within the hospital through the LAO/035 programme, who are providing ongoing guidance, hands-on practice, and regular follow-ups with the hospital director to ensure long-term success.

  The workshop provided clear direction for the future of healthcare quality improvements within Lao PDR. The knowledge gained and connections made during the event will undoubtedly contribute to the continued improvement of healthcare services in Lao PDR.

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

• LAOS - Embedded health care professionals in partner provinces

  Publié le 30 Décembre 2024    Par Matt EVANS   

  The Health and nutrition programme, a collaborative effort between the Governments of Luxembourg and the Lao PDR, is dedicated to enhancing access to quality healthcare services across the Lao PDR. A crucial component of this initiative involves embedding highly skilled health care professionals within provincial health systems. These professionals focus on capacity building, technical assistance, and infrastructure development to improve health care services and patient outcomes.

  

  Senior nurse trainer advisors

  A team of senior nurse trainer advisors is strategically placed in four provincial hospitals: Bokeo, Vientiane, Bolikhamxay, and Khammouane. These dedicated professionals bring a wealth of experience and diverse skill sets to their roles, working to improve nursing care standards throughout the programme’s partner provinces.

  International nurse trainers play a multifaceted role in continuous medical education at the provincial hospital level. By building sustainable capacities and training clinical educators, they create a long-term impact by ensuring these educators can serve as trainers for health professionals at district hospitals and health centers. Furthermore, senior nurse trainer advisors actively mentor nurses in all clinical areas, conduct essential supervision visits to district hospitals, and actively support the implementation of the national 5 Goods, 1 Satisfaction (5G1S) Quality Improvement framework. This framework, encompassing five key areas – Cleanliness, Reception, Comfort/Convenience, Diagnosis, and Treatment – aims to enhance the overall patient-experience.

  

  Working in close collaboration with the programme's Quality Healthcare Advisor, the senior nurse trainer advisors receive expert guidance on raising clinical standards within the healthcare system. Beyond the 5G1S framework, the team actively coordinates Infection Prevention and Control initiatives and effectively utilises the Kaizen methodology (Sort, Set-up and Order, Shine, Standardise, Sustain) to optimise processes, enhance efficiency, and minimise waste.

  Senior midwife trainer advisors

  

  Three senior midwife zrainer advisors are currently working in the Provincial Hospitals of Bolikhamxay, Khammouane, and Vientiane Province, with Bokeo soon to follow. These advisors bring extensive experience in improving Maternal and Child Health outcomes.

  Their responsibilities include long-term mentoring and coaching of nurses and midwives, providing bedside teaching in areas such as antenatal care, vaccinations, the delivery room, and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. They focus on consistently improving and maintaining clinical standards, building upon the work of previous Lao-Luxembourg Health sector support programmes.

  

  Impact and outcomes

  The embedded teams of senior nurse trainer advisors and senior midwife trainer advisors are having a significant impact on the quality of healthcare in partner provinces. Through their mentorship, training, and direct support of healthcare professionals, they are strengthening local capacity and promoting sustainable improvements in clinical practice. This includes enhancing infection prevention and control measures, improving patient care pathways, and implementing evidence-based best practices in maternal and child health. These efforts contribute to better patient outcomes, increased staff competency, and a more robust and resilient healthcare system overall. The focus on cascading knowledge and training to district level facilities ensures a wider impact on the quality of healthcare services across the provinces, including at the district level.

  

  The combined skills, energy, and unwavering enthusiasm of both the senior nurse trainer advisors and senior midwife trainer advisors are invaluable assets to the Health and nutrition programme. Their dedication to excellence is driving significant improvements in healthcare standards across the target provinces, ultimately benefiting the Lao people.

  

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

• LAOS - Successful conclusion of the four Provincial Coordination Committee Meetings for the 5th Indicative Cooperation Programme

  Publié le 23 Décembre 2024    Par Nicolas TASCH   

  We are pleased to announce the successful completion of the four Provincial Coordination Committee (PCC) Meetings for the 5th Lao-Luxembourg Indicative Cooperation Programme 2023-2027 (ICP V) for this year. The PCC meetings have taken place across several provinces, starting with Bokeo in May. Subsequent meetings were held in Vientiane Province in October and Bolikhamxay province in November. This final meeting, held in Khammouane province this December, marks the culmination of a productive year of activities across our partner provinces in Lao PDR.

  

  About the PCC Meetings

  The provincial coordination committee meetings proved particularly valuable for provincial authorities. Participants had the opportunity to gain in-depth insights into the four multisectoral programmes at provincial level (progress, working plans, budgets) and actively engage in valuable exchanges with officials from other provinces, fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

  Strengthening coordination and alignment

  These PCC Meetings play a crucial role in:

  • strengthening coordination across the four ICP V programmes;
  • and ensuring alignment with district and provincial five-year socio-economic development plans.

  

  Participants from local authorities gained a clearer understanding of the interconnectedness of the four ICP V programmes:

  • health and nutrition;
  • skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry;
  • rule of law, access to justice and good governance;
  • local development.

  This improved understanding highlights how these programmes collectively address the socio-economic needs of Lao PDR, especially in our four partner provinces.

  Valuable feedback and enhanced collaboration

  The meetings also provide a vital platform for LuxDev to:

  • receive valuable feedback on programme implementation;
  • strengthen collaboration;
  • and promote cross-sector implementation;

  This feedback mechanism is essential for ensuring the effectiveness and responsiveness of the programmes to local needs.

  

  Key objectives and outcomes

  The 4th PCC Meetings achieved several key objectives, including:

  • providing a comprehensive overview of the ICP V programmes and their impact;
  • facilitating knowledge sharing and collaboration among provincial authorities;
  • gathering crucial feedback for LuxDev to improve programme implementation;
  • developing practical recommendations to be presented to the annual Project Steering Committees.

  

  This successful conclusion of the 4th meeting wraps up a year of significant progress and reinforces the commitment of all stakeholders to the continued success of the ICP V programmes in Lao PDR. We look forward to continuing this important work in the coming year.

• LAOS - Luxembourg Cooperation supports Lao Red Cross with high-tech blood cold chain equipment

  Publié le 16 Septembre 2024    Par Nicolas TASCH   

  Luxembourg has handed over state-of-the-art blood cold chain equipment to the Lao Red Cross, valued at approximately 2 million Euros. This significant contribution aims to strengthen the Lao PDR’s blood transfusion services and ensure a reliable and safe supply of blood products across Laos.

  

  The handover ceremony took place in Vientiane Capital and was attended by key dignitaries, including H.E. Mr Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, H.E. Dr. Phaivanh Keopaseuth, Vice-Minister of Health, Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d'affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, Dr Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Institute, Mr. Robert de Waha, Resident Representative of LuxDev Asia office, as well as representatives from the Lao Government and LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

  The high-tech blood cold chain equipment, provided through the Health and Nutrition Programme, implemented by the Ministry of Health and LuxDev, will be distributed at central, provincial and district levels. This investment will play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the blood cold chain across the country, while responding the ambitious goals in terms of increased blood donations across the country. It will ensure that blood products are stored and transported safely from donation centers to hospitals and health facilities to help and rescue emergency cases timely and effectively nation-wide.

  The equipment includes a range of 243 essential components, such as freezers, storage units, digital control devices, and mobile cold chain units for outreach campaigns and safe transportation of blood products at district and village levels. Furthermore, the contract includes an extended warranty period and preventive maintenance and training to ensure the effective utilisation and maintenance of the equipment.

  

  H.E. Mr Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, the President of the Lao Red Cross, emphasised the importance of this donation: "The Lao Red Cross is grateful for the generous support from Luxembourg Aid & Development. This equipment will enable us to increase our blood products storage by 50% and ensure a reliable supply of blood products to those in need nationwide."

  Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d'affaires of the Luxembourg Embassy, expressed his satisfaction with this partnership: "Luxembourg is proud to continue its longstanding support for Laos in enhancing healthcare services. Building upon our successful collaboration over two decades ago, we are pleased to once again provide high-quality blood cold chain equipment from Luxembourg. This investment reaffirms our commitment to delivering high quality, durable and reliable solutions tailored to the specific needs of our partners."

  

  The handover of this high-tech blood cold chain equipment marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between Luxembourg and Laos in the health sector. It demonstrates Luxembourg's dedication to supporting sustainable development and improving the lives and health of people in Laos.

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