Our Response To help combat the spread of HIV and AIDS in Lao PDR, World Vision is partnering with the Government of Lao PDR to conduct community awareness campaigns educating the youth and adults on the risks of HIV and AIDS and how to protect themselves from infection. World Vision’s hope is that through building awareness, individuals and whole communities will know the truth about HIV and AIDS and be empowered to make informed and responsible decisions for their lives to protect themselves and their loved ones. What are the challenges? Historically, the relative isolation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) has helped the country avoid the spread of HIV and AIDS now being experienced by neighboring countries.However, as Lao PDR increasingly moves toward a market-based economy and opens up to the outside world, the country is becoming more vulnerable to the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Today, the prevalence of HIV and AIDS in Lao PDR is comparably low at 0.08% of the population with the majority of incidences occuring in the southern provinces. Who’s At Risk? Young People
Young people, espeically in rural areas, have poor knowledge on reproductive health and HIV prevention methods, such as condom use. Lack of medical services and information targeted at young people also contribute to the high vulnerability of HIV. Sex Workers and Clients
Lack of condom use and multiple partners lead to high vulnerbilities. Alcohol also plays a significant role in the spread of HIV, particularly in relation to commercial sex. Under the influence of alcohol men are more likely to purchase sex and less likely to use condoms. Labour Migrants
An increasingly mobile population, especially young women, are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection . Female labour migrants face the risk of sexual exploitation which exposes them to HIV infection.Recent transportation improvements such as new roads and highways in southern Lao PDR has facilitated the migration of people from their poor communities to internal and cross-border destinations in search of income opportunities and a better life. Mobile Ethnic Minority Groups
Many ethnic minority groups have lived for a long time in relative isolation, both geographically and in terms of access to information. Recent migration of whole communities to live near roads and highways have exposed them to new risks and mobile people. Drug Users
The use of recreational drugs has rapidly expanded in the Lao PDR and an alarming number of sex workers are thought to be injecting drugs and sharing injecting equipment. What’s the solution? Building awareness, reducing stigmas, and improving medical facilities has become necessary to combat the spread of HIV and AIDS and reduce the risks of infection for vulnerable groups. The Government of Lao PDR, in partnership with international organizations and non-governmental organizations, developed the National Strategy and Action Plan on HIV 2006-2010. This strategy targets vulnerable groups focuses on behavioral change interventions, condom use, sexually transmitted disease services, and voluntary counseling and testing. Creating an enabling environment at all levels from central government to local community groups will facilitate awareness activites and campaigns to education and inform vulnerable groups on the risks of HIV and AIDS and prevention methods. Sources:
Millennium Development Goals Progress Report Lao PDR (2004)
National Strategic Plan and Operational Framework on HIV/AIDS/STI 2006-2010 (2005)
Save the Children Norway. Desk Study on Policies, Strategies and Programmes on
Mainstreaming HIV/AIDS in Education Development Sector in Lao PDR (2006)
Dr Phengphet Phetvixay, Centre for HIV/AIDS/STI 2008 | 
