World Vision International Lao PDR and Ministry of Health Extend Deworming Program for Children Under Five
World Vision and Lao Ministry of Health Partner Again to Deliver 800,000 Deworming Tablets for Young Children
Vientiane Capital, September 29, 2025 – To continue addressing malnutrition and improve the health of children in the Lao PDR, World Vision International in the Lao PDR has handed over 800,000 tablets (which is the same amount contributed last year) of the deworming medicine to the Nutrition Center, Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Ministry of Health.
This significant contribution marks the second consecutive year of support from World Vision International, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving the health and well-being of children at risk of malnutrition. The official handover ceremony took place at the Nutrition Center, with representatives from several relevant sectors in attendance.
Investing in Child Health and Development
In the Lao PDR, 1 in 3 children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition, particularly stunting. Intestinal worms can significantly worsen this condition by limiting nutrient absorption. Deworming interventions like this one play a crucial role in child development by helping improve nutrient uptake, physical growth, and cognitive outcomes.
All medication supported by World Vision International will be distributed through the Nutrition Center, utilizing the Ministry of Health's supply and distribution system for medicines and micronutrients. This ensures equitable and timely distribution to health facilities and communities. The medication will reach children aged 12–59 months in 18 provinces nationwide, extending to provincial, district, and health center levels in three key regions of the Lao PDR.
Ms. Edelweiss Silan, National Director of World Vision International in the Lao PDR, emphasized the high-impact cooperation:
“This is more than just providing medicine; it is a critical investment in the future of 800,000 children. By reducing parasitic infections, we help children's bodies absorb the essential nutrients needed for growth, learning, and thriving. Our continued partnership with the Ministry of Health is vital to reaching the most remote communities and ensuring the success of the national health strategy.”
Ms. Dr. Khamphouvanh Phounsavath, Head of the Nutrition Center, Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion, Ministry of Health, spoke on behalf of the Government of the Lao PDR in accepting the medicine:
“The continued support from World Vision International is extremely significant. The Ministry of Health is committed to scaling up health interventions to reduce malnutrition, and this large quantity of deworming medication is crucial to our efforts to protect the health of children under five and ensure the success of our national health promotion initiatives. We look forward to monitoring the health successes that this collaboration will bring." . We look forward to monitoring the health successes that this collaboration will bring.”
Commitment to a "Fullness of Life"
The deworming medication distribution program is part of World Vision's broader strategy to contribute to improving the well-being of vulnerable children in the Lao PDR. The organization aims to empower communities to participate in creating a future with "Life in its Fullness" for our children by implementing integrated programs that strengthen families and promote long-term community ownership.
About World Vision Laos:
World Vision Laos is a child-focused Christian humanitarian organization that works to improve the well-being of vulnerable children and their communities in the Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR). Our programs address poverty and injustice by focusing on improving nutrition, access to clean water, quality education, and sustainable livelihoods. World Vision Laos partners with communities, government, NGOs, and the private sector to implement development, relief, and advocacy programs, particularly in rural and remote areas with ethnic communities.