A new study led by the Faculty of Public Health at the University of Health Sciences, with support from UNICEF and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, provides fresh insights into how more children in Lao PDR can be reached with life-saving vaccines.

The mixed-methods study, conducted in Xaythany (Vientiane Capital), Dakcheung (Sekong), and Houn (Oudomxay), examined the experiences of caregivers, communities, and health providers to better understand barriers to immunization. Findings show that nearly 15 percent of surveyed children had not received their first dose of the Pentavalent vaccine before their first birthday.

The Ministry of Health welcomed the findings and reaffirmed its commitment to equitable immunization “Every child in Lao PDR deserves protection against preventable diseases. We are committed to working with partners to address the barriers revealed by this study and to reach the most disadvantaged communities,” said Dr. Vanphanom Sychareurn and Research team.