Vientiane, 11 December 2025 — The Ministry of Health of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), together with the Mekong Institute (MI) and Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, officially launched the national implementation of the Mekong Children’s Heart Care Project (2025–2027) in Vientiane. This launch marks a landmark effort in regional public health cooperation, marking the first systematic nationwide effort in the Lao PDR to advance capacity for the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD).
Funded by the Government of the People’s Republic of China through the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the project is a concrete action under the Global Development Initiative (GDI). Targeting CHD—a major cause of child mortality in both Lao PDR and Cambodia—the initiative aims to build national-level screening systems, introduce advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, and significantly enhance the professional capacity of healthcare providers in both countries.
Over the next two years, the project will deliver substantial impact in Lao PDR: screening at least 10,000 children nationwide, providing full-cycle treatment for no fewer than 30 diagnosed patients, and training more than 110 medical professionals. Local specialists will also participate in advanced fellowship programs at Fuwai Hospital. To reinforce local service capabilities, the project will donate an ultrasound machine and essential medical equipment.
Dr. Khampasong Theppanya, Director General of the Department of Health and Rehabilitation of the Lao PDR, noted at the launch that the project does more than provide timely care for children with CHD in remote areas. It also significantly strengthens the national health system by enhancing medical professional skills and generating data critical for evidence-based policy development.
“We sincerely appreciate the generous support from the Government of China. This reflects China’s deep commitment to the longstanding friendship between our two countries, as well as its continued and sustained support for the development of the Lao PDR’s health sector,” Dr. Khampasong said.
MI Executive Director Mr. Suriyan Vichitlekarn emphasized the project’s significance for regional partnership. He stated: “As the first project MI implements with China’s support through this Fund, it is a major milestone in public health cooperation. Strengthening Lao PDR’s capacity, while also supporting Cambodia, benefits local communities and creates a more equitable health system across the Mekong region.”
Dr. Duo Lin, from Fuwai Hospital, emphasized the initiative’s strategic alignment and commitment to capacity building. “We are honored to implement this project during such an important stage of development in Lao PDR, strengthening coordination and cooperation with MI and the Ministry of Health,” she stated. She noted that providing equipment, consumables, and conducting vital activities will ensure early detection and timely treatment of CHD, significantly improving child health in the country. She concluded: “This work is also aligned with China’s GDI and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, particularly the goal of reducing mortality among children under five and adolescents.”
The project will focus on sustainable capacity development through hands-on training and technology transfer, including the introduction of Fuwai Hospital’s advanced PAN (Percutaneous and Non-fluoroscopic) technique. Local clinicians have expressed strong support, emphasizing that the new equipment, training, and specialist guidance will significantly strengthen the quality of care and long-term outcomes for affected children.
The national launch marks the beginning of a coordinated, multi-year effort among China, MI, Lao PDR, and other regional partners to reduce preventable child deaths caused by CHD. Project partners will work closely with provincial health authorities, hospitals, and schools to extend screening into remote communities. The systems and experience developed through the project will support Lao PDR in shaping long-term national policies for pediatric cardiac care, ensuring that benefits extend well beyond the project period.
