National Committee for the Control of AIDS Bureau - Lao PDR

This report covers the progress made by the National AIDS Response (NAR) in Lao PDR in the two years period 2010-2011, against the commitments and targets of the 2011 Political Declaration.

Preparation/consultation process for the National Report on monitoring the follow-up to the Declaration of Commitment on HIV/AIDS Lao PDR, 08 April 2003

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is unique in its HIV situation, and can be considered as the only country in the Greater Mekong Region that has maintained a low HIV prevalence in the general population.

The process of preparing the Lao PDR UNGASS country progress report 2008 began in early December 2007.

The government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has taken action to prevent the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in the country even before the identification of first case of HIV infection in 1990 and the first person with AIDS in 1992 (NCCA established in 1989).

Lao PDR is currently experiencing a period of rapid social change associated with the transition to a market economy and closer regional integration. A number of significant child and youth protection issues have emerged in recent years, including child trafficking, sexual exploitation and abuse, HIV/AIDS, children in conflict with the law, substance abuse and street children. It is imperative that immediate action is taken to identify effective strategies for the care and protection of vulnerable children.

As the NSAP 2011‐2015 is in the penultimate year of implementation, the preparation process of this report is an opportunity for the National AIDS Authority and its partners to review and reflect on the progress made in the last three years, as well as to consider the efforts needed to reach the ambitious targets set in the National Strategy.  Recognising its important status, all partners have been invited to take part in an open and participatory process for the 2014 report.

The purpose of the National Strategic and Action Plan (NSAP) 2011-2015 is to guide the national response of Lao PDR to HIV/AIDS. The review and revision of the NSAP was participatory, and this document reflects contributions from government, civil society, people living with HIV and development partners.

The Lao PDR started a participatory, consultative process to update its National Strategy and Action Plan for 2006-2010 in early 2005.

Sections included in the final report: Respondent's Background, Sexual Activity and Condom Use, HIV Knowledge and Beliefs, Exposure to HIV/AIDS Information, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, HIV Testing and Personal Experience. Survey of Male Truck Drivers was conducted in Vientiane Municipality and Champasak Province.