About WHO in Lao PDR

The World Health Organization (WHO) was established on 7 April 1948 as the directing and coordinating authority in global public health within the United Nations system. Working at three levels in the Organization (global, regional and country), more than 7000 WHO staff worldwide collaborate with the governments of 194 Member States and other partners to achieve the WHO founding vision of the attainment of the highest possible level of health by all people.

The WHO Western Pacific Region is home to more than one quarter of the world’s population, stretching over more than one third of the distance around the globe. In all, more than 600 WHO staff work in 15 country offices and the Regional Office in Manila, Philippines, to support Member States in achieving better health outcomes for the Region’s nearly 1.9 billion people in 37 countries and areas.

A WHO Country Liaison Office was first established in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1962, and it was later expanded into a WHO Representative Office in 1968. The early days were historically challenging for the health sector, but WHO built a strong partnership with the Government of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic and the Ministry of Health, based on mutual trust.

Over the years, the scale and scope of WHO partnerships have grown exponentially. From fewer than 20 staff when WHO opened its first office, to the more than 60 international and national staff members, WHO maintained continuity and uninterrupted presence as the country underwent political and economic changes.

WHO Representative in the Lao People's Democratic Republic:
Dr Timothy Armstrong

Office address:
125 Saphanthong Road, Unit 5 Ban Saphangthongtai, Sisattanak District Vientiane Capital Lao People's Democratic Republic

Postal address:
P.O. Box 343 Vientiane, Lao P.D.R.

Tel:
+856 21 353-902
+856 21 353-903
+856 21 353-904

Office hours:
08.00 - 12.00 13.00 - 17.00 (Monday to Friday)

Email:
wplaowr@who.int

Address:
Simuang Road, Vientiane Lao People's Democratic Republic

Tel:
+856 (0) 21 214058
+856 (0) 21 214061

Fax number:
+856 (0) 21 214003

Email:
hsipchansaly@etllao.com
hsipadm@etllao.com

Website:
http://www.moh.gov.la