WHO, China and Switzerland announce US$1.18m to eliminate schistosomiasis in Lao PDR

Today, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ministry of Health announced a significant step towards eliminating schistosomiasis in Lao PDR. A total of US$1.18 million will be provided over the next two years to support elimination efforts, provided by the China Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund (GDF) and the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

Schistosomiasis is transmitted by parasitic worm-infected snails living in contaminated water. Impacting almost 240 million people worldwide, it remains a significant public health concern in Lao PDR, affecting an estimated 120 000 people in Champasack Province’s Khong and Mounlapamok districts across 202 villages, with school-aged children particularly at-risk. Left untreated, the disease can cause stomach pain, an enlarged liver, bleeding when going to the toilet – and even lead to infertility or bladder cancer.

Minister of Health, HE Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith said: "Schistosomiasis has been a persistent challenge for many years. Despite our efforts in preventing the transmission and eliminating schistosomiasis, the disease continues to affect thousands, especially children. This new funding and collaboration will enhance our capacity and enable us to intensify our control measures and move closer to elimination.”

The funding – including US$680 263 via China’s GDF Fund, and US$500 590 via Switzerland – will support a range of activities aimed at interrupting schistosomiasis transmission, with the aim of achieving zero cases of new locally-transmitted infections of schistosomiasis infections in snails, animals, and humans.

In partnership with Lao and Cambodian Ministries of Health, China’s National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, and the Swiss Tropical And Public Health Institute, activities will include: the updated and implementation of the National Action Plan for elimination of schistosomiasis in Lao PDR 2025-2035; mass drug administration to treat all children and adults in all endemic villages; health education regarding the dangers of the disease and prevention; enhancing disease surveillance and testing capacity; and improving access to clean water and sanitation facilities in affected villages, to reduce the spread of transmission.

Importantly, efforts will be carried out in collaboration with health officials in Cambodia, where bordering provinces facing similar schistosomiasis challenges. Parallel activities in disease surveillance, mass drug administration and water and sanitation improvements will also be carried out in both countries, with data and experiences regularly shared.

“Schistosomiasis is an unwelcome health risk causing a range of tragic health impacts – one that we are close to eliminating,” said Dr Tim Armstrong, WHO Representative in Lao PDR. “Sustained investment and commitment have meant less than 1% of people living in high-risk locations are infected – but – with children and adults risking infection due poor hygiene, playing outdoors, farming or enjoying recreational activities, the risk to health – and further spread, remains.”

The Chinese Ambassador to Lao PDR, H.E. Fang Hong, emphasized China's commitment to promoting global health and sustainable development.

"China is honored to support the elimination of schistosomiasis in Lao PDR through the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund," she said. "This project is not only about disease prevention but also about strengthening community resilience and empowering local development. Through mutual support and shared efforts, China stands ready to work with Laos and all partners to build a healthier, more prosperous future."

Jean-Gabriel Duss, Regional Director for the SDC in the Mekong Region, noted: “Switzerland is glad to be part of this partnership, a collective effort that goes beyond financial resources to eradicate this disease across the region. By joining forces and mobilizing Swiss expertise, we aim to improve lives along the Mighty Mekong.”

While substantial progress has been made towards elimination of schistosomiasis in Lao PDR, migration to urban areas is introducing the disease to new locations, while growth in eco-tourism is leading to increasing case numbers among travellers. Additional investment will support the goal of zero new infections in humans, animals and snails.

More broadly, Lao PDR continues to make significant efforts to eliminate communicable diseases. In 2017, the country officially eliminated trachoma from within its borders. In 2023, Lao PDR announced the elimination of lymphatic filariasis. Meanwhile, malaria cases have fallen from hundreds of thousands in the 1990s to less than 500 in 2024.