October 15, 2020, Vientiane Capital- Over 170 researchers and practitioners from different parts of the country convened for the fifth annual adolescent research day forum in Vientiane Capital on 15th October and presented recent research evidence on health and development of adolescents in the context of 9th National Socio-Economic Development. Participants from different government ministries, research institutions, universities, UN agencies and international organizations attended this research forum organized by the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute and UNFPA with support from the Government of Luxembourg.
Chairing the forum, Dr. Phouthone Muongpak, Vice Minister of Health, said ‘We are committed to promote the health and development of adolescents and young people, especially adolescent girls, in order to transform the youth bulge into a demographic dividend to achieve sustainable development goals. Sharing evidence, building partnerships and scientific discussion is a high priority for us. All our efforts are geared towards ensuring that all adolescent girls like Noi can reach their full potential by 2030.’
Lao PDR has a young population, around 60% is less than 25 years of age. The Lao 2030 demographic study shows that the total population of Lao PDR which stands at 7.2 million in 2020, is projected to reach 8.1 million by 2030. A gain of almost one million people in the coming 10 years. The shape of the Lao PDR population pyramid will change in this decade, the working age population will increase from 64% in 2020 to 69% in 2030. Laos is on track to have its largest cohort of workers with fewer dependents to support.
Ms. Mariam A. Khan, UNFPA Representative said “Every year now to 2030, over 80,000 new workers will enter the workforce. These new workers are the adolescents of today, half of them adolescent girls. Research evidence can identify areas within the adolescent human capital of Lao for increased investments. Investing in youth by providing universal access to quality health care and education, in particular 21st century skills will be essential for the productivity of the next generation of workers.’
During the scientific forum, researchers presented their evidence on adolescent pregnancy, early marriage, sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, food habits and risk behaviors such as alcohol consumption. They highlighted the need for inclusivity in addressing adolescent health and development problems within the 9th national social-economic development plan. Due to COVID-19 and there is a risk of losing decades of progress made.
During the panel discussion, representatives from the line ministries and mass organizations shared the strategies and interventions planned in the 9th national socio-economic development plan on priority for providing education, comprehensive sexuality education, youth friendly health services, nutrition, life skills, vocational training and keeping girls in schools so that youth can realize their full potential and contribute in the socio-economic development of the country. They highlighted how research evidence when used well can facilitate allocation of scarce resources optimally for maximum impact to leave no one behind. They also committed to improve coordination between different ministries and sectors for generating and using research evidence for planning and monitoring of adolescent health and development programmes.
For more information, please contact:
Mr. Syvongsay Changpitikoun, Programme Officer, UNFPA Lao PDR
Email: changpitikoun@unfpa.org
Miss Phetmany Viyadeth, National Communication Consultant UNFPA Lao PDR
Email: viyadeth@unfpa.org
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UNFPA, the UN's sexual and reproductive health agency, works in over 150 countries including Lao PDR, to achieve zero maternal deaths, zero unmet need for family planning and zero gender-based violence and harmful practices towards women and girls.
