PSI

PSI has operated for in Laos since 1999, implementing targeted behavior change interventions and social marketing products and services to address HIV/AIDS and STIs, Malaria and Reproductive Health.

Health Areas

HIV, Malaria, Reproductive Health, Tuberculosis

Health Impact

PSI/Laos estimates that in 2010, its products and services helped avert:

• 1227 HIV & TB DALYs1
• 1,979 Reproductive Health DALYs
• 101 Malaria Control DALYs
1. 1. Source: The DALY (Disability-Adjusted Life Year) is a widely-used, credible metric that was first developed by the World Bank and is now routinely relied upon in the public health community.

Health Interventions

• Sex Workers
• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Female Condom
• Male Condom
• Lubricant
• Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets
• Oral Contraception
• Injectable Contraception
• Intrauterine Device (IUD)
• HIV Counseling and Testing
• STI Treatment

Improving Health in Laos

HIV/AIDS and STI

PSI is working to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS and STIs among most at risk populations MARP including sex workers, men who have sex with men, mobile groups and transgenders. Through mass media and interpersonal communications strategies, and its national network of MARP-run Drop-in-Centers, PSI is increasing informed demand for condoms, lubricant and STI treatment kits. PSI also offers voluntary counseling and testing for STIs and HIV. PSI sells condoms and lubricants at subsidized prices to ensure they are accessible to most at risk populations.

Malaria

Until 2010, PSI worked in support of the Lao National Malaria Control Program, distributing long lasting insecticide treated nets and conducts behavior change communications . Distribution efforts focused on those most at risk of malaria, including pregnant women and children under age five. In 2011, PSI concluded a clinical trial on the effectiveness of mosquito repellent in preventing malaria.

Reproductive Health

Beginning in 2011, PSI’s nation-wide Sun Quality Health social franchise network is making family planning counseling and a range of short term and long-acting reversible methods available through private providers. From 2002-2005, PSI worked through a network of over 1,000 private health service providers to supply women with high-quality, branded birth spacing pills and accurate information about birth spacing methods.

Tuberculosis

PSI’s nation-wide Sun Quality Health social franchise network contributes to Laos’ national TB program by increasing case detection rates. PSI’s network or private providers screen patients, offer referrals, and assist patients with TB in completing the full course of TB-DOTS treatment.

Target Populations

HIV/STIs: Most at-risk populations, men who have sex with men (MSM), transgenders, female sex workers and their clients, and mobile populations.
Malaria: Women and children under five in malaria-endemic regions.
Reproductive Health: Women of reproductive age

Latest News

• On the Move against TB in Laos
  April 4, 2011
• Text messaging, mobile labs and cavaliers on the agenda as TB REACH grantees assess early impact
  March 7, 2011