PSI

PSI has operated for 11 years in Laos, 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

Health Impact

From 2006 to 2008, PSI’s programs in the Laos PDR resulted in approximately 50,985 DALYs averted for the Lao people. In other words, through the prevention of HIV, STIs, malaria and unintended pregnancies, and through the treatment of STIs, PSI’s programs in Laos resulted in 50,084 years of life not lost due to death or disability.

From 2006-2008 PSI averted and estimated 55,456 episodes of malaria among Lao people. A 2007-2008 Center for Malariology, Parasitology, and Entomology CMPE/PSI survey found that malaria parasite prevalence dropped by about 37% (from 6.05% in 2007 to 3.81 in 2008) in a sample of the 40 target villages where PSI works in Sekong and Attapeu provinces.

Between a 2004 survey and the 2006 follow up survey, condom and lubricant use both increased among Laos transgenders especially among transgenders with high exposure to PSI’s New Friends Program.

Health Interventions

• Sex Workers
• Men Who Have Sex with Men
• Female Condom
• Male Condom
• Lubricant
• Long Lasting Insecticide-Treated Nets

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 including sex workers, men who have sex with men, mobile groups and transgenders. Through mass media and interpersonal communications strategies, PSI is increasing informed demand for condoms, lubricant and STI treatment kits. PSI also sells condoms and lubricants at subsidized prices to ensure they are accessible to most at risk populations.

Malaria

In support of the Lao National Malaria Control Program, PSI distributes long lasting insecticide treated nets and conducts malaria outreach activities in 110 villages in three provinces. Distribution efforts focus on those most at risk of malaria, including pregnant women and children under age five. PSI is also conducting a clinical trial on the effectiveness of mosquito repellent in preventing malaria.

Reproductive Health

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.

Target Populations

HIV/STIs: Most at-risk populations, including female sex workers (FSW) and their clients, mobile populations, men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgenders.

Malaria: Women and children under five in malaria-endemic regions.