AGP Executive Report

Inclusive Health in Vientiane: Laos marked “Inclusive Community Health” at the Inclusion Champion Awards 2026, spotlighting leaders and facilities working to cut stigma and improve access for people regardless of gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or social status. Agri-food & Nutrition Security: Laos launched a project (to Dec 2030) to build sustainable agri-food systems, expand smallholder finance and technical support, and deliver nutrition activities in 105 villages, alongside climate-resilient irrigation and food-safety upgrades. Food Supply Boost in Champasak/Vientiane: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated egg production chain—parent stock, chicks, pullets, and feed—to improve poultry health, hygiene, and costs, with technical guidance and possible buy-back support for farmers. Regional Health Linkages: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to deepen cooperation that includes healthcare, alongside trade and labor recruitment, through new foreign office consultations in Vientiane. Disaster Preparedness (Neighboring Focus): Thailand’s earthquake preparedness guidance highlighted local fault risks and urged “Drop, Cover and Hold On,” reinforcing the need for community readiness in the region.

Inclusive Community Health in Laos: Laos marked the inaugural Inclusion Champion Awards 2026 in Vientiane under “Inclusive Community Health,” with the Vice Minister of Health urging services that reach everyone without discrimination by gender, age, disability, ethnicity, or health status. Winners included an HIV/AIDS response contributor, Setthathirath Hospital for inclusive public health, and TestVTE for community wellness—highlighting how providers and community groups can build trust and reduce stigma. Sustainable Agri-Food Push: Laos launched a project (to Dec 2030) with the ADB and partners to strengthen sustainable agri-food systems, expand finance access, and improve food and nutrition security. It targets smallholder farmers with nutrition support in 105 villages (with the World Food Programme) and backs climate-resilient production, food safety certification, and export market access. Nutrition & Local Supply: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated egg production chain across Champasak and Vientiane, aiming to improve poultry health and hygiene, reduce costs, and better match demand. The company plans to sell 18-week pullets from 2027 with technical guidance on vaccination, disease prevention, and productivity. Regional Health Cooperation: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to expand trade and start labour recruitment, and also flagged cooperation areas including healthcare, eco-tourism, climate change, consular work, and higher education.

Sustainable Agri-Food Push: Laos launched a project (to Dec 2030) with ADB and partners to boost sustainable agri-food systems, expand finance for smallholders, improve food and nutrition security, and strengthen food safety and export-ready value chains—plus nutrition activities in 105 villages. Food Supply & Poultry Health: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated egg production chain (parent stock, chicks, pullets, and feed) to improve poultry health, hygiene, and cost control, with plans to sell pullets to farmers from 2027 and consider a buy-back scheme to reduce market risk. Regional Health & Trade Links: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to deepen trade and start labour recruitment cooperation, with healthcare listed among priority areas for future collaboration. Cross-Border Connectivity: China-Laos Railway trade value topped $2.97B in seven months as cargo categories expand, including tropical fruits and traditional Chinese medicine—supporting faster movement of health-related and food products. Public Health Safety Alert: In Hawai‘i, officials captured an opossum at a freight warehouse and euthanized it for rabies testing, underscoring the importance of animal-health protocols at transport hubs.

Sustainable Food & Nutrition: Laos launched a project (through Dec 2030) to build sustainable agri-food systems, expand finance for smallholders, and improve food and nutrition security, with nutrition activities planned in 105 villages via the World Food Program and support for climate-resilient production, food safety certification, and export access. Food Supply & Poultry Health: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated chicken egg production chain across Champasak and Vientiane, aiming to strengthen quality control, poultry health, hygiene, and costs, while planning to sell pullets to farmers from 2027 with technical guidance and possible egg buy-back risk support. Cross-Border Health Link: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to deepen trade and start labour recruitment cooperation, with healthcare listed among areas for future collaboration during Foreign Office Consultations in Vientiane. Public Health Risk Watch: A live opossum was captured at a freight warehouse near Hilo Harbor and euthanized for rabies testing, underscoring how animal movement through cargo can trigger rapid biosecurity responses. Regional Trade for Health Supply Chains: China-Laos Railway cargo growth continues, with expanding categories including tropical fruits and vegetables—relevant for faster access to fresh food.

Laos–Bangladesh diplomacy: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to expand trade and start labour recruitment cooperation, with talks in Vientiane also flagging collaboration areas that include healthcare and consular work. Food & nutrition security: Laos launched a project (to Dec 2030) to strengthen sustainable agri-food systems, improve food and nutrition security, and support smallholder farmers with finance, technical help, and nutrition activities in 105 villages. Local supply chain: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated egg production chain (parent stock, chicks, pullets, and feed) to improve poultry health and hygiene, cut costs, and better match egg output to market demand, with plans to sell pullets to farmers from 2027. Public health risk management: In Hawai‘i, authorities captured an opossum at a freight warehouse and euthanized it for rabies testing—an example of how quickly animal-health protocols can protect people and keep disease threats contained. Regional health-relevant trade: China–Laos Railway cargo trade topped 20 billion yuan in the first seven months, with growing categories including tropical fruits and vegetables—supporting faster cold-chain movement that can matter for food safety and nutrition.

Sustainable Agri-Food Systems: Laos has launched a project (to Dec 2030) to boost sustainable agri-food systems, expand farmer access to finance, and strengthen value chains—aiming to improve food and nutrition security and help Lao products reach export markets, with nutrition activities planned in 105 villages. Food Supply & Poultry Health: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated egg production chain (parent stock, chicks, pullets, and feed) to improve poultry health, hygiene, and cost control, producing about 900,000 eggs per day across Champasak and Vientiane, and planning further feed development and farmer support. Regional Water Cooperation: The Lancang-Mekong countries highlighted progress from a decade of water resources cooperation, focusing on river basin governance, ecological protection, and livelihood benefits—relevant for public health through safer water and ecosystem stability. Trade & Logistics for Health Supplies: China-Laos Railway cargo trade value topped $2.97 billion in seven months, with expanding cold-chain vegetable exports and a growing range of goods—important for timely delivery of food and medicines. Bilateral Labour & Healthcare Links: Bangladesh and Laos agreed to deepen trade and start labour recruitment cooperation, and they also flagged healthcare among areas for future collaboration. Public Health Safety Reminder: Hong Kong health officials urged timely childhood vaccinations under the Childhood Immunisation Programme, stressing schedules should not be changed without solid medical research—an important reminder for regional immunisation planning. Rabies Risk Response: In Hawai‘i, an opossum found in a freight warehouse was euthanized and sent for rabies testing, underscoring how quickly animal-health protocols can reduce disease risk at ports.

Sustainable Agri-Food Push: Laos has launched a project (to run through Dec 2030) to boost sustainable agri-food systems, expand finance access, and strengthen food and nutrition security, with nutrition activities planned in 105 villages via the World Food Programme and support for climate-resilient production, food safety certification, and export market access. Poultry Supply Upgrade: Soukchaleun Farm is expanding an integrated chicken egg production chain across Champasak and Vientiane, aiming to improve poultry health, hygiene, and cost control, develop its own parent stock, and roll out pullets to farmers in 2027 with technical guidance on vaccination and disease prevention. Healthcare in Trade Fairs: The EWEC-Da Nang 2026 fair opened in Da Nang with nearly 250 booths, including food and agricultural products and a healthcare-related segment, highlighting regional business links that can affect access to medicines and services. Regional Health-Related Policy Signals: Hong Kong health authorities reiterated that childhood vaccination schedules should not be changed without solid scientific backing, warning that delays can reduce protection—an approach Laos readers may want to watch as regional public health messaging evolves. Biopharma Testing Capacity: Merck is expanding its Singapore biosafety and analytical testing services for Asia Pacific biopharma, including BioReliance® capabilities and next-generation sequencing, supporting faster and more compliant development of biologics.

Sustainable Food & Nutrition Push: Laos launched a project with the ADB and partners to build sustainable agri-food systems through 2030, aiming to improve food and nutrition security, strengthen farmer livelihoods, expand access to finance, and help smallholders reach export markets—nutrition activities will run in 105 villages with WFP support. Pandemic Readiness Moves: Laos also rolled out work to strengthen pandemic preparedness, aligning with regional efforts that include joint Laos–Thailand cross-border public health emergency drills. China–Laos Railway Trade Boost (Cold Chain Angle): China–Laos Railway cargo trade topped about $2.97B in seven months as routes expand to thousands of categories, with coverage highlighting growth in cold chain vegetable exports—relevant for food safety and supply reliability. Public Health Messaging (Vaccines): Hong Kong health officials urged timely childhood vaccinations, warning against arbitrary schedule changes without scientific backing—an approach Laos readers may watch as regional immunisation debates continue. Health System Capacity Context: Merck expanded biosafety and next-generation sequencing testing in Singapore to support biopharma services across Asia Pacific, signaling continued investment in safer, faster lab capacity.

Public Health: Hong Kong health officials urged parents to keep childhood vaccinations on schedule, warning against arbitrary delays that could leave children exposed to preventable diseases. Regional Health Security: Laos and Thailand held cross-border public health emergency drills, while Lao authorities also moved to strengthen pandemic preparedness with ALERT-LAO, signaling a focus on faster response capacity. HIV & Youth Health: Thailand reported HIV cases passing 550,000 as Laos sees rising infections among young people, highlighting a shared need for prevention and targeted services. Healthcare Research: A randomized trial protocol in Hong Kong explores combining acupuncture with core stability exercises for chronic low back pain—aimed at improving pain, function, and posture control. Health Systems & Safety: Merck expanded its Singapore biosafety testing lab to boost analytical and biosafety services across Asia Pacific, supporting biopharma development with faster, more sustainable testing. Wellness & Culture: Laos announced the “Value of Lao Wisdom” exhibition in Vientiane (Sept 9–13), featuring herbal knowledge and wellness activities alongside traditional crafts and cuisine. Trade & Cold Chain (Health Link): China-Laos Railway cargo growth continues, including cold chain vegetable exports—relevant to food safety and nutrition access.

Public Health: Hong Kong’s health authorities urged parents to stick to the Childhood Immunisation Programme schedules, warning against arbitrary vaccine delays and stressing protection against TB, polio, measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Biopharma & Safety Testing: Merck expanded its Singapore biosafety and analytical testing lab, adding BioReliance® cell line characterization and GMP next-generation sequencing to speed and localize services for Asia-Pacific drug developers. Regional Trade & Cold Chain: The China-Laos Railway pushed trade value past $2.97 billion in seven months, with cargo categories expanding to nearly 3,900 and supporting cold-chain vegetable exports. Health System Readiness (Laos): Laos is rolling out projects to strengthen pandemic preparedness, including ALERT-LAO with government, FAO and UNICEF, and the country held joint cross-border public health emergency drills with Thailand. Nutrition & Maternal Health (Laos): Laos enhanced nutrition promotion and encouraged breastfeeding practices. Payments & Access (Laos-linked region): Hana Bank’s GLN expanded QR payment coverage in Korea to 1.5 million merchants via Seoul Pay integration, supporting easier spending for international travelers. Humanitarian & Rights Watch: A UN report says Myanmar’s military intensified attacks on civilians, including torture and sexual violence, around the election period. Deportation Pressure (Laos-related): Coverage highlights a surge in US deportations of long-term residents, including people sent to Laos, raising family and health risks for affected communities.

US Visa Revocations: The U.S. State Department says it has revoked more than 175,000 visas since Trump returned to office, citing criminal activity, fraud, visa-condition violations, threats to national security, and “birth tourism.” Health & Care Impact: For Laos-linked families, deportation pressure is rising too, with reports describing increased removals to Laos and Vietnam and major health risks when people rely on medications not available at home. Laos Public Health Readiness: Laos is moving to strengthen pandemic preparedness, including a joint Laos–Thailand cross-border public health emergency drill, while partners like FAO and UNICEF roll out ALERT-LAO. Nutrition & Water: Laos is also pushing nutrition promotion and breastfeeding practices, and HEINEKEN Lao launched a community water project in Vientiane Capital. Regional Health Context: Thailand’s HIV situation is reported to be above 550,000 cases, with Laos seeing rising infections among young people—highlighting the need for prevention and care. Biopharma Testing (Asia Pacific): Merck expands biosafety and analytical testing capacity in Singapore to support biopharma services across the region.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos launched ALERT-LAO with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab capacity, One Health workforce training, and province-wide surveillance across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Public Health Drills: Laos and Thailand held a joint emergency response exercise to test disease surveillance and coordination for infectious outbreaks, aiming to cut health, economic, and social impacts. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos stepped up nutrition promotion and encouraged breastfeeding practices, targeting healthier early life outcomes. Cold-Chain Food Security: The China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables this year, up more than 62%, supporting fresher modern agriculture exports. Regional Health Context: Thailand’s HIV situation passed 550,000 cases while Laos reported rising infections among young people, underscoring the need for prevention and youth-focused services. Community Water & Health: HEINEKEN Lao Brewery launched a community water project in Vientiane Capital, supporting safer water access. Lao Wellness Culture: “Value of Lao Wisdom” (Sept 9–13) will include wellness activities alongside traditional cuisine, herbal products, and hands-on workshops.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos launched ALERT-LAO with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab capacity, and One Health workforce across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Health Drill: Lao and Thai health teams ran a Champasak–Ubon Ratchathani emergency response exercise to test surveillance and coordination for outbreaks like avian influenza, anthrax, and Ebola. HIV Focus in the Mekong: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and falling new infections, while Laos officials track rising infections among young people. Regional Public Health Cooperation: Laos and Thailand held joint public health emergency response drills to improve disease surveillance and response coordination as travel and trade grow. Myanmar Legitimacy vs Rights: Thailand hosted Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing with a red-carpet welcome, drawing criticism from rights groups over “false legitimacy” amid ongoing abuses. Laos Deportation Pipeline: Reports highlight renewed U.S. deportations of long-term Lao and Hmong residents, raising major health and family-safety concerns. Cold-Chain Food Security: China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables, supporting fresher exports and modern agriculture logistics. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos stepped up nutrition promotion and encouraged breastfeeding practices. Heritage With Wellness Angle: A “Value of Lao Wisdom” exhibition in Vientiane will include traditional cuisine, herbal products, and wellness activities alongside artisan workshops.

Cross-border health security: Laos and Thailand ran a joint public health emergency drill in Champasak (Aug 4–5) to test outbreak response, disease surveillance, and coordination across provinces, including tabletop scenarios for avian influenza, anthrax, Ebola and more. Pandemic preparedness push: Laos launched ALERT-LAO with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab capacity, One Health workforce training, and systems across all 18 provinces. HIV trends in the Mekong: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and noted new infections falling, while Laos is tracking rising infections among young people. Food supply and cold-chain logistics: China–Laos Railway moved 100,000+ tons of cold-chain vegetables this year, up 62% year-on-year, supporting fresh produce exports. Deportation and health risk: Reports highlight renewed U.S. deportations of long-term Lao and Hmong residents, including cases where disrupted medication access could be life-threatening. Myanmar–Thailand regional spillover: Thailand’s “calibrated re-engagement” with Myanmar’s junta chief drew criticism, while Myanmar–Thailand talks also touched on migrant workers and water quality—issues that can affect regional health.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos launched ALERT-LAO with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab systems, and One Health capacity across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Health Drills: Laos and Thailand ran joint public health emergency response exercises in Champasak/Ubon Ratchathani to test surveillance and coordination for outbreaks like avian influenza, anthrax, and Ebola. HIV Snapshot for the Mekong: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and falling new infections, while Laos officials track rising infections among young people—highlighting prevention gaps and the need for consistent condom use. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos marked National Nutrition Day and World Breastfeeding Week, stressing maternal nutrition and breastfeeding to support child immunity and healthy growth. Cold-Chain Food Trade: The China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables this year, up more than 62%, supporting fresh produce exports. Deportation Health Risks: Reports describe a renewed U.S. deportation push sending some Lao and Hmong people back, raising serious concerns about family separation and access to ongoing medical treatment.

Pandemic Preparedness Boost: Laos launched the ALERT-LAO project with FAO and UNICEF, backed by a US$17.59m Pandemic Fund grant, to strengthen early warning, lab systems, and One Health workforce capacity across all 18 provinces. Cross-Border Health Drill: Laos and Thailand ran a joint public health emergency response exercise in Champasak to test surveillance, coordination, and outbreak response for diseases including avian influenza, anthrax, and Ebola. Nutrition & Breastfeeding Push: Laos marked National Nutrition Day and World Breastfeeding Week, urging better maternal nutrition and breastfeeding to support child immunity and healthy growth. HIV Focus in the Region: Thailand reported 557,993 cumulative HIV cases and falling new infections, while Laos officials track rising infections among young people. Cold-Chain Food Trade: China-Laos Railway moved over 100,000 tons of cold-chain vegetables, helping Yunnan exports grow fast. Health Access Under Pressure Abroad: A Minnesota clemency commission recommended a pardon for a man facing deportation to Laos, warning his kidney-transplant medication is unavailable there. Deportation Concerns for Lao Communities: New reporting highlights a surge in U.S. deportations affecting long-term Lao and Hmong residents, raising humanitarian and health risks.