Development Challenge

Lao PDR is facing a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for an estimated 60% of all deaths nationwide. Rapid urbanization, changing lifestyles, and rising exposure to risk factors—including tobacco use, obesity, and harmful alcohol consumption—are accelerating the increase in NCDs, particularly among adolescents and vulnerable populations. Rural and underserved communities continue to face disproportionate and inequitable health burdens. 

Despite these trends, the national health system remains underprepared to respond effectively. Significant gaps persist in NCD prevention and service coverage, surveillance and data systems, financing, multisectoral coordination, and community engagement. Limited and fragmented data on the true scale and distribution of NCDs continues to constrain evidence-based policymaking and investment by government and development partners. Preventive care remains underfunded, accounting for only 19.3% of total health expenditure, despite growing demand for early intervention and risk reduction. 

Past multisectoral initiatives have often lacked the scale, sustainable financing, and governance mechanisms needed to drive coordinated action. Without stronger and more integrated responses, the burden of NCDs is expected to continue rising—deepening health inequities and undermining progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Project Background

To strengthen the accessibility, affordability, and quality of healthcare services and advance the prevention and management NCDs, UNDP is supporting the development of a customized digital health solution tailored to the needs and health system context of Lao PDR. Digital technologies are increasingly recognized as essential enablers for transforming primary health care, improving service delivery, enhancing data visibility, and enabling more responsive and efficient public health systems, including more effective NCD care pathways. 

Through South-South Cooperation and the UNSDG: UN-India Global Capacity Building Initiative, United Nations Development Programme Lao PDR and United Nations Development Programme India are collaborating to strengthen the country’s digital health ecosystem and expand the delivery of digital health services nationwide. Building on India’s Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network (eVIN), the initiative is localizing and adapting the platform to the Lao context through the development of the LaoWIN (Warehouse Intelligence Network) system. 

LaoWIN is supporting real-time data visibility, vaccine stock management, last-mile reporting, and fully digitalized workflows for vaccine distribution and primary healthcare services. Beyond strengthening supply chains, the platform contributes to transforming NCD care by improving continuity of care, supporting better tracking of health inputs, and enabling more timely and data-driven service delivery across the primary health system. By creating a locally adapted digital platform, the initiative aims to improve the efficiency, transparency, and reliability of health supply chains while strengthening equitable access to care in both urban and rural areas. 

The initiative is also building institutional capacity by training government officials, policymakers, and immunization personnel to strengthen their ability to manage and utilize digital health systems effectively. A cascading training approach will further equip cold chain handlers and frontline health workers across Vientiane Capital and the provinces, supporting the long-term sustainability and scale-up of digital health solutions throughout Lao PDR and ensuring that digital health services reach the last mile.