On May 3, 2023, the Women and Youth Center for Health and Development (Youth Center) held a consultation meeting at the New Rose Hotel, Vientiane Capital. The meeting brought together representatives from government departments, NGOs and the business sector to discuss a proposal to promote sexual and reproductive health information, treatment and testing to young people in factories and universities.

Mrs Dalayvanh KEONAKHONE, Vice President of Vientiane Women's Union, was honored to chair the meeting.

Mr. Vansalong KHANGVEN, Head of Outreach at the Youth Center, provided an overview of how volunteer training activities, mobile health check-ups and promotion of information have been delivered to factories and schools to date.

He was followed by Mr. Ya PHOUMMALINNO, Head of the Youth Center, who facilitated an open discussion on the effectiveness of the Youth Center’s services. He then facilitated discussion on the challenges and problems faced by young people today, and asked participants to identify possible solutions. This discussion resulted in a new plan for volunteer training activities, mobile health check-ups and information campaigns in factories and universities.

Everyone agreed young women in Laos should be able to enjoy good health without the risk of reproductive health problems, sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancies and the risk of dropping out of school due to pregnancy.

At the end of the meeting, there was unanimous agreement to continue activities that promote access to basic information on sexual health, reproductive health and youth-friendly services for young people in schools and factories.

This meeting was supported by UNFPA Laos.