The government is trying to considerably improve
Laos's health since the end of the 20th century. The entire
health facility of Laos and its infrastructure is city oriented and not much amount of funds is allocated to improve the health condition in the rural areas of this country. For the visitors it is often recommended to take vaccinations or precautions against certain diseases like malaria, cholera, dengue or Hepatitis A at least three weeks before the visit.
The most common diseases about which information should be taken before one visits Laos are:
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases
- Typhoid
- Malaria
- Hepatitis E
- Hepatitis A
- Yellow Fever
- Japanese encephalitis
- Rabies
- Cholera
In the 21st century like many other South East Asian countries Laos was also badly affected by the bird flue. So it is recommended to avoid chicken items during ones stay in this country.
The main reasons behind the poor
health condition of Laos are the inefficiency of the government, poor sanitation, and also lack of infrastructure. The low life expectancy and the high mortality rate of the infants are a proof of the poor health of people in Laos. There is also a lot of discrepancy between the health condition in the rural areas and the urban areas. Modern medial facilities from the west are almost absent in Laos. There is great dearth of medical practitioners and health workers which has also made illegal practices very common especially in the rural areas. Not only there is lack of stuffs but also the health centers and hospitals do not have any proper infrastructure.
