SPHIP Case Study - LEARN Lao PDR: Progress towards universal health coverage and improved health equity in Lao

Context

The Supporting Public Health Institutes Programme (SPHIP) (2015–2020) strengthens institutes of public health in eight low-income countries to assist national authorities with evidence-based policymaking in key public health areas.

In the SPHIP projects, knowledge translation influences public health policy development by guiding relevant health sector stakeholders on the use and communication of research data.

Objectives

The LEARN (Lao Equity through Policy Analysis and Research Networks) project aims to improve Universal Health Coverage in Lao PDR through better informed public health policies and their implementation, monitoring and evaluation. LEARN supports the Lao Tropical Public Health Institute (Lao TPHI) to provide national health authorities and stakeholders with expertise, documentation and relevant tools. LEARN provides evidence to policymakers with a focus on nutrition, reproductive health, cost-effectiveness and the socio-cultural dimensions of health.  

Impact

The LEARN project helped Lao TPHI strengthening its communications and produce a knowledge translation strategy. Research on reproductive health, adolescent health and nutrition was performed and shared with stakeholders. A new Master of Public Health course was established. Four trainers obtained PhDs. In 2019, the Ministry of Health appointed ‘knowledge translation focal points’ within all the departments of the Ministry to inform health policy development processes