After years of effort, ADRA in Laos recently celebrated the passing of a Tobacco Control Law by the Government of the Peoples Democratic Republic of Lao (Laos). Taking Laos from being one of the last countries in the world without any control over the sale, distribution, manufacturing, taxing and advertising of tobacco products, to join the majority of countries that have ratified the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC).

Tobacco kills over 5 million people worldwide, which is more than HIV, Malaria and Tuberculosis put together, and this epidemic is one of the greatest public health challenges in the Southeast Asia region as 1 in 4 of the deaths that occur from the effects of tobacco occur in this region. Not only is this a tragic loss of human life, but it also causes a huge strain on Laos’ already under-equipped public health service. In Laos, it is estimated that 59% of males and 13% of females smoke.

For the last 12 years ADRA’s Tobacco Program has been leading the way in different aspects of advocating, training and educating the government and people of Laos on the health risks of tobacco and on the importance of having a tobacco control law. Commenting on why the law is so important for the people of Laos, Grant Hillier - Country Director of ADRA in Laos said, “…Laos is a country of diverse ethnicity and low health literacy. Warning statements on tobacco products in Lao are insufficient to enable much of the population to make an informed choice. Tobacco advertising extensively promotes the product and encourages consumption to a vulnerable target population. The passing of the law will benefit citizens of all ages, education level, ethnicity and affluence across the country.”

ADRA’s tobacco program, financed by Bloomberg Philanthropies through the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, continues now to support and build the capacity of the governments’ Ministry of Health as they commence the implementation process of enacting the law. Among other things, this means that ADRA is active in communicating, through mass media campaigns, messages that will help the general public understand what the new law means for them. ADRA is informing people of what they can expect from their government, business, workplace and public-space environments.

ADRA wishes to thank our valuable partners; Tobacco Free Kids, ADRA Australia, AUSAID, TIMA, American Cancer Society, Cancer Research UK and the Framework Convention Alliance.

WHAT ELSE ARE WE DOING?
Laos is the 2nd poorest country in Southeast Asia and has some of the lowest development indicators in the region. The heartbreaking reality is that 29% of the population still lives below $1 USD per day and 74% below $2 USD per day leaving many poor households vulnerable to shocks that could push them back into extreme poverty.

ADRA is supporting the government and people of Laos in its efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and their national development priorities. We do this by working to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, improved health, improved food security and land management, improved education and increased resilience to (and protection from) socio-economic risks that come with change and development.

WHAT’S NEXT?
Laos has the unique advantage of being Asia’s least populated country, with only a very small urban centre and population. ADRA is looking at ways to promote a “liveable-cities” model that nurtures and supports eco-friendly existence and growth for its inhabitants. Keeping the needs and requirements of Laos’ children at the centre of ADRA’s approach will ensure that key issues such as safety and public green spaces are addressed. We are in the research stage of this innovative new program and welcome your thoughts, prayers and financial support as we strive to develop and strengthen the future of cities like Vientiane in Laos.

LIKE TO GET INVOLVED?
Check out our new website www.adralaos.org and take a more in-depth look at what we are doing and where. We’d love to get your feedback on the site on how we could improve it further.

As a Christian development organisation we believe that your prayers will make a real difference to the work we do here. Also we gladly accept your financial support and you can make your secure donation by clicking here or by going to www.adralaos.org/getinvolved/donate.html

ADRA Laos serves all those in need without regard to ethnicity, gender, age, or political or religious affiliation.