Laos Research Articles

Challenges in evaluation standards for public investment projects (PIP) in Lao PDR: Evaluation of quality of life by a combination of OECD, ADB, and PCAP evaluation approaches

Minority people are living in society in Laos, and the Lao government is struggling to promote their lives. In rural areas, minority people are having difficulties accessing good food and safe drink intake (GFSDI). In this survey, the author 1) investigated the GFSDI of minority people by using logistic regression and to find the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects via the result of GFSDI; 2) used an evaluation approach modified from OECD, ADB, and PCAP, which is called the mixed economic evaluation ‘ECEVA’, to find the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects by employing ECEVA and AECEVA. The author used the primary set of data collected from the field survey by interviewing 518 villagers who were minority people and worked with the PIP projects in 11 provinces. As a result, the AECEVA showed that PIP projects were quite effective and efficient in supporting the quality of life of minority people in rural areas. Interestingly, the result of logistic regression also showed that the GFSDI of minorities could demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the PIP projects in Laos.

A Predictive Model for Thiamine Responsive Disorders Among Infants and Young Children: Results from a Prospective Cohort Study in Lao People's Democratic Republic

ObjectiveTo develop a predictive model for thiamine responsive disorders (TRD) among infants and young children hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of thiamine deficiency disorders (TDD) based on response to therapeutic thiamine in a high-risk setting. Study designChildren aged 21 days to <18 months hospitalized with signs or symptoms suggestive of TDD in northern Lao PDR were treated with parenteral thiamine (100mg daily) for ≥3 days in addition to routine care. Physical examinations and recovery assessments were conducted frequently for 72 hours after thiamine was initiated. Individual case reports were independently reviewed by three pediatricians who assigned a TRD status (TRD or non-TRD), which served as the dependent variable in logistic regression models to identify predictors of TRD. Model performance was quantified by empirical area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Results449 children (median [Q1, Q3] 2.9 [1.7, 5.7] months old; 70.3% exclusively/predominantly breastfed) were enrolled; 60.8% had a TRD. Among 52 candidate variables, those most predictive of TRD were exclusive/predominant breastfeeding, hoarse voice/loss of voice, cyanosis, no eye contact and no diarrhea in the previous 2 weeks. The AUROC (95% CI) was 0.82 (0.78, 0.86). ConclusionsIn this study, the majority of children with signs or symptoms of TDD responded favorably to thiamine. While five specific features were predictive of TRD, the high prevalence of TRD suggests that thiamine should be administered to all infants and children presenting with any signs or symptoms consistent with TDD in similar high-risk settings. The usefulness of the predictive model in other contexts warrants further exploration and refinement.

The Pha That Luang Vientiane Stupa: Identity Roles on Society and Culture in Globalization Laos PDR

The purposes of this qualitative research article were: 1) To investigate the history of the Pha That Luang Vientiane Stupa, 2) To investigate the identity of the Pha That Luang Vientiane Stupa and its role in society and culture, and 3) To investigate the effects of globalization on identity, social roles, and the cultural role of investigate. This method involves studying information from documents and fields. The tools included surveys, interviews, observational forms, and focus groups. The target group were 52 people, divided into three groups: a knowledge group of 10 people, a group of practitioners of 30 people, and a group of general information providers of 12 people. The socialism theory of contract science was collected and analyzed using descriptive and analytical methods. The research reveals Laos PDR culture, characterized by tangible aspects like architecture and art, and intangible aspects like religion, beliefs, rituals, and traditions, influencing identity and social roles.

From 'Pen Sao' to 'Tue Pa': Understanding diverse pathways to adolescent pregnancy in Lao People's Democratic Republic through qualitative investigation with girls in Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, and Luang Namtha.

Adolescent birth rates in Lao People's Democratic Republic (PDR) remain the highest in Southeast Asia. There is growing recognition that adolescent pregnancy in Lao PDR is occurring within and outside marriage, but there is a lack of robust qualitative evidence to understand girls' pathways to adolescent pregnancy and contributing factors, especially outside of union (cohabitation or marriage). This study aimed to improve understanding of pathways to adolescent pregnancy in Lao PDR among girls who experienced pregnancy at age 18 or below. We conducted participatory timeline interviews with 57 girls from urban, peri-urban, and rural communities in Vientiane Capital, Vientiane Province, and Luang Namtha, and follow-up interviews with a subset of 20 girls. We identified six pathways to pregnancy, including pathways outside (n = 23) and within union (n = 34). Outside-union pathways diverged according to the nature of sex preceding pregnancy (consensual/pressured, or forced), and pregnancy intention (unplanned, partner-led, or planned). Within-union pathways diverged according to the nature of the relationship before union (romantic or no romantic relationship/arranged union), who initiated the union (couple/girl, parent/partner, or pressured), and pregnancy intention. Factors contributing to girls' pregnancy included barriers to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information and services; partner's control over reproductive decision-making; male sexual entitlement and alcohol use driving pressured/forced sex; cultural acceptance of child marriage and early union; and attitudes and norms regarding sex and pregnancy outside of union. Our findings support strengthening comprehensive sexuality education, including a focus on addressing myths about contraception, building girls' and boys' communication skills, engaging in respectful relationships, and addressing harmful gender norms. Our findings also highlight the need to improve girls' access to adolescent-responsive SRH services, address harmful substance use, challenge sociocultural barriers to young people accessing SRH information and services, and respond to sociocultural and financial drivers of child marriage/early union that contribute to adolescent pregnancy.

A new genus and new species of sucking louse (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Enderleinellidae) from the particoloured flying squirrel (Hylopetes alboniger) in Laos, and an updated identification key to enderleinellid genera.

Hylophthirus spinosus, new genus and new species (Phthiraptera: Anoplura: Enderleinellidae), is described from specimens collected from the particoloured flying squirrel, Hylopetes alboniger in Khammouane Province, Laos (Lao Peoples Democratic Republic). Both sexes of the new louse are illustrated with stacked microphotographs, scanning electron micrographs and line drawings. An updated morphological identification key to the six genera (Atopophthirus, Enderleinellus, Hylophthirus, Microphthirus, Phthirunculus and Werneckia) now recognised within the family Enderleinellidae is presented. The new genus is unique within the Enderleinellidae in having massive spines (modified setae) on some abdominal sternites, partially bulbous 5th antennal segments, mesothoracic spiracles borne on protuberances and the morphology of the genitalia of both sexes. Tables showing all genera of sucking lice that include species parasitising sciurids (squirrels, chipmunks, susliks and marmots), and all known species of enderleinellids, with their known host associations and geographical distributions are included and briefly discussed in relation to the new genus and species.

Three new earthworms of the Amynthas corticis-group (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from the Nam Et-Phouleoi, Laos.

Three new earthworms of the Amynthas corticis-group (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Phouleoi Mountain, Lao PDR. Earthworm specimens were collected from Mt. Phouleoi, Viengthong District, Houaphanh Province, Lao PDR. The species belong to the pheretimoid earthworms. All three holandric species key out to the A. corticis-group in Sims & Easton (1972), having spermathecal pores in 5/68/9. The new species are: Amynthas ammalinei sp. nov., Amynthas xayi sp. nov., and Amynthas piyakarnae sp. nov. Amynthas ammalinei sp. nov. has male pores superficial on small round porophores, 0.160.31 circumference apart. Amynthas xayi sp. nov. has male pores superficial in XVIII at centers of round porophores, 0.170.29 circumference apart. Amynthas piyakarnae sp. nov. has male pores superficial on transverse elevated elongate oval pads equatorial on XVIII, pads surrounded by 34 small outer rings, 0.250.31 circumference apart.

Peran Sektor Pertanian Dalam Pertumbuhan Ekonomi Di Kawasan ASEAN

&lt;p&gt;&lt;em&gt;ASEAN is an agricultural region that is abundant in natural products. In addition, this sector has contributed to economic growth in the ASEAN region through the availability of jobs and an increase in GDP. However, in recent years the productivity of the agricultural sector has shown a decline, which can affect economic growth. This study aims to determine the influence of the agricultural sector on economic growth in the ASEAN region. This study uses a quantitative method with panel data, namely annual data from 1997-2019 in 7 countries that are members of the ASEAN organization (Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Lao PDR, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam). Keywords: ASEAN, economic growth, agricultural sector. The data source for this research is annual data obtained from FAO and WDI. The analysis technique uses multiple linear regression tests using General Least Square Calculation (Cross Section SUR with Estimation Coefficient of Cross Section SUR (PSCE) with Eviews 9 software. Through this method, the result is that simultaneously all independent variables are significant in influencing the dependent variable. Or it can be explained that Agriculture Land, Employment in agriculture, and Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added have a significant effect on economic growth (GDP) in the ASEAN region.&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Sustaining essential health services inLao PDR inthe context ofdonor transition andCOVID-19.

Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) aims at graduating from least developed country status by 2026 and must increase the level of domestic financing for health. This paper examines how the government has prepared for the decline of external assistance and how donors have applied their transition approaches. Adapting a World Health Organization (WHO) framework, reflections and lessons were generated based on literature review, informal and formal consultations and focus group discussions with the Lao PDR government and development partners including budget impact discussion. The government has taken three approaches to transition from external to domestic funding: mobilizing domestic resources, increasing efficiency across programs and prioritization with a focus on strengthening primary health care (PHC). The government has increased gradually domestic government health expenditures as a share of the government expenditure from 2.6% in 2013 to 4.9% in 2019. The Ministry of Health has made efforts to design and roll out integrated service delivery of maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services, immunization and nutrition; integrated 13 information systems of key health programs into one single District Health Information Software 2; and prioritized PHC, which has led to shifting donors towards supporting PHC. Donors have revisited their aid policies designed to improve sustainability and ownership of the government. However, the government faces challenges in improving cross-programmatic efficiency at the operational level and in further increasing the health budget due to the economic crisis aggravated during Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Working to implement donor transition strategies under the current economic situation and country challenges, calls into question the criteria used to evaluate transition. This criterion needs to include more appropriate indicators other than gross national income per capita, which does not reflect a country's readiness and capacity of the health system. There should be a more country-tailored strategy and support for considering the context and system-wide readiness during donor transition.

The Needs Assessment of Training Course to Enhance the Lesson Study Process for Lecturers of Souphanouvong University, Lao PDR

The purposes of this research were: 1) to study the state of the problems of teaching and learning for lecturers; 2) to undertake a needs assessment for training to promote the lesson study process for lecturers; and 3) to compare the state of the problems and the needs assessment for training to promote the lesson study process.&#x0D; The study sample comprised 54 administrators; 167 lecturers and 327 students from six faculties of Souphanouvong University who were selected by stratified random sampling. Mixed methods were used as the research methodology; an Embedded Design was conducted by studying quantitative methods and supplementing with qualitative methods. Research Instruments used to collect the data were a questionnaire and structured interviews. Statistics used included percentage, mean, standard deviation (S.D.) and Priority Needs Index Modified (PNIModified). T-test and One Way MANOVA was applied.&#x0D; The research results were as follows: 1) The state of the problems of teaching and learning for lecturers, including the overall average, was medium; 2) A needs assessment of training to promote the lesson study process by all groups of the sample was an essential requirement for all items, with the overall average of 0.35; and 3) The state of the problems and needs assessment of training to promote the lesson study process, as classified by samples group, showed no difference in significance except for administrators and lecturers, which was different for the state of the problems at the .05 level of statistical significance.

Malaria risk stratification in Lao PDR guides program planning in an elimination setting

Malaria in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) has declined rapidly over the last two decades, from 279,903 to 3926 (99%) cases between 2001 and 2021. Elimination of human malaria is an achievable goal and limited resources need to be targeted at remaining hotspots of transmission. In 2022, the Center of Malariology, Parasitology and Entomology (CMPE) conducted an epidemiological stratification exercise to assign districts and health facility catchment areas (HFCAs) in Lao PDR based on malaria risk. The stratification used reported malaria case numbers from 2019 to 2021, risk maps derived from predictive modelling, and feedback from malaria staff nationwide. Of 148 districts, 14 were deemed as burden reduction (high risk) districts and the remaining 134 as elimination (low risk) districts. Out of 1235 HFCAs, 88 (7%) were classified as highest risk, an improvement from 187 (15%) in the last stratification in 2019. Using the HFCA-level stratification, the updated stratification resulted in the at-risk population (total population in Strata 2, 3 and 4 HFCAs) declining from 3,210,191 to 2,366,068, a 26% decrease. CMPE are using the stratification results to strengthen targeting of resources. Updating national stratifications is a necessary exercise to assess progress in malaria control, reassign interventions to the highest risk populations in the country and ensure greatest impact of limited resources.

THE INVESTIGATION OF BEST PRACTICES ON SYMBOLIC MATHEMATICAL COMMUNICATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN JAPAN, LAO PDR, AND THAILAND

Purpose – This comparative study sought to identify best practices concerning symbolic mathematical communication between primary school teachers and students in Japanese, Laotian, and Thai classrooms. Method – The target groups were 18 teachers and 671 students in Grade 1 to Grade 6 mathematics classrooms in Japan, Lao PDR, and Thailand. A total of 18 classrooms were inspected, one from each grade; thus, the unit of analysis was a classroom. Research instruments included a video recorder, a camera, and field notes. The data was gathered by videotaping, photographing, and taking notes. A descriptive analytics method was used to examine the data, following Pirie's mathematical communication framework (Pirie, 1998). Findings – Based on cultural norms and educational approaches in each country, the country-specific practices of symbolic communication were found to differ significantly among the mathematics teachers from the three countries. Owing to the education system in Japan placing a strong emphasis on discipline and respect, their teachers were found to focus on students’ symbolic explanations, particularly allowing students to elaborate on the meaning of complex mathematical ideas and concepts using symbolic communication. Laotian teachers tended to explain the answers using symbolic mathematical communication. This is because the country-specific practices in the Laotian local context concerning mathematical concepts are contextualized to relate to students’ daily lives and experiences, making abstract symbols more meaningful. Finally, Thai teachers were found to focus on the students’ answers rather than the learning process or operations. This suggests that Thai teachers often focus on memorising and repeating of mathematical procedures and formulas. Significance – The study findings offer a substantial understanding of the role of culture in education by investigating symbolic communication in mathematics classrooms in Japan, Laos, and Thailand. This implies the potential to improve teaching practices,enhance student learning experiences, and promote cultural sensitivity and inclusion in educational settings.

Program evaluation of postgraduate obstetrics and gynecology training in Lao people’s democratic republic - using the CIPP model

BackgroundThe obstetrics and gynaecology (OB-GYN) residency training program in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) began in 2003 based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and ‘Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health interventions (RMNCH) strategies and action plan’. However, the training program had not been properly evaluated previously. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the current postgraduate OB-GYN residency training program in Lao PDR by using CIPP model to identify the current problems (the strengths and weaknesses) and suggest a future plan to promote continuous improvement.MethodThe context, input, process, and product classification (CIPP) model was used to develop criteria and indicators. A mixed-methods approach was used for this study. To capture instructional material for quantitative analysis, a Google survey with 38 items and a t-test were used to determine a significant difference in responses between residents and lecturers (N = 120). Based on qualitative analysis, an in-depth interview was done (four questions based on study outcomes, including satisfaction, strengths and weaknesses, and future opportunities), and six interviews provided different viewpoints on the course. The SPSS software program was used to measure validity, with p-values = 0.05.ResultsThe overall average response rate was 97.5%. Two significant differences in program perspectives were revealed between lecturers and residents, difficulties in maintaining the course (professors 3.66 ± 1.03 and residents 3.27 ± 0.98, p = 0.04) and learning outcomes achieved (professors 3.57 ± 0.85 and residents 3.14 ± 0.95, p = 0.01 The overall average for the context part of the questionnaire was under 3.00, with the lowest scores for overlapped learning outcomes and difficulties in maintaining the course. The input part, lack of the classroom, skills lab and staff; the process part, lecturer to collect student opinions and the product part on learning outcomes.ConclusionCurriculum improvement based on the program evaluation results, including regular evaluation and feedback, will advance the residency training program based on the RMNCH strategy and contribute to the promotion of maternal health in the Lao PDR.

Enhancing child dietary diversity through cooking demonstration and nutritional education in rural Lao PDR

BackgroundEfforts to prevent malnutrition in children under five are crucial for both short-term and long-term impact, especially in resource-constrained low- and middle-income countries, where ensuring minimal food diversity remains an urgent challenge. Our organization implemented initiatives to improve dietary diversity among children under five in rural areas of Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).MethodsWe carried out educational and awareness programs directed at caregivers of children aged 6–59 months. These programs were delivered by healthcare professionals and trained community volunteers in specific areas of Xaybouathong District, Khammouane Province. To evaluate the impact of our interventions, we conducted surveys both at the beginning and end of the project. We designated the Individual Dietary Diversity Score IDDS as the objective variable, serving as an indicator of child dietary diversity. Using sociodemographic and economic indicators as explanatory variables, we assessed the impact of the intervention through multivariate analysis with a generalized linear model as well as a bivariate analysis.ResultsThe comparison between 210 children at baseline and 205 children at endline revealed a significant increase in IDDS among children aged 6–23 months (from 3.36 to 4.22) and children aged 24–59 months (from 3.29 to 3.83). Multivariate analysis indicated a significant association between the intervention effect (baseline vs. endline) and the village of residence. Furthermore, significant improvements were observed in each food group that constitute IDDS, including vegetables and fruits, eggs, and legumes and nuts.ConclusionsEven in resource-limited settings, such as rural areas of Lao PDR, it is possible to improve child dietary diversity through educational approaches that encourage the utilization of locally available foods.

From fields to factory – women and plantation-wood processing in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic

ABSTRACT Industrial timber plantations and their processing have been promoted by the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR) government to generate rural employment and reduce economic reliance on the agriculture sector. Using a comparative case-study approach at two wood-processing factories, this paper seeks to understand the existing roles of women in wood processing and how they compare with men in terms of employment, compensation and developmental opportunities, as well as the broader socio-economic factors that enable their employment. Findings show that women were well-represented in the workforce in both cases because management valued purported gendered attributes such as patience [ot-thon] and attention to detail [la-iat]. Demand for employment by rural women of all ages reflects the broader forces of agrarian transition in Lao PDR, including the desire for regular off-farm income to meet the expectations of a contemporary lifestyle. Gender balance in the factory workplace was found to be enhanced by mechanisation, which increased the roles under which women may be employed, and by access to certified markets by companies, which required adherence to international labour standards, including conditions such as maternity leave and carer’s leave. The prominent role of women in wood processing in Lao PDR contrasts with that in Australia because extended families can provide unpaid childcare and other domestic support to working families that ameliorates inflexible work practices, which exist in both countries.

‘Mouthpiece’ and ‘arena’? – social(ist) media in contemporary Laos

ABSTRACT This article addresses a critical lacuna in the scholarship on South East Asian media: the lack of a general overview of the media and social media landscape in the Lao People's Democratic Republic. It provides an historically-grounded introduction to the country's traditional media (print, loudspeakers, radio, television, cinema) and offers reflections on the impact of digital/social media on state-society relations. In so doing, I argue that it is an oversimplification to reduce the Lao party-state's stance on media and social media solely to repression and control. In recent decades in particular, market forces, technology and global integration have blended with the Marxist-Leninist state's long-proclaimed pursuit of popular participation to tentatively (re)open spaces for an under-acknowledged level of diversity. Despite ongoing restrictions engendered by the ruling party's continuing pretence to being the final arbiter between ‘truth' and ‘untruth', ‘beneficial' and ‘subversive’ critique, a surprisingly open country-specific media and social media landscape is cautiously emerging in contemporary Laos. Making this case, I bring Laos into conversation with similar arguments made for neighbouring Vietnam, paving the way for more considered inclusion of the Lao PDR in comparative analysis of South East Asian media dynamics.

Women and land rights in Lao PDR. Treasure your matri heritage before it is too late! Where do we land up on gender equality?

In Laos, the “Turning Land into Capital” policy has accelerated the implementation of new land management and land legislation, and a huge land titling project is forthcoming with plans to standardize “joint ownership” for marital land. In this paper, based on a set of interviews, Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) activities and 21 FGDs with women (and men) in 7 villages, the gender impact of the rural transition process and related new land policies on women living in a matrilineal-matrilocal village in the lowland, and a patrilineal-patrilocal village in the upland and forest, will be sketched, with a focus on land tenure and gender (in)equality. In policy-making and public debate on land titling the question of how the “joint” ownership for married women standardization can be achieved without sacrificing Lao women’s individual matrilineal land rights is so far not an issue. Neither are the possibilities to claim matrilineal rights, or other out-of-the-box options to empower ethnic minority women for land rights issues. Is there an “in-house” solution for ethnic minority women beyond “state empowerment” by joint land titling? In the context of multi-ethnic villages and increasing mobility spontaneous cultural switches from patrilocal to matrilocal residence are not unlikely and happen in practice. This might be the beginning of a process of matri-isation. Therefore, treasure your matri heritage before it is too late! It is the unnoticed jewel in the crown of all women.

One Health in Agricultural Sectors in Thailand, Lao PDR, and Vietnam: Interconnectedness Between Awareness and Socioeconomic Factors.

The study aims to analyze the interconnectedness of farmers' socioeconomic factors and their awareness of the One Health framework. This study conducted a survey with 1,166 observations across Thailand, Lao, and Vietnam and employed binary logit regression for data analysis. Odds ratios were used for interpreting the results. The results indicated that certain socioeconomic factors-particularly household income, age, gender roles within the household, and household size-significantly influenced farmers' awareness and engagement with One Health literacy. Awareness levels varied across the three countries: for example, the composition of adults in Thai farming households was correlated with awareness of environmental health and infectious diseases. In Lao PDR, gender was significantly associated with awareness of animal health, while in Vietnam, it was linked to awareness of animal disease transmission. These determinants contribute to the application of a more integrated One Health approach among farmers in these areas.

Menstrual hygiene management and menstrual secrecy among young women in rural Lao PDR: A cross-sectional study.

As a fundamental right, all women should have equal access to menstrual hygiene management (MHM). However, certain sociocultural contexts foster an atmosphere of secrecy surrounding menstruation, which discourages open discussion. The present study seeks to explore the relationship between attitudes on menstrual secrecy and MHM practices among young women in rural areas of the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). In March 2023, a cross-sectional survey using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires was conducted on 80 women (age range, 15-24 years) randomly selected from eight villages in the central part of Lao PDR. Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the associations between sociodemographic and economic characteristics, MHM practices, social support, and attitudes toward secrecy regarding menstruation. Among the 70 respondents, 68 (97.1%) reported being satisfied with current MHM practices; however, 27 (38.6%) agreed that menstruation should not be discussed with others. Some women lacked access to private spaces for changing pads or washing. The results of the logistic regression analysis indicated that women with higher monthly disposable income were less likely to endorse menstruation secrecy (odds ratio: 0.15, 95% confidence interval: 0.02-0.85). No significant associations were found between MHM practices and attitudes on secrecy. Although no direct association was found between MHM practices and attitudes on menstruation secrecy, some participants remain in unfavorable MHM environments.

Investigation of the association between foot-and-mouth disease clinical signs and abattoir serological data in large ruminants in northern Lao People's Democratic Republic.

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is a highly infectious and endemic disease in Lao PDR. However, surveillance is weak, and outbreaks are not routinely reported. To address this, serum samples were routinely collected from cattle and buffalo from provincial abattoirs between November 2021 and December 2022. A total of 2,663 serum samples were collected from large ruminants (n = 1,625 cattle; n = 1,038 buffalo) from 17 provinces. Samples were tested for specific antibodies directed against FMD non-structural protein (NSP) to determine the proportion of animals exposed to FMD virus. In addition to sampling from abattoirs, further independent data was collected to report clinical signs and outcomes from 94 districts in 12 northern provinces. These incident reports were recorded by district staff using a Google Form and summarised monthly in the National Animal Disease Reporting System. Information was collected on species, incident date, herd size, location and which clinical signs the animals presented. Overall, 46% of the tested animals returned a positive result using ID Screen® FMD NSP Competition ELISA. Results from serological testing were then compared with reported clinical signs from the same district. In districts reporting 'mouth problems' (regardless of other clinical signs) the median FMD seroprevalence was 49.7%, compared to 31.6% in districts not reporting mouth problems (p = 0.021). This finding suggests that reporting clinical cases of 'mouth problems' could be a potential predictor of FMD infection at a district level in cattle and buffalo in Lao PDR. Furthermore, in districts reporting 'fever', 'mouth problems', and 'nose/mouth secretions' together, the median FMD seroprevalence was 46.2%, compared to 24.4% in districts not reporting these signs (p = 0.033). In districts reporting 'mouth problems' and 'nose/mouth secretions' the median FMD seroprevalence was 49.4%, compared to 25.5% in districts not reporting these signs (p = 0.037). In districts reporting both 'fever' and 'mouth problems,' the median FMD seroprevalence was 46.4% compared to 25% in districts not reporting these signs (p = 0.017). Based on serological data generated by abattoir surveillance, this study identified clinical signs most predictive of FMD seroprevalence. These novel findings can be used to guide passive surveillance efforts in the future specifically in northern Laos and help support improved FMD surveillance more broadly in FMD endemic countries in Southeast Asia.

Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking through Mathematics Instruction in High Schools in the Lao People's Democratic Republic

Fostering Critical and Creative Thinking through Mathematics Instruction in High Schools in the Lao People's Democratic Republic