This photo taken on Dec. 11, 2025 shows the launch ceremony of the Mekong Children's Heart Care Project in Vientiane, Laos. The Mekong Children's Heart Care Project was launched in the Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday, marking a significant step toward strengthening Laos' capacity for the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital heart disease in children. (Photo by Kaikeo Saiyasane/Xinhua)
VIENTIANE, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Mekong Children's Heart Care Project was launched in the Lao capital Vientiane on Thursday, marking a significant step toward strengthening Laos' capacity for the early screening, diagnosis, and treatment of congenital heart disease in children.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director General of the Department of Healthcare and Rehabilitation under the Lao Ministry of Health Khampasong Theppanya said this project will facilitate timely treatment for children with congenital heart disease in Laos and contribute to improving the country's national health system.
Duo Lin, representative of Fuwai Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and liaison for the project, said he was honored to strengthen coordination and cooperation with partners, including the Mekong Institute and the Lao Ministry of Health, to jointly advance the project's implementation.
He noted that by providing Laos with ultrasound equipment and medical consumables, as well as organizing screening and treatment activities, the project will offer essential services to children with congenital heart disease. These efforts will support early detection and timely intervention, helping to safeguard the health and well-being of Lao children.
Funded by the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, the project represents a concrete effort to advance global development initiatives. Jointly guided by the Mekong Institute and Fuwai Hospital and implemented in collaboration with Lao and Cambodian health ministries, the project is expected to significantly strengthen child health services in both countries.
Over the next two years, the project aims to screen at least 10,000 children in Laos for heart disease, provide full-cycle treatment, from diagnosis to rehabilitation, for no fewer than 30 diagnosed children, and train more than 110 local medical professionals. ■
