Water, sanitation and hygiene: a situation analysis paper for Lao PDR

The Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) is located in the Greater Mekong sub-region in East Asia, neighbouring with China, Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam, with a land area of 236,800 square kilometres, and an average population density of 22 persons per square kilometre. The population of Lao PDR is 5.5 million with 49 ethnic groups. Most of the population is located in rural areas, with a significant number of the neediest villages in remote localities. In the past decade, there have been many positive developments in the rural water supply and sanitation (RWSS) sector. Despite improved coverage in latrine and water supply services, health remains a serious problem. The improved services were often not sustained or poorly maintained, while hygiene received inadequate attention. In Lao PDR, as in many other countries, the provision of a safe and reliable water supply and appropriate sanitation services, based on sustainable approaches, therefore, remains a challenge. This paper will provide an overview of the Lao PDR's RWSS Sector. Special emphasis is placed on actual field level application of informed choices for water supply, sanitation and hygiene awareness.