Health in Laos

Health in Laos refers to the health of the population of Laos. Lao life expectancy was estimated at 67.78 years in 2021. Chronic moderate vitamin and protein deficiencies are common, particularly among upland ethnic groups. Malnutrition, especially in children, is disproportionately common relative to other Southeast Asian nations and is most prevalent in rural areas and among ethnic minorities. Poor sanitation and the prevalence of several tropical diseases including malaria are significant strains on the population's health.

Healthcare in Laos is provided by both the private and public sector. Western medical care is available in some locations, but remote areas and ethnic minorities are comparatively underserved.

Lao health has steadily improved since Laos joined the World Health Organization in 1950: in addition to significant life expectancy increases, malaria deaths and tuberculosis prevalence have decreased and the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) has declined by 75 percent.

The Human Rights Measurement Initiative finds that Laos is fulfilling 78.7% of what it should be fulfilling for the right to health based on its level of income. When looking at the right to health with respect to children, Laos achieves 88.2% of what is expected based on its current income. In regards to the right to health amongst the adult population, the country achieves only 84.1% of what is expected based on the nation's level of income. Laos falls into the "very bad" category when evaluating the right to reproductive health because the nation is fulfilling only 63.7% of what the nation is expected to achieve based on the resources (income) it has available.