The RHIYA programme in Lao PDR built on the achievements of, and took into account the major lessons learned from the RHI, focusing specifically on adolescents and youth and with clear areas for collaboration between project partners. With the exception of one project directly implemented by UNFPA, RHIYA was the only major programme in the country directly addressing adolescent reproductive health.

Through output project interventions, young people were provided with access to appropriate SRH information and youth friendly services. Selected young people were trained to pass on SRH information to their peers using a range of participatory outreach activities. To support the provision of SRH information and services, intensive training was provided to staff of the Lao Youth Union and Lao Women’s Union, as well as identified health service providers and members of district level multi-sectoral project working teams.

Adolescents have limited access to reproductive and sexual health information to assist them in making positive decisions about their health and behaviour. Comprehensive RH services are not available anywhere in the country and unmarried adolescents have no access at all through public health services. In urban areas, adolescents are increasingly engaged in pre-marital sex and risk associated behaviours such as recreational drug use. In rural areas, increasing migration to urban areas or to Thailand raises exposure to STI/HIV infections, unwanted pregnancies and unsafe abortions.

The major problem areas addressed by the RHIYA in Lao PDR were:

A. The need for SRH information and Life Skills
B. The need for upgrading staff capacity in SRH technical skills, counselling and youth-friendly
service provision
C. A lack of appropriate youth-friendly RH services appropriate for vulnerable young people in
urban and rural areas
D. The need to promote participatory strategies for working with youth, including peer
education