Pek District, Xieng Khouang Province, Lao PDR – June 5, 2026, Xieng Khouang has launched a new project to transform healthcare waste management through circular-economy practices. The initiative was officially inaugurated at the Provincial Health Office in Xieng Khouang Province. The ceremony was co-chaired by Ms. Viengkhan Phixay, Deputy Director General, Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion (DHHP), Ministry of Health; Dr. Bounpheng Sinnavong, Director General of the Xieng Khouang Provincial Health Office (PHO); Mr. Won-Seok Park, Country Representative of KOFIH Laos Office; and Mr. George Asiimwe, Head of the Circular Economy Unit, represented Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) Lao PDR.

The project, titled “Establishing Circular Economy in Healthcare Operations in Xieng Khouang Province,” is valued at USD 560,000 and funded by the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH). It is implemented under the leadership of the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, with technical support from GGGI and the World Health Organization (WHO).

The initiative seeks to improve the management of healthcare waste and reduce the risks associated with open burning of medical waste, which can harm public health and the environment. By introducing safer, non-combustion treatment methods and circular economy approaches, the project will help protect communities, healthcare workers, and the province’s natural environment.

The project will be implemented across seven districts of Xieng Khouang Province: Pek, Kham, Khoun, Phoukout, Phaxay, Nong Het, and Mok Mai. Activities will include providing waste-segregation equipment, improving waste-collection systems, and training healthcare workers in proper waste-management practices.

The project focuses on three main objectives: strengthening policies and technical capacity for environmentally sustainable healthcare waste management; improving waste segregation and collection systems at healthcare facilities; and enhancing transportation and treatment systems to ensure safe disposal and reduce environmental impacts.

Keynote from the chairs:

Madam Viengkhan Phixay, Deputy Director General, Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion (DHHP), Ministry of Health:

“More than half of our hospitals rely on open burning as their primary treatment method due to a lack of infrastructure. This partnership with GGGI, WHO, and KOFIH enables us to directly address these vulnerabilities here in Xieng Khouang. By introducing reliable waste segregation and centralized non-combustion treatment systems, we are raising local healthcare standards and preserving the historic landscape of this World Heritage region.”

Dr. Bounpheng Sinnavong, Director General of the Xieng Khouang Provincial Health Office (PHO):

“Our province’s 56 health facilities generate significant healthcare waste daily, but damaged treatment systems have caused hazardous waste to co-mingle at the Pek District landfill, creating risks for local communities. This project is a crucial initiative that precisely addresses our needs. As the provincial host, we will assume full local ownership to coordinate across public and private sectors, ensuring this infrastructure operates safely and sustainably.”

Mr. Won-Seok Park, Country Representative of KOFIH Laos Office:

“This project “Establishing Circular Economy in healthcare Operations in Xiengkhuang Province”, implemented by GGGI, is not a standalone environmental project. It is an integral part of our maternal and child health program.” Said Mr. Won-Seok.

“We firmly believe that the physical environment of health facilities has a direct and significant impact of the quality of healthcare services delivered to communities – and nowhere is this more critical than in maternal and child health. When a mother comes to deliver her baby, or when a child receives treatment at a district hospital, they deserve a safe, clean, and well-managed environment.” He added.

Represented GGGI Lao PDR, Mr. George Asiimwe, Head of the Circular Economy Unit:

 “Since 2017, GGGI has collaborated with the Government of Lao PDR to improve sustainable solid waste management and enhance healthcare and urban environments through a circular economy approach. Applying this expertise to specialized healthcare waste management is a complex yet necessary milestone. While international partners provide the initial technology and capital, the true longevity of this infrastructure depends on strong local ownership and deep inter-departmental collaboration.”