The Lao Government showed commendable foresight by establishing the National Committee for the Control of AIDS (NCCA) in 1988, well before there was any direct evidence of HIV/AIDS in Lao PDR. However, HIV prevention activities only began in earnest in 1995.

Mass organizations like the Lao Youth Union, Lao Women's Union, and Lao Federation of Trade Unions provide many opportunities to reach large numbers of youth, women, young workers and remote communities.

In July 1998, the Lao government established the HIV/AIDS Trust to mobilize resources for implementation of the National Plan. The Trust is managed by a committee chaired by the vice-minister of health and comprises senior government and UN staff, including UNICEF, and a representative of the donor community. The Trust works closely with the NCCA.