One Year On, Electronic Immunization System Covers 99 Per Cent of Children Across Lao PDR

Vientiane Capital, 5 May 2025 – Marking the first anniversary of its nationwide rollout, the Electronic Immunization Registration (EIR) System is transforming child health in Lao PDR. Developed by the Ministry of Health with support from the Government of Japan, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, UNICEF and WHO, the digital platform has registered more than 152,000 children born in 2024, giving health-care workers real-time information to ensure every child receives life-saving vaccines on schedule and that no one is left behind.

"The new system marks a significant milestone in our country’s efforts to strengthen our health systems and ensure access to life-saving vaccines for all children,” said H.E. Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, the Minister of Health. He also thanked all partners for their invaluable support, emphasizing how collaboration has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.

Mr. Koizumi Tsutomu, the Japanese Ambassador to Lao PDR, also highlighted the potential for further strengthening the health systems in Lao PDR on the back of the existing partnership with UNICEF. "The maximization of the EIR system will enable delivering the right types and quantities of vaccines to wherever they are needed, another initiative of the Government of Japan to support the improvement of vaccine cold chains in Lao PDR, also in collaboration with UNICEF,  through UNICEF would become 100 per cent effective, as well,” said the Japanese Ambassador.

The EIR’s journey of digital transformation began during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the first system developed with WHO support in 2021 to track COVID-19 vaccinations. A successful pilot phase was launched in Vientiane Capital which later paved the way for nationwide expansion and training for health workers in utilizing the system. By the end of 2023, over 3,000 health workers were trained on using tablets and laptops to collect vaccination data. Today, 99 per cent of all health facilities in Lao PDR are now actively using the EIR system with over 152,000 children born in 2024 having already been registered.

“The early success of the EIR system in Lao PDR underscore the importance of investing in digital transformation of immunisation programmes,” said Nadia Lasri, Senior Country Manager and Coordinator of Gavi support in Lao PDR. “. It is crucial that Gavi is fully funded for its next five-year period so that we can continue to support countries like Lao PDR, implementation partners like UNICEF and WHO, and innovative solutions like the EIR system.”

“Today’s launch is a celebration of what we can achieve together,” said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative in Lao PDR. “With the EIR, parents can trust that every vaccination is recorded and every child receives the protection they deserve. UNICEF is proud to continue working with partners to strengthen and expand this system so even more children benefit and stay safe.”

Dr. Timothy Armstrong, WHO Representative to Lao PDR, further emphasised the significance of the EIR system. “The EIR is a powerful digital tool to help us achieve our goal of vaccination for everyone, everywhere, across Lao PDR. WHO is proud to have worked on this system since its establishment in 2021 and delighted to see its progress on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of immunization efforts, helping close remaining gaps and ensure health for all.”

The EIR also provides new opportunities to innovative and utilize data and its systems – including a recently launched trial of text message-based vaccine reminders for parents, led by the Ministry of Health with support from WHO, Gavi and UNICEF.