Vientiane 2023 - IOM, in collaboration with the Department of Planning and Finance under the Ministry of Health and provincial authorities, implemented Population Mobility Mapping (PMM) to track human mobility dynamics to inform public health intervention in Lao People’s Democratic Republic. 

Migration does not cause diseases, but mobile populations may face several health risks due to the circumstances in which they move, live, and work.  

Population mobility mapping (PMM) is an approach and tool developed through an adaptation of IOM’s Displacement Tracking Matrix and has been implemented as response and preparedness against disease outbreaks where human mobility is considered as a social determinant of health, aimed at informing priority locations and provide actionable insights for public health interventions by analyzing the dynamics and characteristics of population mobility. 

“We used the PMM tool in mapping and locating the migratory route and defining space of health vulnerability and exploring the institutional preparedness and responses; i.e, during the disease outbreak as well as other potentially emerging diseases. This exercise was implemented during the migration health situation assessment and well reflected by government stakeholders at national and sub-national levels in Savannakhet and Sayaboury provinces.” Mr Phornsamay Siheuangxay, National Migration Health Project Officer said. 

The PMM was implemented in covering two provinces, Savannakhet and Sayaboury between May and June 2023. The exercise covered over 100 participants input and information including representatives from key government partners and stakeholders in health, labour, and social welfare sectors, immigration official and Point of Entry officers, trade unions, and civil society organizations. 

“The PMM exercise was proposed to expand the implementation into other locations in Lao People’s Democratic Republic for migrants to access health care services.” added Phornsamay.   

“The application of the PMM tool will help to define the future direction in the amendment of related legislation, improvement of the infrastructure for health services, counselling, and health checks. The PMM will also benefit the improvement of health data for migrants and mobile populations, and systematic service and better quality. Lastly, it enhances knowledge and capacity of staff in health and other concerned sectors.” Mr Latsavong Latsamy, Deputy Director of Sayaboury Provincial Health Department, emphasized the importance of the PMM tool. 

“The insights gained from the PMM analysis reveal key factors influencing migration, including seasonal patterns and the ongoing impact of COVID-19. These insights are vital for developing effective public health interventions tailored to the needs of the country.” Ms Shareen Tuladhar, Chief of Mission, IOM Lao People’s Democratic Republic said. 

IOM is committed to working alongside the governmental and non-governmental stakeholders, migrants and their communities in addressing migration health needs and advancing health rights for migrants. 

This initiative was funded by the Asian Development Bank under the “Strengthening Health Cooperation in the Greater Mekong Subregion.” 

***  

For more information please contact:  Phornsamay Siheuangxay, National Project Officer (psiheuangsay@iom.int)  or Chanjaleurn Rasphone, Communications Officer (Crasphone@iom.int)