A Unit for Health Evidence and Policy in Laos

There is a need to build capacity and improve evidence-informed decision-making concerning resource allocation and priority-setting in health in low- and middle-income countries, such as Laos. This kind of capacity building and institutional strengthening is all the more important in an era of aid transitions and uncertainty related to the current COVID-19 pandemic, to enable Laos to continue progressing towards Universal Health Coverage. We propose the creation of a Unit for Health Evidence and Policy (UHEP) based in the University of Health Sciences in Vientiane, to enhance the use of research evidence to inform policy. UHEP will focus on health technology assessment (HTA) as a tool to enable priority-setting. We aim to complete four main activities for this pilot project over one year. Situational analysis of the Lao health policy context including stakeholder mapping Training of Lao researchers and policy makers in HTA and on synthesis and use of research evidence (includes funding for one MSc student) Development of a roadmap for institutionalisation of rational priority setting in health policy development in Laos Selection and implementation of a pilot HTA project At the end of this year UHEP will be established as a government technical partner for HTA in Laos