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Country Profil Lao

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has a population of approximately 6,300,000. According to statistics, the mortality rates in Lao are remarkable. Out of every 1,000 births, it is estimated that 59 individuals under age five will die. Between the ages of 15 and 60, approximately 289 males and 251 females out of 1,000 are projected to die.The life expectancy at birth of males in Lao is 62 years, with 64 being the age for females. The country, in 2009, had a total of 4.1 percent for health expenditures, which amounts to 86 International dollars per capita.

Malnutrition is the main cause of stunted and underweight children in the age group of five and under. Obesity is rarely a problem with the children of Lao. Ironically, projected figures indicate that men and women of 30 years of age and older will have a raised body mass index, causing overweight and obesity problems, which may result in chronic disease. The numbers of overweight individuals in this age group are expected to rise in upcoming years. In the year 2015, it is estimated that 49 percent of Laotian men will be overweight, and 61 percent of women will have weight issues. Interventions that encourage better diets and exercise for the Lao population can greatly cut down on weight problems and disease. Eliminating tobacco products will also reduce disease, such as cancer and respiratory problems.

According to statistics gathered in 2008, pneumonia ranks highest as a cause of death in children under five years of age, accounting for 25 percent. Next in line are birth asphyxia and prematurity, at 12 percent and 10 percent respectively. Injuries and measles are responsible for approximately 3 percent of deaths in very young children. Fatalities due to malaria are at the bottom of the scale around 1 percent.

A major cause of death in Lao, as in the world at large, is chronic disease. In 2002, maternal and perinatal diseases, communicable diseases, and nutritional deficiencies caused approximately 55 percent of deaths across all age groups. Cardiovascular problems accounted for approximately 17 percent, injuries were responsible for 9 percent, and cancer caused 6 percent of deaths in Lao. In this particular year, total deaths amounted to 68,000, and 24,000 of those fatalities were due to chronic diseases.

Good health practices in children and adults can help to combat the problems caused by chronic disease and obesity.