Situation Analysis - Laos

The World Drug Report 2009 reports that among people treated for drug problems opiates (92.2%) and amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) are the most commonly used drugs in Laos.

There are no national population estimates for drug use in Laos, however UNAIDS (2008) reports that as a recent phenomenon injecting drug use is increasing and there is growing concern that this may further accelerate the HIV epidemic in Lao PDR.

In 2008, opium poppy cultivation was found in all six surveyed provinces in the north of Laos (Phongsaly, Luang Namtha, Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Xieng Khouang and Huaphanh provinces). The total area under opium poppy cultivation in Laos increased by 7% in 2008 to 1,600 ha. Overall, the level of opium poppy cultivation in the country remains extremely low and is restricted to isolated plots in remote areas (World Drug Report 2009).

In 2008, UNAIDS estimated that there were 5,500 people living with HIV in Laos, an adult prevalence rate of 0.2%.