Laos and Türkiye Partnered on Neonatal Health Training
A Lao delegation studied clinical neonatal care in Türkiye to help improve intensive care infrastructure for newborns.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Children’s Health
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A 14-member delegation of doctors and nurses from Laos recently completed an intensive neonatal health training program in Türkiye. The collaborative effort aims to boost maternal and newborn care capacity in Laos through updated training and hospital facility improvements.
Why it matters
Expanding clinical expertise and infrastructure is critical for improving neonatal outcomes, particularly in specialized areas like jaundice management and respiratory support. This partnership seeks to build a sustainable model of care by combining international expertise with local implementation.
The training initiative, which involved 14 delegates from Laos, covered specialized clinical modules in neonatal jaundice, phototherapy, and respiratory support. This follow-up to earlier sessions at Mahosot Hospital included clinical observation and equipment instruction.
The players
Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency
An international development agency that supports infrastructure and capacity-building programs in healthcare.
Turkish Neonatology Association
A professional society of medical specialists that provides clinical guidance and training in newborn health.
The details
The program utilized a cascading training model facilitated by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency and the Turkish Neonatology Association. Participants engaged in hands-on instruction regarding equipment use and clinical management at Ankara University, Gazi University, and Etlik City Hospital. These skills are being applied to local efforts, such as the recently refurbished neonatal unit in Saravan and assessments conducted across provincial hospital sites.
Timeline
February 2026: Neonatal training program held at Mahosot Hospital.
2026: Fieldwork visits conducted at hospitals in Bolikhamxay and Khammouane.
October 2026: Reporting on the delegation training in Türkiye.
Health Landscape
This effort aligns with global trends aimed at strengthening neonatal intensive care through international clinical partnerships. It follows a pattern set by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency's global health capacity-building initiatives to standardize newborn care.
Infrastructure improvements in local neonatal units, such as those at Saravan Provincial Hospital, facilitate higher standards of specialized care for newborns. Families can discuss available neonatal support services and equipment capabilities with their local healthcare providers.
The takeaway
Investment in clinical training and equipment is a vital pillar for reducing neonatal health risks at the community level. When navigating care for newborns, it is always helpful to ask your physician about the diagnostic and support technologies available in your regional hospital.
Further reading
For more on developments in global pediatric care, visit Children’s Health.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kpl.
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