Between 1964 and 1973, more than 240 million cluster bomb sub-munitions were dropped in Laos; 80 million of these bombs failed to explode and continue to pose a hazard to civilians. Since 1964, approximately 20,000 people have been killed or wounded by unexploded ordnance (UXO), many of them in remote and rural areas. Medical treatment, physical rehabilitation, and mental health services are extremely limited throughout Laos, and poor communications and transport networks prevent survivors and their families from accessing services, which are concentrated in provincial capitals.
Continuing the support that was provided through the U.S.-funded War Victims Medical Fund (WVMF), the U.S. Medical Fund for UXO Victims, funded by the U.S. Department of State, will carry on the goal that survivors and family members affected by UXO accidents in Lao PDR will remain unburdened by medical and funeral-related debt and receive support to navigate barriers to accessing healthcare. As of April 2024, 1,177 UXO survivors have received support from the WVMF for their emergency and ongoing medical needs. Since July 2016, World Education has operated the fund in partnership with the National Regulatory Authority (NRA), the Lao government agency in charge of the UXO sector.
The fund provides essential support to anyone injured by UXO nationwide, covering:
World Education strives to build lasting relationships with partners across diverse geographic regions and technical sectors to produce better education outcomes for all.
