Institut Pasteur du Laos (IPL) is a Lao national public institution established by Prime Ministerial Decree in November 2007. It was created through a long-term partnership between the Lao Ministry of Health and Institut Pasteur in Paris, which has committed to remain engaged until 2036, after which the full management of IPL will be progressively transferred to Lao leadership.

Mandate

IPL is mandated by the Lao Ministry of Health to carry out public service activities in three main areas:

• Research and diagnostics on emerging infectious diseases and vector-borne diseases
• Training, education, and capacity building for health professionals and scientists
• Technical assistance to the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE) for epidemic investigation and response

Institutional model & autonomy

IPL operates with a high degree of autonomy in scientific, administrative, financial, and legal domains. While under the mandate of the Ministry of Health, it maintains scientific independence and collaborates freely with national and international research and public health partners.

All assets and ownership remain with the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

This model allows IPL to receive external funding such as grants and donations, as well as generate resources through its scientific activities, contributing to its long-term sustainability.

Capacity building and sustainability

The long-term sustainability of IPL is supported by a structured capacity-building strategy aimed at training a new generation of Lao doctors and scientists. This strategy focuses on preparing national experts to assume key scientific and administrative leadership roles within the institution, including laboratory heads and management positions.