We are delighted to announce the promotion of Professor Mayfong Mayxay to the distinguished position of President at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) on 21st February 2025. This significant advancement reflects his unwavering dedication to enhancing public health and medical education in Lao PDR and beyond.
Professor Mayxay began his journey in medicine by graduating with a Doctor of Medicine degree from UHS in 1993. He furthered his expertise by obtaining a Ph.D. in Tropical Medicine from Mahidol University in Bangkok in 2001. His academic pursuits have been complemented by numerous leadership roles, including his recent position as Vice-President of UHS.
Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Mayxay has pioneered several key health initiatives in Lao PDR. He co-founded the Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU) at Mahosot Hospital, a pivotal institution for clinical research in the region. His commitment to ethical medical practices led to the establishment of the first Lao Ethical Committee and the launch of the Lao Medical Journal, which provides a platform for medical professionals to share research and insights.
In his roles as Chairman of the Lao One Health University Network (LAOHUN) and President of the Lao Infectious Disease Society (LIDS), Professor Mayxay has fostered interdisciplinary collaborations to address pressing health challenges. His recent initiative, the Unit for Health Evidence and Policy (UHEP) at UHS, aims to analyse scientific and health economic evidence to inform public health policies in Lao PDR. UHEP seeks to bridge the gap between research and practice by synthesising critical health information, ensuring that public health policies are grounded in robust scientific evidence. This initiative will enhance the effectiveness of health interventions, optimise scarce resource allocation, and ultimately improve health outcomes for the Lao population.
Beyond his contributions to Lao PDR, Professor Mayxay has established strong international collaborations. As a Visiting Professor at the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health at the National University of Singapore, he has played a key role in the NUS Public Health Lao Programme. His efforts have facilitated knowledge exchange and capacity building between Singapore and Lao PDR, enriching the academic and research landscapes.
Professor Mayxay’s research portfolio is extensive and impactful, focusing on infectious diseases such as malaria, dengue, and melioidosis. His work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also directly influenced health policies, resulting in improved health outcomes for the Lao population. In recognition of his outstanding contributions, he was honoured with the Asia Innovation Award by the Hitachi Global Foundation in 2020.
As he assumes the role of President, Professor Mayxay is poised to elevate the mission of UHS further by advancing health education and research. His visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to public health promise a future where UHS continues to thrive as a beacon of medical excellence in the region.
At the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, we are grateful to Professor Bounthom Samountry, outgoing President of UHS, for leading the initial collaboration with NUS. Under his leadership, UHS has strengthened its academic and research excellence, as well as advanced medical education and public health in Lao PDR. We wish him continued success in his work.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to Professor Mayxay on this well-deserved promotion and look forward to witnessing the continued positive impact of his leadership on the health and well-being of communities in Lao PDR and globally.