Among all the studies and reports mentioned below, most if not all of the study groups and survey takers were aware and had knowledge of AIDS/HIV and condoms. However some people, as illustrated in the 2004 Burnet study, had some misconceptions.
According to the UNAIDS 2004 Report, the majority of those infected with HIV/AIDS are males, 60%+. (Burnet Institute report specifically states "heterosexual males"). The UNAIDS report went on to say that of 108 female sex workers surveyed only 22% consistently used condoms but that also more than half (54%) had one or more sexually transmitted disease/infection, STD/STI.
However according to a separate study by Family Health International (FHI) in 2001, found that sex/service workers in Vientiane, Luangprabang and Savannakhet, averaged together, used condoms 60% of the time. And again half of all sex workers were infected. This is a proportionately high rate of infection among sex workers, even compared to Thailand.
According to the Burnet Institute in a 2004 survey of 800 Vientiane men, 18.5% reported having sexual experience/relations with another male, once or more times in their lifetime. Of those 18.5%, 77% reported using a condom. For heterosexual males, the percentage of regular (or "always") condom users was 42.1% and on their last sexual encounter with a non-regular partner, 73.3% reported using a condom.
In a separate report by PACT/Naz Foundation International, the author quotes from several sources, a main one is from a PSI/Lao PDR study done in 2004. The results there indicate that of the 281 Lao gay males surveyed, 59% reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter.
All the reports, especially the Burnet study also gave us a glimpse into the high rate of multiple partners (promiscuity) by Lao males who were married or seriously dating, which tended to be in the 60+% range. The Family Health Intl. study also includes interesting data for specific population groups such as females, female sex workers, truck drivers, etc.
[Editor's Note: Condoms are readily available throughout Laos at pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals, among others.]
To answer your inquiry about adoption from Laos, although we are not experts in this area we can offer some information tidbits that may be useful to you. You should be aware that according to the US State Dept. foreigners are not permitted to adopt child Lao nationals. However since these are Lao-Americans and the child they are trying to bring over is a relative, they'll probably be able to bring her over.
During any immigration process, there is very little done from the foreign government side. Therefore it is not surprising that the Lao Embassy did not return your calls. It will be up to you and the couple to complete all necessary forms and in some cases a visit to Laos, by the couple, may be necessary. The forms you may need to fill out are listed below and can be downloaded online at the link listed.
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/
US Embassy in Laos will probably be more well equipped to answer your inquiries as they deal with these situations more often. As such, the link is provided below. The Lao Embassy will not be able to offer any assistance. It is the government of the country that you are trying to immigrate to that you should contact - that's the US government. A link is provided below for this as well.
US Embassy in Laos
http://usembassy.state.gov/laos/
US Citizenship and Immigration Services
http://uscis.gov
