A handover ceremony was held at the Ministry of Health where laboratory reagents and supplies for COVID-19 testing estimated at LAK15.4 billion (AUD2,250,000) was received through the World Health Organization (WHO). This contribution from the Australian Government is in addition to Australia’s support of LAK111.6 billion (AUD16.2 million) to the Lao Government for COVID-19 vaccine support.
Group photo of Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health (middle left); Mr. Paul Kelly, Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR (middle), Dr. Jun Gao, Officer in Charge for the WHO Representative Office in Lao PDR (middle right) and representatives from departments in Ministry of Health, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Australian embassy and WHO during the official handover. ©WHO/Vannaseng Insal
The event was attended by Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health; Mr. Paul Kelly, Australian Ambassador to the Lao PDR and Dr. Jun Gao, Officer in Charge for the WHO Representative Office in Lao PDR.
Minister of Health Dr. Phoummalaysith stated, “The Ministry of Health would like to thank the Australian Government for this timely contribution to the COVID-19 response, particularly as we are seeing a surge in cases in the past months with 13,909 cumulative cases reported as of 25 August. We are now able to confirm cases at a shorter turnaround time for northern and southern provinces, through the expansion and decentralization of testing which is made possible with this funding support.”
Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health expresses his gratitude towards Australia. ©WHO/Vannaseng Insal
The support from the Australian Government enabled the country to reduce the time spent in transporting and processing samples at the central level, allowing for quicker action to mitigate transmission, with 952 cases reported on 25 August, the highest recorded daily number to date.
“Australia is proud to support the Lao Government in their fight against COVID-19. Australia has committed over LAK127 billion (AUD18.45 million) to Laos for the delivery of safe and effective vaccines. As part of this package of support, Australia is providing LAK15.4 billion (AUD2.25 million) to the Lao Government through the World Health Organization to assist with procuring laboratory reagents and supplies for COVID-19 testing and strengthening laboratory capacity, to assist Laos’ COVID-19 preparedness and response” said the Australian Ambassador to Lao PDR, Mr. Paul Kelly.
Dr. Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, Minister of Health (left) and Mr. Paul Kelly, Australian Ambassador (right) exchange words after the ceremony. ©WHO/Vannaseng Insal
Since the start of the pandemic, testing capacity nationwide has increased from 500 a day, to currently around 2,000-3,000 specimens daily. At the same time, the funding will also be used for monitoring of laboratories in provinces to ensure that they meet biosafety and quality laboratory standards.
Dr. Jun Gao of WHO said, “Laboratory capacity strengthening for health emergencies during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic is a priority for the country. Being able to identify positive cases quickly to mitigate its spread is important to the COVID-19 response efforts and implementation of the National COVID-19 Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan for Health 2020-25. WHO values this important partnership with the Australian Government and highly appreciates its continuous support towards the country.”
Dr. Jun Gao, Officer in Charge for the WHO Representative Office in Lao PDR give his remarks on this important partnership with Ministry of Health and the Australian government. ©WHO/Vannaseng Insal
For more information, please contact:
Kaykhoun Khounvisith, Australian Aid, Khounkham.Douangphachone@dfat.gov.au
Vannaseng Insal, WHO Lao PDR, insalv@who.int