US commits to deepening health relationship with Asean, Laos

The government of the United States (US) remains committed to deepening relations with the Asean regional bloc, including Laos, in the health sector for a stronger partnership, a top visiting US health official has said.
Deputy Secretary at the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Ms Andrea Palm, made the comment in an exclusive interview with the Vientiane Times on Tuesday during her visit to Laos. It came as Laos assumes the chairmanship of Asean Health Ministers for 2022-2024.

Mr Saleumxay Kommasith welcomes Ms Andrea Palm.                                --Photo US Embassy

“Our President and my Secretary who I work for are committed on behalf of the US government to deepening our relationship with the region, with Asean and with Laos, so that we can continue to help expand the capacity of this region in the health space and a variety of spaces,” Ms Palm said, adding that her capacity focuses on the health sector in particular.
During her visit, which was among the first of her foreign trips as Deputy Secretary, Ms Palm met Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.
Their talks focused on the importance of health cooperation between Laos and the US, and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s support during the Covid-19 pandemic. 
During a meeting with Health Minister Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith, the two sides discussed bilateral cooperation between Laos and the US and the Asean-US health partnership, with Laos holding the Asean Health Chairmanship.
Ms Palm said the US is willing to extend assistance as requested to support Laos in fulfilling its Asean Chair role.
The US representative expressed pride in the support given to Laos in the fight against Covid-19, and eagerness to expand the health partnership even further.
“We can help expand and grow the capacity of our (health) relationship together,” Ms Palm said.
The US government partners with Laos across a range of public health issues, and the CDC has a country office with a team of experts in Laos.
The two sides work together on HIV and tuberculosis prevention, preparedness and response strengthening, Covid-19, and other emerging public health issues as requested by the Lao government.
The CDC also supports the Laos field epidemiology training programme, also called the FET programme, which provides long-term capacity building to prevent and prepare for future pandemics.
So far, 102 field epidemiologists have successfully completed this one-year training course, creating a strong network of health officials across the country ready to detect and respond to disease outbreaks.
“We look forward to continuing and to growing that partnership and that programme to help build the capacity of Laos to service the people,” Deputy Secretary Palm told the Vientiane Times.

By Souksakhone Vaenkeo
 (Latest Update August 26, 2022)