USAID, WHO provide US$2m in medical supplies

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have provided medical supplies worth more than US$2 million to combat the spread of Covid-19 and other diseases in Laos.
US Ambassador to Laos Dr Peter M. Haymond and WHO Officer-in-Charge Dr Yu Lee Park on Tuesday handed over the medical equipment and supplies to Deputy Minister of Health Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth, according to a media release.

(From right) Dr Yu Lee Park and Dr Peter M. Haymond hand over medical supplies to Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth.

The donated items include protective and medical equipment, medication, test kits, oxygen supplies, laptops, and tablets, and are part of the ongoing support from the USAID, through WHO, in the fight to end the Covid-19 pandemic and prepare for future health crises.
“As we move forward together, recovering from the pandemic and returning to regular life, we must remain safe and vigilant against cases that remain in the community, particularly with events like the National Games and the return of tourism. These supplies will help us do just that by safeguarding community and healthcare worker health,” Dr Phayvanh was quoted as saying.
He thanked both USAID and WHO for their ongoing support, and broader assistance for Covid-19 vaccination and strengthening health protection across Laos.
Funded by USAID and WHO, the supplies include 600,000 medical masks, 500,000 pairs of gloves, 250,000 surgical gowns, 289,000 Covid-19 rapid tests, 206 million litres of medical oxygen and 70 oxygen delivery machines for hospitals, 24,000 face shields, 50 laptops and tablets for enhanced disease surveillance, and a range of other equipment and medication.
The materials will be dispatched nationwide to hospitals and health centres, with additional supplies to be delivered later in the year.
“Today’s donation is part of the United States’ ongoing support to assist the Lao government in improving its national surveillance, response, and risk reduction efforts to combat Covid-19,” Ambassador Haymond said.
“The United States remains committed to supporting [the] Lao PDR and other partner countries to end the global pandemic and rebuild the economy.”
While Covid-19 case numbers in Laos are currently low, they are still being detected in almost all provinces, indicating that community transmission is ongoing.
New variants continue to be detected and the elderly and those with underlying conditions remain particularly vulnerable. 
“The prospect of a return to normal life is exciting for Laos, but we must manage it wisely and safely,” Dr Park said.
“We must ensure the health system is ready if another surge in cases occurs; we must be ready to continue addressing severe cases, and we must keep pushing on increasing vaccination coverage, particularly for elderly and other vulnerable populations,” she added.
“This support will help address the Covid-19 risks that remain, as well as those from other diseases, and play an important part in strengthening the nation’s health system longer-term with equipment and technology.”
“We are extremely grateful for this ongoing assistance,” Dr Park said.
The equipment is part of ongoing collaboration between the US government and WHO supporting health in Laos, including tackling Covid-19 and recovery efforts, Covid-19 and routine vaccination support, strengthening health laboratories and disease surveillance, monitoring disease outbreaks, addressing health emergencies, and strengthening Laos’ health systems.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update November 16, 2022)