KOFIH Global Alumni gather for a photo after the meeting in Vientiane on Wednesday.

KOFIH Global Alumni gather for annual meeting in Vientiane
Celebrated healthcare workers reconnect and share insights at the KGA annual meeting.

The Korea Foundation for International Healthcare (KOFIH) hosted the KOFIH Global Alumni (KGA) Annual Meeting at the Crowne Plaza Vientiane on June 19.
The event brought together over 100 healthcare professionals from central hospitals, the University of Health Sciences and Ministry of Health in Laos who have participated in KOFIH’s various global health programmes over the years.

Mr Kim Jongmin speaks at the KOFIH Global Alumni Annual Meeting.

Special guests included the Vice President of the University of Health Sciences, Ministry of Health, Dr Phasouk Vongvichit; Minister Counsellor at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Laos, Mr Kim Jongmin; 1st Secretary at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Laos, Mrs Park Soung-In; Country Director of the KOFIH Office in Laos, Ms Kim Hyunkyong; and Director of the Dr LEE Jong-wook School from KOFIH Headquarters, Mrs Jung Hyejin.
During the conference, attendees had the opportunity to network, share best practices, and discuss collaborative solutions to pressing global health challenges.
Launched in 2008, the Dr LEE Jong-wook Fellowship Programme has trained over 300 Lao healthcare professionals in Korea, and this annual gathering is a chance for alumni to reconnect, reflect on their experiences, and explore new ways to cooperate to improve health outcomes in Laos.
In her speech, Ms Kim emphasised the importance of this annual event, saying, “This reunion is more than just a celebration. This is an opportunity to reconnect, to share experiences, and to forge even stronger bonds. I hope that this annual meeting will allow you to continue to elevate the healthcare landscape of Laos.”
Dr Phasouk Vongvichit and Mr Kim Jongmin delivered congratulatory speeches, greatly appreciating the invaluable support from KOFIH for academic capacity building in critical areas such as training courses, master’s programmes, and high-level official training.
They recognised the effective implementation of these collaborative projects and the strong partnership between Laos and the Republic of Korea.
Mrs Jung Hyejin shared insights into the strategies and course offerings of the fellowship programme, as well as a survey of alumni satisfaction.
The conference concluded the Award Ceremony for KGA Activity 2023, for the activity of Training and Screening on Gestational Diabetes Mellitus for Healthcare Providers.

A proposal by the Deputy Head of the Nutrition Department at Mahasot Hospital, Mrs Souphaphone Louangdouangsithidet, was selected among all KGA activities of KOFIH in the year 2023.
During the dinner session, alumni discussed topics such as maternal and child health, infectious disease control, healthcare workforce development, and the role of the different health sectors.
Many participants highlighted the valuable training and networking opportunities they gained through KOFIH programmes and how they have applied those experiences to strengthen health systems in their home country.

ByAdvertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 25, 2024)