President of the Lao Red Cross, Mr Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, and his staff hand over cash donated by the Swiss Red Cross to assist households who suffered losses during tropical storm Wipha. The funds will be distributed to 746 families living in Phieng, Xaysathan, Ngeun, Xienghon and Khop districts in Xayabouly province.             --Photo Lao Red Cross 

Officials from the Lao Development Bank (right) on Friday give 500 million kip to Khammuan province officials, in recognition of the success of the province’s Party Congress and strong performance at the 12th National Games in November and the 4th National Disabled Games this month. Other groups also provided financial support for the province’s sports teams at these events.                                           --Photo Pasaxon

Residents of Luang Prabang city on Friday take part in a traditional ceremony to spark public support for the restoration of old temples and strengthen the Buddhist faith. Buddhism has traditionally been strong in Luang Prabang given the large number of temples and resident monks and novices. --Photo Pasaxon

Officials from the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organisation (WHO) and invited guests, including the Director General of the ministry’s Department of Planning and Finance, Dr Viengmany Bounkham, gather for a training session on the disease Early Warning, Alert and Response System. The meeting was attended by central and provincial health officials to learn how climate and environmental data can be integrated with routine disease surveillance to support disease outbreak preparedness and risk assessment. --Photo Phetphoxay

Women in Attapeu province display certificates upon completion of a three-day training course last week, where they learnt about various kinds of beauty treatments. --Photo Vatthana