Programs and Events

U.S. Embassy Joins Lao Women’s Union for Two-day Avian Influenza Communication and Advocacy Workshop

Opening Ceremony with Anton Schneider, providing in-country AED representation, speaking before participants from the Lao Women's Union, along with Mdme. Phiulavanh Luangvanna, Lao Women's Union and Alma Rivera-Abraham, AED speak at the Workshop's

Dr Andrew Corwin, U.S. Centers for Disease Control Infectious Disease/Avian Influenza Coordinator, U.S. Embassy Vientiane, addresses Lao Women's Union on their important role in organizing local efforts to respond to the Avian Influenza Pandemic Threat.

The Lao Women's Union (LWU) hosted a two-day Avian Influenza (AI) Communication and Advocacy Workshop on December 8-9, 2006. Thirty-four district leaders from seventeen provinces attended the workshop in order to improve their ability to mobilize their communities and step up the country's efforts to prevent and control Avian Influenza. The workshop was conducted at LWU's Training Center in Pholnthane, Vientiane.

USAID supports the Lao Women's Union (LWU) in providing community mobilization and grassroots implementation of a comprehensive Avian Influenza Behavior Change Communication campaign, with technical assistance provided by the Academy for Educational Development (AED).

During the workshop, participants heard from technical experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Ministry of Health, and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Participants also received communication training by AED, learning to develop communication and advocacy activities specific to the needs of their own communities. They received teaching materials such as such as videos, posters, booklets, and stickers.