Program and Event

USCDC Promotes Pandemic Preparedness in Laos

U.S. Ambassador Ravic Huso and Ministry of Health H.E. Prof. Dr. Eksavang Vongvichit Shake Hands

During a ceremony marking the turnover of laboratory equipment to the Ministry of Health, Vice Minister H.E. Prof. Dr. Eksavang Vongvichit expressed his appreciation to Ambassador of the United States, the Honorable Ravic Huso, and the World Health Organization Country Representative, the Honorable Dr. Dong Il Ahn, for the contribution of critical laboratory equipment to respond to the current A/H1N1 pandemic threat. 

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), are intensifying efforts to promote Pandemic preparedness and counter the current Influenza Pandemic Threat, by providing new laboratory diagnostic capabilities at the National Center for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), Ministry of Health. 

On September 17, the USCDC and WHO collaboration turned over Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) machine that will greatly improve the speed, quantity, and quality of laboratory testing. The contribution of the RT-PCR equipment, valued at over $60,000, is part of a more comprehensive effort that has included laboratory training (in Laos and the region), provision of materials and supplies, and guidance and technical expertise. This assistance for laboratory diagnostic support since April 2009 is valued at over $300,000. Additionally, the USCDC-WHO collaboration has provided recent assistance in establishing “first time” testing capabilities for the detection of human Anthrax at NCLE.

The USG, through its agencies including USCDC, USAID, and U.S. Department of Defense, has assisted the Lao Government in responding to Pandemic Threats since 2006 by helping develop capacity building measures valued at over $14 million. We recognize the success of the Ministry of Health in containing and mitigating pandemic threats, and will continue to strengthen national capacity through the WHO-USCDC partnership.