KOICA supports COVID-19 preventive activities for Attapeu disaster victims

Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) is supporting 3,800 Attapeu province disaster victims in temporary shelters with  COVID-19 preventive materials and an awareness raising campaign.
KOICA held a handover ceremony for the materials in Sanamxay district, Attapeu province on Monday with Minister of Labour and Social Welfare, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng; Korean Ambassador to Laos, Mr Shin Sung-soon; and Resident Representative of the KOICA Office in Laos, Mr Sungsoo Oh in attendance.
KOICA handed over informative materials including COVID-19 prevention posters and guidebooks, as well preventive supplies comprising face masks, hand sanitiser, soap, and thermometers to around 1,000 households living in temporary shelters who were affected by the 2018 dam collapse flooding.
In addition, KOICA also contributed medical materials such as face shields, alcohol, and more to Attapeu Provincial Hospital, four district hospitals, and 32 health centres on the same day. Through the activity, KOICA conveyed a message of “Leave no one behind” on COVID-19 response by prioritising its support for the most vulnerable people.
KOICA has broadcast coronavirus prevention messages including how to identify symptoms and safety measures through the shelter’s public address system this week.
Related posters and booklets on effective handwashing, the use of face masks, and COVID-19 symptoms and prevention guidelines have been distributed to public venues such as temporary shelters, schools, and hospitals in Attapeu province, as well as extensive temperature checks and the delivery of preventive materials.
The activity is a part of KOICA’s five-year (2019-2023) “Integrated Programme for Climate Resilience and Empowerment in Attapeu province,”. The programme aims to support recovery after the dam collapse in the short-term and assist related sectors in sustainable activities and self-reliance by ensuring climate resilience as well as empowering the province against climate-related disasters.
During the handover ceremony, Dr Khampheng Saysompheng said that “Laos has responded well to combating COVID-19. However, other neighbouring countries still have remaining cases, so the government continues its measures for control and prevention.
He expressed appreciation for KOICA’s COVID-19 prevention activities for local residents through the provision of supplies as well as supporting an awareness raising campaign. 
Mr Shin Sung-soon said, “Through this COVID-19 prevention activity, KOICA shared South Korea’s strict quarantine model named the K-Quarantine, which has been globally praised for its quick and effective response to the pandemic.”
Meanwhile, Mr Sungsoo Oh explained that the temporary shelter residents in Attapeu province had faced challenging circumstances and KOICA was supporting the vulnerable in collaboration with the Lao government.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update July 2, 2020)