Vietnam provides medical supplies for Covid battle

A team of Vietnamese medical experts, along with medical supplies, has arrived in Vientiane to help Laos contain the Covid-19 outbreak.
Airport staff on Tuesday unloaded the supplies donated by Vietnam at Wattay International Airport.
The shipment includes 2 million face masks, 10 tonnes of disinfectant and other materials as well as a cash of US$500,000.
The Vietnamese medical team includes experts in fields such as infection prevention and control, intensive care, epidemics, and lab tests.
Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the National Taskforce for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, Prof. Dr Kikeo Khaykhamphithoune, was present at the airport to receive the equipment and welcome officials from Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the government and people of Vietnam for providing the equipment, personnel and cash to help Laos control the spread of the virus.
“We will make full use of the materials sent by Vietnam and will try our best to prevent the further spread of Covid-19,” he said.
A Vietnamese representative said he greatly appreciated the contributions of all those involved, which would reinforce the Lao government’s efforts to contain the virus.
He stressed the need to mobilise more contributions and cooperation from all sectors of society in the battle to curb the outbreak.
The newly arrived specialists will assist at hospitals in Laos and put into practice the lessons learned from Vietnam’s own experience in battling Covid-19.
They will advise their Lao counterparts on epidemic control, diagnosis and treatment, and laboratory work, and provide training and guidance for Lao medical staff and community health workers.
The Vietnamese team will also help to set up a testing system as soon as possible. Specialists with experience in running Covid-19 treatment hospitals, particularly intensive care units, will also be sent to Laos.
The number of Covid cases in Laos is increasing, putting added pressure on efforts to contain the outbreak.
The Vietnamese have promised to stand shoulder to shoulder with the Lao people at this challenging time, jointly strengthening epidemic prevention and control, and steadily pushing forward bilateral cooperation.
Vietnam will send another plane loaded with materials and specialists whenever Laos is ready to accept it. 

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
(Latest Update May 5, 2021)