Children enjoy using the new Grade 3 math textbooks.The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated rehabilitation equipment to the Center of Medical Rehabilitation (CMR).                                                                                                      --Photo Souliya Ounavong, USAID Okard

USAID assistance to increase rehabilitation of people with disabilities

People with disabilities in Laos are set to enjoy quality rehabilitation services, thanks to a donation of specialised equipment by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
USAID donated rehabilitation equipment valued at 348,472,000 kip to the Center of Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), under the Ministry of Health, at a ceremony held in Vientiane on March 13.
The equipment will strengthen the delivery of rehabilitation services to people with disabilities. The donation included an ultrasound machine, a shortwave diathermy machine, a laser machine and hot packs, which were funded by USAID through its Okard Project that is implemented by World Education.
“We are proud to provide rehabilitation equipment to CMR as the main hub of rehabilitation services in Laos. Through this support, more people with mobility difficulties will receive quality rehabilitation services,” said the USAID Deputy Country Representative to Laos, Dr Kevin Smith.
“Our health and disability assistance is a central part of the US-Lao Comprehensive Partnership. The United States looks forward to continuing our collaboration and support in the health and disability sector in the Lao PDR.”
One of the keys to strengthening the health system is rehabilitation. When quality rehabilitation services are available at all levels of the health system, particularly in primary healthcare, they support the Lao population as a whole and enables all to participate in, and contribute to the economic development of the country.
The upgraded equipment provided by USAID will enable qualified doctors, nurses and physiotherapists at CMR to deliver more high quality services to people in need, with high-level standards and accuracy of treatment.
Over the past decade, USAID has supported CMR by donating rehabilitation and training equipment, developing rehabilitation and training curricula, and providing other support for capacity building.
Many individuals with disabilities across Laos, including victims of road accidents, birth complications and unexploded ordnance incidents, have benefited from such support.
USAID Okard, working in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion, improves access to quality rehabilitation and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities, and supports the development and implementation of disability inclusive policies.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update March 14, 2023)