LocationsPhoto by: UNDP Lao PDR
The Government of Lao PDR acted quickly when faced with an influx of Lao returning migrants starting in April 2021. Quarantine centers were set up primarily in Savannakhet and Champasak to ensure that returnees are first screened and quarantined before joining their families throughout the country. More recently, a larger number of migrants has also crossed the Friendship Bridge in Vientiane.
On 20 August 2021, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) contributed to the Government’s efforts as part of the Community Outreach for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment in Coexisting with COVID-19 Project, providing much needed equipment to the Friendship Bridge 1 Quarantine Centre.
“In this occasion, I want to express my deep personal appreciation to UNDP Laos for the collaboration and help providing the equipment and arrange today’s event”, said Ms. Jeonghee Im, Resident Representative of KOICA, “KOICA stands committed in continuing to support necessary material in response to COVID-19 and strengthen case management capacity in the country to fight this pandemic effectively together and save lives.”
KOICA will provide 600 bed mattresses, 1000 bedsheets, and 1000 mosquito nets that will be used to provide essential services for women in the quarantine centre. UNDP contributed $20,000 to provide sanitation and hygienic supplies to the centre.
“It is more important than ever for UNDP to respond quickly and adequately to the changing needs of the country during this time of crisis”, said Ms. Ricarda Rieger, Resident Representative of UNDP. “By providing basic supplies to the quarantine centres we wish to provide some comfort to the individuals who have lost their jobs and are waiting to be reunited with their families once they test negative for COVID-19. UNDP is grateful to KOICA for their generous contribution today, on top of the $30,000 of hospital equipment that KOICA already providing to Setthathirath Hospital to respond to COVID-19.”
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Contact details to get in touch with UNDP or Project Team
Aksonethip SOMVORACHIT, UNDP Communications Analyst
