In recent months, the Government of Lao People’s Democratic Republic has demonstrated high-level political commitment to contain the polio outbreak. Dr Bounkong Sihavong, Vice-Minister of Health visited Phonsaly and Oudomxay provinces from 24-29th December 2015 to advocate the required support from the sub-national authorities and also to better engage the health workers and local communities in this outbreak.
Dr Bounkong joined the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Dr Phankham Viphavanh, and the Minister of Health, Dr Eksavang Vongvichit in Luang Prabang Province on the 30 December 2015 for the Advocacy event organized for the ongoing Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) Campaign; and the event was also attended by the Chairman of Socio-Cultural Affairs Committee of the Lao National Assembly and the Provincial Governor of Luang Prabang Province among others.
From left: Dr Zhao Pengfei (WHO), Dr Eksavang Vongvichit (Health Minister), Dr Phankham Viphavanh (Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Education), Mr Khampheng Saysompheng (Governor of Luang Prabang Province) and Dr Phonethep Pholsena (Lao National Assembly and Chairman of Socio-Cultural Affairs Committee at the OPV campaign launch
Beside this event in Luang Prabang Province, a similar advocacy event was also organized in the southern region province of Savannakhet where the event was attended by the President of the National Assembly, Ms Pany Yathotou demonstrating the high-level political commitment from the government to stop the spread of polio.
An estimated 2.4 million children in Lao People’s Democratic Republic was vaccinated from 21 December until 6 January in one of the largest OPV campaign conducted since the declaration of the outbreak.
Preparations are now underway for the next round at the end of January; health workers have worked tirelessly together with other line ministries like Ministry of Education, Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and Ministry of Foreign Affairs following the signed declaration by the His Excellency Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong on 13 January 2016 announcing the ongoing polio outbreak a "National Public Health Emergency".
Prime Minister Thongsing Thammavong said "We stand committed to wipe out polio from the Lao People's Democratic Republic, we would ensure all efforts are put in place to save our children from this serious disease for which a safe and effective vaccine is available."
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For further information, please contact:
Ms Irene Tan
Communications Officer
WHO Representative Office in the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Telephone: +856 21 353902-4
Email: tani@wpro.who.int