Government of Australia donates H1N1 influenza vaccines to Laos

:: KPL :: Lao News Agency

Government of Australia donates H1N1 influenza vaccines to Laos

(KPL) The Government of Australia has donated over 600,000 doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine, worth more than 44 billion kip (US$5.2 million) to Lao PDR.

The handover ceremony took place on 15 March at the Ministry of Public Health between the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Michele Forster and Vice Minister of Public Health, Professor Dr. Eksavang Vongvichith.

Mrs. Forster said this donation is among the first in a commitment by the Australian Government to provide up to 10 percent of Australian pandemic vaccines for use by Australian�s neighbours.

She has added in making this donation, Australia was contributing to international efforts to support the World Health Organisation (WHO) in ensuring that sufficient pandemic vaccine are distributed to where they are most needed.

Mrs. Michele also said in doing so we are recognising the many challenges developing countries face in accessing vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most valuable ways to protect people during influenza epidemics and pandemics.

Presently, The Ministry of Health works closely with the World Health Organisation to ensure that these vaccines are delivered to vulnerable groups in Laos.