United States provides four mobile vaccination clinics to boost vaccination coverage in remote districts

The United States continues to support the Lao PDR’s increased vaccine uptakes in rural communities, improving national immunization coverage.  At a ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, U.S. Embassy in Lao PDR Chargée d’affaires a.i. Michelle Y. Outlaw handed over four Toyota Landcruiser-based mobile vaccination clinics to Deputy Director of the Cabinet Office, Dr Souphaphone Sadettan. A U.S. Government donation of four Toyota Landcruiser-based mobile vaccination clinics, for district health teams in Bokeo, Luangprabang, Phongsaly and Huaphanh Provinces, will dramatically improve access to vaccination and other outreach services for more than 300 remote villages.

The 2.3 billion Lao Kip (US $113,000) donation, from the United States through WHO, will transport vaccines and healthcare teams to support COVID-19 and routine immunization outreach, plus other vital healthcare efforts in hard-to-reach locations. 

Dr Souphaphone Sadettan said, “On behalf of the Ministry of Health, I would like to sincerely thank the U.S. Government for its generous support to healthcare in these four provinces, allowing healthcare workers and urgently-needed vaccines to reach thousands of high-risk people in some of our most remote areas – and help us further close vaccination gaps.”

“The vehicles will also ensure transportation of people with serious health issues, including severe COVID-19 symptoms, and outreach services including maternal and child healthcare, and nutrition and family planning advice. Reducing the inequities faced by people living in these locations will improve health, save lives and contribute to a better quality of life.” 

The high-risk populations in four districts within the provinces – Samphanh in Phongsaly, Meung in Bokeo, Ngoy in Luangprabang, and Xamtai in Huaphanh – are significantly disadvantaged by their remoteness. Communities struggle with limited access to healthcare services, and challenging conditions to reach urgent treatment. Healthcare workers face long distances, poor roads, flooding and mountainous terrain to reach these locations. 

Chargée d'affaires Outlaw highlighted the expanding partnership between the United States and Lao PDR in protecting the well-being of the people of Laos while addressing COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. “The United States is proud to continue our commitment to save lives and help stimulate the local economy,” said Chargée d'Affaires Outlaw. “These vehicles will play a crucial role in expanding vaccine coverage to protect the lives of mothers, children, and families through these vaccinations and outreach initiatives. We believe this will be a positive step in increasing overall general health in local communities.”

“This contribution from the people of the United States will bring a gearshift in healthcare for these remote areas – I’m delighted to see these vehicles provided to help ensure that medical teams and healthcare services can get to where they are needed most, and reach the unreached,” said Acting WHO Representative Dr Otsu Satoko. “With low routine and COVID-19 vaccination coverage in these targeted districts, this extra support will deliver rapid, meaningful impact.”

The four vehicles are part of the U.S. Government’s ongoing support for health and pandemic response in Lao PDR, adding to earlier donations and funding support to the Ministry of Health including cold chain strengthening, nearly 3 million life-saving COVID-19 vaccine doses, and medical equipment.