On Aug 20, 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 Quarantine Centre of the 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge.
“I would like to express my deep personal appreciation to UNDP Laos for its collaboration and providing the equipment and arranging today’s event,” said Resident Representative of KOICA Jeonghee Im. “KOICA stands committed in continuing to provide necessary materials in response to COVID-19 and strengthen case management capacity in the country to fight this pandemic effectively together and save lives.”
KOICA has pledged to provide 600 bed mattresses, 1,000 bed sheets, and 1,000 mosquito nets to women in the quarantine centre. UNDP contributed US$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,” said Rieger.
The Government of the Lao PDR acted quickly when faced with an influx of Lao workers returning from neigbouring countries starting in April 2021.
Quarantine centres were set up primarily in Savannakhet and Champassak 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 1st Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge in Vientiane.
Source: Lao News Agency