(KPL) A delegation from the Korean Red Cross Blood Services (KRCBS) met with representatives from the Lao Red Cross (LRC) in Vientiane on Dec 9 to discuss expanding cooperation in blood services. The meeting also included a handover ceremony for vehicles and medical equipment funded by KRCBS to enhance blood collection capacities in the Lao PDR.

This collaboration is part of the ongoing project, "Promote Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation and Increase Blood Collections in the Lao PDR," implemented by the LRC National Blood Transfusion Institute with KRCBS's support. The project aims to improve blood collection infrastructure to protect patients requiring transfusions.

During the handover ceremony, KRCBS provided three minibuses and six tube sealers, valued at $123,200 USD. The resources will be used for mobile blood donation activities in the National Blood Transfusion Institute, Oudomxay Province, and Louangnamtha Province. Mobile blood donations account for 80% of the total blood collected in the Lao PDR, and this equipment is expected to significantly boost collection efforts in these areas.

In 2024, five LRC staff visited South Korea to learn best practices and explore key blood service facilities. The partnership will continue with more training for LRC staff in Korea and technical supervision by KRCBS experts in the Lao PDR.

Mr. Kwon So-Yong, Director-General of KRCBS and head of the delegation, emphasized the importance of adequate and safe blood products for national health. She stated, "KRCBS is committed to sharing its expertise to help LRC develop a robust blood service system in the Lao PDR."

Mr. Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross, expressed gratitude for KRCBS's support, highlighting LRC's dedication to increasing the national blood donation rate to over 1% of the population annually.

The partnership underscores the shared commitment of both organizations to saving lives and improving public health through enhanced blood donation programs.

KPL