The signing ceremony held in Vientiane on Dec 23, 2024

(KPL) The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for "The Project to Strengthen the Lao Red Cross National Blood Transfusion Service" was held today in Vientiane.

The MoU was signed by Mr. Chanthala Souksakhone for the Lao Red Cross and Ms. Binita Poudel for the Swiss Red Cross. This agreement will serve as a foundation for the successful implementation of the project, further contributing to the Lao Red Cross Strategic Plan and improving public healthcare services in the Lao PDR.

The event was chaired by Mr. Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh, President of the Lao Red Cross (LRC), and Ms. Binita Poudel, Country Representative of the Swiss Red Cross (SRC) in the Lao PDR. Participants included representatives from the Lao Red Cross Cabinet, technical offices, the Ministry of Health, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The project represents a significant collaboration between the Lao Red Cross and the Swiss Red Cross, aiming to enhance blood donation services and ensure a safe and adequate blood supply across the Lao PDR.

Scheduled to commence in January 2025 and conclude on December 31, 2028, the project will be implemented by the Lao Red Cross National Blood Institute with a total budget of 716,642 CHF, generously supported by the Swiss Red Cross.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Khamlavanh Chanthalavanh expressed gratitude for the longstanding partnership between the two organizations, calling it "a vital step towards a robust and reliable national blood service, critical for saving lives and supporting the healthcare system in the Lao PDR."

Ms. Binita Poudel highlighted the Swiss Red Cross's commitment to supporting the strategic goals of the Lao Red Cross. “This collaboration reflects our shared vision of enhancing community well-being and resilience through strengthened healthcare systems. By prioritizing training, infrastructure, and fostering a culture of voluntary blood donation, we aim to enhance the capacity and efficiency of blood services nationwide,” she stated.

Mr. Chanthala Souksakhone, Director of the National Blood Transfusion Institute, outlined the project’s key objectives, to expanding access to blood transfusion services and improving quality in blood donation, aiming for 100% voluntary non-remunerated blood donations (VNRBD), enhancing the quality and sustainability of blood services through improved safety, efficiency, and infrastructure, promoting behavior change to increase voluntary blood donation among target groups and strengthening local capacity for decision-making and policy influence to ensure sustainability.

This partnership exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing critical healthcare needs, paving the way for a healthier and more resilient future for communities in the Lao PDR.

KPL