On 13 November 2024, Mrs. Pimwadee Sovaratanapong, Acting Director-General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), together with Dr. Yongyot Thammawut, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, and Mr. Michael Ronning, Mission Director of International Development/Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), presided over the closing ceremony of the “Laboratory Capacity Building for High-priority Pathogens” project. This trilateral cooperation between TICA, USAID, and Lao PDR was held at Settha Palace Hotel and Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane, Lao PDR, from November  11-15, 2024. Dr. Bouaphanh Khamphaphongphanh, Head of the National Centre for Laboratory and Epidemiology (NCLE), and 42 participants from relevant Lao PDR agencies also attended the ceremony.

In her remarks, the Acting Director-General of TICA highlighted the importance of the aforementioned project, in which TICA and USAID/RDMA shared best practices with Lao PDR on developing pathogen laboratory capabilities. This involved training courses to enhance laboratory systems in Lao PDR, including advanced techniques for managing severe infectious diseases like tuberculosis and potential emerging pathogens. This project also promoted South-South Cooperation among developing countries and contributed to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring health and well-being for all.

Additionally, TICA engaged in productive discussions with executives from USAID/RDMA and the Department of Medical Sciences to review the successful outcomes of this project and explore opportunities for future collaboration.