On 31 March 2023, Mr. Wattanawit Gajaseni, Deputy Director – General of Thailand International Cooperation Agency (TICA), Dr. Steven G. Olive, Mission Director of the U.S. Agency for International Development/Regional Development Mission for Asia (USAID/RDMA), and Dr. Anupong Sujariyakul, Medical physician, Advisory Level, the Department of Diseases Control (DDC), Ministry of Public Health jointly presided over the “Closing Ceremony of Capacity Strengthening on Entomology and Joint Foci Investigations for Lao PDR” from 20 – 31 March 2023 at Grand Centre Point Ploenchit Hotel with participation of 15 representatives from Lao PDR’s Ministry of Public Health and 6 participants from Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health. This development cooperation program on health in the third country is the first activity being launched under the TICA – USAID Strategic Partnership, having the Department of Diseases Control as the key implementing agency under the partnership.

This two-week training encompassed one week of classroom lectures in Bangkok and another week of field practice in Tak and Phitsanulok Provinces. The hands-on experience in conducting foci investigations in malaria-endemic areas covered a wide range of topics from the key steps involved in the preparation and collection of mosquito samples to how to identify breeding places. At the end of the closing ceremony, a small exhibition presenting entomological equipment, supported by the U.S. and the Ministry of Public Health for preventing and eliminating malaria along the border and in neighboring countries, were also displayed.

In addition, one of the key objectives of the program is to share Thailand’s experiences and expertise to Lao PDR and other countries in Mekong region to help the region free from malaria by 2030 to achieve the SDGs, including Goal 3 on good health and well-being.