19 November 2024: In response to the increasing complexity of public health emergencies in Lao PDR, the Ministry of Health with support from WHO, is supporting a nationally deployable Emergency Medical Team (EMT) in-country. Today, the EMT received a significant boost via US$150 000 of WHO-funded equipment and materials to enable and support emergency operations.

The equipment cache includes essential items for the EMT to deploy a 50-patient-per-day 'field clinic' for at least 14 days, and independently maintain an appropriate level of emergency care, patient and staff welfare, communication, power, and sanitation.

"The establishment of a national EMT is a vital step in strengthening our country's capacity to prepare for and respond to public health emergencies," said Dr Bounfeng Phommalaysit, Minister of Health.

"This initiative will ensure we can provide timely and effective medical care to those affected by disasters and outbreaks. My sincere thanks go to WHO for providing technical support and budget to Lao PDR, especially the EMT equipment to ensure national and provincial emergency teams are able to deploy and save lives."

"In 2023 Lao PDR faced more than 30 acute public health events, highlighting the critical need for a well-equipped and well-trained EMT to respond," said Dr. Tim Armstrong, WHO Representative in Lao PDR. "WHO is committed to supporting Lao PDR in building a resilient health system that can withstand any challenge - the national EMT will be a valuable asset in doing so, one that we are proud to support".

"The next essential element is training and simulation exercises in the field, to ensure the EMT, and team members across the country, are ready to go for delivering medical care where it is needed most in times of crisis."

As part of EMT development, national-level officials from the Ministry of Health and major hospitals will participate in EMT training, with 12 provinces expected to be trained by 2025, allowing full deployment as required.