U.S. Ambassador to the Lao PDR Rena Bitter handed over a new blood center in Champasak Province to the Vice-Governor of Champasak Province, Mr. Somsanith Boudthivong, during a ceremony on January 12. The new blood center will provide emergency blood services to people in the southern provinces. In September 2016, President Obama and President Bounnhang Vorachit signed the U.S.-Lao P.D.R. Comprehensive Partnership to advance the relationship. In the spirit of our new Partnership, this center will contribute to the health and well-being of the Lao people.
Speaking at the opening ceremony about cooperation between the U.S. Government and the Government of Laos on humanitarian assistance projects Ambassador Bitter said, “This blood center is a testament to that cooperation and dedication to improving the infrastructure of the Lao P.D.R. and the quality of life for the Lao people, and is offered on behalf of the American people to the people and government of Lao P.D.R.”
The U.S. Embassy, in coordination with U.S. Pacific Command (USPACOM), has provided humanitarian assistance through infrastructure projects in rural areas of the Lao PDR for over fifteen years. These projects include primary schools, medical clinics, irrigation systems and clean water supply systems. This blood center is one of several major infrastructure assistance projects completed last year, with a total cost of over 850,000 U.S. dollars.
These projects are part of the continuing cooperation and partnership between the U.S. and Lao governments to help strengthen the overall health and education systems in the Lao PDR and ultimately contribute to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals.
