VIENTIANE : The United States has donated another 1,698,000 doses of the Pfizer Biotech Covid-19 vaccine to Laos, through the Covax Facility, with the shipment arriving at Wattay International Airport on Wednesday (Jan 26).

The arrival of the vaccine is very timely as health authorities are currently vaccinating thousands of adolescents aged 12 to 17 under the National Deployment and Vaccination Plan.

The first shipment of 799,110 doses donated by the United States this year arrived in Laos on Jan 2, followed by a second shipment of 899,730 doses on Jan 24.

The latest shipment was handed over to Prime Minister Phankham Viphavanh by the US Ambassador to Laos, Dr Peter M Haymond.

Also present on the occasion was the Minister of Health, Dr Bounfeng Phommalaysith.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Dr Phankham expressed great appreciation to the United States for its valuable support to Laos.

“This vaccine and funding support will help us reach our target of vaccinating 80 per cent of the population by the end of 2022 and, more importantly, will help to save lives,” the prime minister said.

Dr Haymond congratulated the Lao government on its work to vaccinate and protect the people of Laos and highlighted the role of the US-Laos Comprehensive Partnership in this effort.

“The United States is proud to support Laos with these crucial vaccines, which will save lives and have a positive impact on the safe reopening of schools,” the ambassador said.

“As we work together to end the pandemic, we will continue to support the Lao government in mitigating the wide-ranging economic and social impacts of Covid-19,” he added.

The United States will continue its support for businesses, the educational system, health care, persons with disabilities, and the rule of law, Dr Haymond said.

  - ANN