VIENTIANE (Xinhua): Laos has received over 650,000 doses of the Measles and Rubella (MR) vaccines to help protect and prevent the spread of the two childhood illnesses.
The donation by Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, targeted over 600,000 children under five years of age, according to a report issued on Thursday from the Center of Information and Education for Health under the Lao Ministry of Health.
Phonepaseuth Ounaphom, director general of the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion under the Lao Ministry of Health, said that the donated vaccines will help save children's lives in the country.
The MR vaccine will be administered by the Lao Ministry of Health with support from UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO) and other development partners.
WHO Representative to Laos Ying-Ru Lo, said that measles and rubella are devastating diseases. Recent measles outbreaks in other countries have seen unvaccinated children die in tragic numbers.
She added that vaccination is one of the most effective ways of improving the health and well-being of children and their families.
"The WHO, alongside our partners, is proud to support the Lao government's vaccination efforts, including with the measles and rubella vaccine donation," she said. - Xinhua
