On 30th August 2022, a delegation of faculty members from the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health travelled to Vientiane, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, for school visits. The delegation was led by Hsu Li Yang, Vice Dean (Global Health), and supported by Kiesha Prem, Visiting Research Fellow.
The main objective of the trip was to touch base with established institutions to learn more about the public health practices in the country as well as to discuss research and educational collaborations. They visited the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (Lao THPI) and were cordially hosted by Dr Latsamy Siengsounthone, Dr Somphou Sayasone, and Prof Sengchanh Kounnavong. Subsequently, the delegation visited the Institute of Research and Education Development (IRED UHS-Laos) and was warmly received by Dr Sysavanh Phommachanh. They also had an insightful meet-up session with Prof Mayfong Mayxay from the University of Health Sciences of Lao PDR (UHS-Laos).
In addition, the delegation participated in the topic prioritisation process for Health Technology Assessment (HTA) in Lao People’s Democratic Republic with the Unit for Health Evidence and Policy in Lao PDR, Health Intervention and Technology Assessment Program (HITAP), Lao-Oxford-Mahosot Hospital-Wellcome Trust Research Unit (LOMWRU), and other partners.
The visit concluded on 2nd September 2022 and the School looks forward to collaborating closely with institutions in Laos in the future.