On 7 February 2023, the School launched the NUS Public Health – Lao PDR Programme, in partnership with Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (TPHI), with the event taking place in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
The event was attended by representatives from Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, Singapore Embassy in Lao PDR, as well as key development and international partners.
Dr Latsamy Siengsounthone, Director General of Lao TPHI, welcomed the Guest of Honour, Dr Souphaphone Sadettan, Deputy Director General of the Cabinet of the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, and opened the session with remarks about the need of public health research to inform policy. Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health followed with further remarks on how research expertise and improved capacity in Lao PDR could benefit the development of public health in the country.
Dr Phetsavanh Chanthavilay and Dr Somphou Sayasone presented work conducted by NUSand Lao researchers on “Economic evaluation of rotavirus vaccine introduction” and “Hospital-acquired infection prevention and control”.
The Programme Lead, Dr Kiesha Prem, introduced the collaboration objectives which will focus on research, education, and training. This will include training courses which will take place in Laos, as well as the opportunity for researchers based in NUS and Lao PDR to apply for seed grants and travel bursaries.
In collaboration with the Lao Tropical and Public Health Institute (Lao TPHI) and with support from the University of Health Sciences of Lao PDR (UHS), the programme will aim to foster collaboration between researchers, students, and external organisations in Lao PDR. Through the engagement with local stakeholders, the programme will gather insights about public health areas and topics prioritised by the Lao Ministry of Health and other national and international stakeholders, development partners, and funding agencies. The programme also aims to be involved in capacity strengthening and facilitating evidence-informed policy environments to support decision-making for local public health interventions and programmes.
During the visit to Vientiane, the NUS Public Health team also visited the WHO Representative Office for Lao PDR and discussed synergies in their work, including in support of malaria control and vaccination campaigns. In addition, Prof Teo conducted a lecture on “Academic-Government Collaborations in Public Health” for students studying Masters of Tropical Medicine and International Health in Lao TPHI.
In January 2023, Dr Prem and Dr Chanthavilay were in Vientiane and taught a course on biostatistics for public health with Dr Sayasone to students from the Masters of Tropical Medicine and International Health of Lao TPHI.