ASEANews HEADLINE: VIENTIANE, Laos- Chinese military delivers 400,000 doses of Covid vaccine
The Ministry of National Defence on Monday received another 400,000 doses of Covid-19 vaccine from China, the sixth shipment of the vaccine made by Sinopharm (China National Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd.).
The Chinese air force delivered a second batch of medical supplies from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, including ventilators, monitors and other equipment for use by the Lao People’s Army. The shipment follows a first delivery of 300,000 doses of Sinopharm vaccine from the Chinese People’s Liberation Army in April.
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Lao People’s Democratic Republic
New Cases: 305
Total Cases: 12,469
Recovered: 4,604
Deaths: 11
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The vaccine will be sufficient to immunise another 200,000 people against Covid-19 and was provided under a Covid-19 response grant from China. Present at Wattay International Airport to receive the shipment were officials from the military attache section at the Chinese Embassy to Laos and Laos’ Deputy Minister of National Defence, Major General Dr Vongkham Phommakone.
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Dr Vongkham spoke highly of China’s contribution to the global fight against Covid-19 and expressed the Lao army’s heartfelt thanks to the Chinese army for its support and assistance.
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On behalf of the Lao government and people, he also expressed gratitude to the government and people of China for the aid previously provided. Over several months, the Chinese military has provided medical supplies and a team of Chinese army medical experts to help Laos fight the Covid-19 outbreak.
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China’s assistance reflects the concern, attention and caring nature of the Party, government and people of China towards Laos during these times of hardship and challenges, Dr Vongkham said. It also reflects the friendship engendered through the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation in line with the four goods – good neighbours, good friends, good comrades and good partners – and the building of a community with a shared future between Laos and China.
China’s support also marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries and Laos-China Friendship Year 2021. The Military Attache at the Chinese Embassy to Laos said “We believe that the joint efforts of our two armies, as an important part of our countries’ shared efforts to fight the epidemic, will contribute to the building of a China-Laos community with a shared future.”
As of August 21, a total of 2,109,937 people in Laos had received a first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 1,664,137 people had been given two doses. From March to August 23 this year, Laos has received Covid-19 vaccines from China, the UK government, Russia, and from friendly countries via the COVAX Facility amounting to about 4,819,060 doses in total.
By Times Reporters
(Latest Update August 24, 2021)
