Korean Red Cross

A delegation of Korean Red Cross Blood Services (KRCBS) met Lao Red Cross (LRC) in Vientiane, Lao PDR on February 8(Wed) 2023, to discuss various channels of cooperation in blood services.

The delegation also attended the handover ceremony of procured equipment supported by KRCBS.

The meeting was held as part of last year's cooperation project ¡®Promote Voluntary Non-Remunerated Blood Donation and increase the number of blood collections in Lao PDR'. The project was implemented by LRC National Blood Transfusion Center and supported by KRCBS as a humanitarian activity to protect patients in need of transfusion by improving blood collection capacity in Lao PDR.

At the handover ceremony, KRCBS handed over two minibuses and two tube sealers, that will be used for blood collection at Sayyabury Province and Khammoune Province in Lao PDR.

As 80% of total blood collection in Lao PDR is currently collected through mobile donations, LRC and KRCBS are expecting that this collaboration will significantly improve the number of blood collections in these areas.

KRCBS and LRC have been collaborating to improve the LRC¡¯s capacity such as inviting LRC staff to Korea in 2021 to explore blood service key facilities and best practices.

Dr. Nam-Sun Cho, the Director-General of KRCBS and Head of the delegation, noted that securing and providing adequate and safe blood products is an essential part of national health care and health improvement. He also added KRCBS will continuously share its experience and expertise with LRC and contribute to the development of blood services in Lao PDR.

Prof. Dr. Phouthone MUONGPAK, the President of Lao Red Cross, responded by expressing sincere appreciation to KRCBS for its support and collaboration. He also emphasized LRC¡¯s effort to enhance blood service capacity, especially achieving a national blood donation rate of over 1% of population per year.