Photo: The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated rehabilitation equipment to Center of Medical Rehabilitation (CMR) – Photo credit: Souliya Ounavong, USAID Okard
Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR — On March 13, 2023, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) donated rehabilitation equipment, valued at 348,472,000 LAK, to Center of Medical Rehabilitation (CMR), Ministry of Health at a ceremony in Vientiane Capital. The donation will strengthen the delivery of quality rehabilitation services to people with disabilities in Laos. The rehabilitation equipment includes an ultrasound machine, shortwave diathermy machine, laser machine and hot packs, funded by USAID through its Okard Project, implemented by World Education.
“We are proud to provide rehabilitation equipment to CMR as the main hub of rehabilitation services in Laos. Through this support, more people with mobility difficulties will receive quality rehabilitation services,” said Dr. Kevin Smith, USAID Deputy Country Representative to Laos. “Our health and disability assistance is a central part of the U.S. – Lao Comprehensive Partnership. The United States looks forward to continuing our collaboration and support in the health and disability sector in Lao PDR.”
One of the keys to strengthening the health system is rehabilitation. When quality rehabilitation services are available at all levels of the health system, particularly at the primary health care level, it supports the Lao population as a whole and enables all to participate in, and contribute to the economic development of the country. The upgraded rehabilitation equipment provided by USAID will enable qualified doctors, nurses, and physiotherapists at CMR to deliver more high-quality services to people in need with high-level standards and accuracy of treatment. Over the past decade, USAID has supported the CMR through donating rehabilitation and training equipment, developing rehabilitation and training curricula, and providing other capacity building support. Countless individuals with disabilities across Laos, including victims of road accidents, birth complications, and unexploded ordnance incidents have benefited from such support.
USAID Okard, implemented by World Education, Inc., in partnership with Humanity and Inclusion, improves access to quality rehabilitation and economic opportunities for persons with disabilities and supports the development and implementation of disability inclusive policies.