The Institut Pasteur du Laos (IPL) and the Disease Prevention Institute of Military Health Department (DPIMHD), Ministry of National Defense signed a Memorandum of Understanding for research and training in the areas of infectious/parasitic disease diagnostics, vector control and biomedical research. IPL and the DPIMHD have previously engaged in training in the area of dengue virus diagnostics and serotyping, as well as vector control. The MOU will allow DPIMHD staff to carry out on-the-job training at IPL and also allow IPL staff to provide training at the Lao Army hospital laboratories and training facilities. The MOU will also allow the parties to write joint grant proposals.
The signatories were Lt. Col. Dr. Xaysaveng Phommatha, Chief of the Disease Prevention Institute, on behalf of the Lao Department of Military Health and Dr. Paul Brey, Director of IP Laos, Lao Ministry of Health. Witnesses were Col. Dr. Bounteun Bandavong Chief of the Department of Military Health and His Excellency, Dr. Ponmek Dalaloy, former Minister of Health of Lao PDR and Honorary Chairman of IP Laos. Representatives of the Cabinet and Department of Communicable Disease Control of the Ministry of Health and Members of the Lao Department of Military Health also attended the ceremony.
