Vientiane Capital, 26ᵗʰ of March 2026 – Mrs. Thepaksone Chindavong, Research Engineer in the Virology Laboratory, and Dr. Tiger Soulaphy, Research Engineer in the Medical Entomology and Vector-Borne Disease Laboratory at IPL, participated in the seminar Global Health: Pandemics (Origin, Response, and Preparedness), held from 23ʳᵈ to 26ᵗʰ of March 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Organised by the Open Medical Institute (OMI), the seminar brought together international experts and participants to explore key aspects of pandemic preparedness, including disease surveillance, outbreak response, and public health coordination. Through lectures, workshops, and interactive discussions, participants examined the role of surveillance systems in detecting emerging health threats and the mechanisms through which national and international stakeholders collaborate during outbreaks.

A tabletop simulation exercise focusing on a cholera outbreak provided practical insight into outbreak management and response coordination, highlighting the roles of public health authorities, researchers, laboratories, and international organisations in addressing public health emergencies.

The seminar also provided opportunities for professional exchange and networking, enabling participants to strengthen their understanding of preparedness strategies and the broader public health systems that support outbreak detection and response. The knowledge gained will contribute to ongoing efforts at IPL to strengthen research, surveillance, and preparedness capacities for emerging infectious diseases.

IPL extends its appreciation to the Open Medical Institute and the Institut Pasteur in Ho Chi Minh City for facilitating participation in this training opportunity.