National Efforts to Mitigate Biological Threats Lao PDRs presentation Workshop on Biological Threat Reduction June 10-11, 2009 Makati City, Philippines

General situation Area: 238,800 sq km Located: Southeast ASIA International airport: –Vientiane –Luang Prabang –Champasack Border Checkpoints: Laos-China –Borten-Morhan –Xiangkok Riverport on Mekong river Laos-Myanmar –Muongmom-Vangpung

General situation Laos – Thai –Houixay – Chiangkhong –Kaenthao – Nakaxeng –Frienship Bridge, Vientiane Capital – Nongkhai –Paksanh – Bungkan –Thakhek – Nakorn Phnom –Savannakhet – Mukdahan –Vangtao - Chongmek Lao – Vietnam –Sobhoun – Taychang (Phong Sali Province) –Banleui – Nameo –Namkan –Nampao – Keoneua –Dansavan – Laobao –Phoupha – Bo Y (bo-ee)

Measurement Border inspection (Quarantine) Health Quarantine (SARS) Agricultural products inspection Food and drug inspection Counterfeit medicine inspection

Public awareness Stay healthy. Eat well. Get plenty of rest. Use common sense to determine if there is immediate danger. Wash our hands with soap and water frequently. In a declared biological emergency or developing epidemic, there may be reason to stay away from crowds where others may be infected. There may be times when you would want to consider wearing a face mask to reduce spreading germs if you yourself are sick, or to avoid coming in contact with contagious germs if others around you are sick.

Challeges Constrain resources: capacity human, budget. Strengthening Knowledge on Bio Chemical Hazard of public Collaboration among stake holder

Thank you