VIENTIANE, Aug. 6 (Xinhua) -- Health authorities from Laos and Thailand conducted a joint public health emergency response drill from Tuesday to Wednesday to strengthen cross-border preparedness, enhance disease surveillance, and improve coordination in responding to infectious disease outbreaks, Lao News Agency reported on Thursday.
The drill tested emergency response, disease surveillance and coordination systems, while strengthening cooperation in managing cross-border public health emergencies. It also provided a platform for participants to exchange information, share lessons learned and enhance collaboration on future emergency responses.
Addressing the event, Souksavanh Vilayvong, president of the Champasak Provincial Administration Organization, highlighted the importance of close public health cooperation as cross-border travel and trade continue to grow.
Systematic emergency preparedness and regular joint exercises would help reduce the health, economic and social impacts of future disease outbreaks in both countries, he said. ■