Red Cross receives funding of HIV/ AIDS programme

The Italian Red Cross Society (ITRC) has agreed to provide more than 325 million kips (24.500 euros) to assist the HIV/AIDS prevention programme of the Lao Red Cross in Luang Prabang province.
The project will be implemented by the Lao Red Cross, Luang Prabang Branch from July to December this year.
A memorandum of understanding of the project was signed on 11th June 2008, in Vientiane by Lao Red Cross President Dr. Snivourast Saramany and ITRC National President Massimo Barra, who is also Vice-President of Internationa Federation of Red Cross and Red Crscent Societies (IFRC).

The project aims to contribute to HIV/AIDS prevention and reduce the vulnerability of people who are HIV positive.

Another aim is to improve the quality of life of people living with the disease and reduce their stigmatization. This is in accordance with the strategic plan of the Lao Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) The funds would help support the capacity of the Lao Red Cross to respond to HIV through specific training of the society’s staff and volunteers, particular attention would be given to home care and assistance for people who are HIV positive . Besides this part of the fund support will be used for relief operation to the victims in Luang Prabang province.

The project will help a team of doctors, nurses and volunteers from the Lao Red Cross to attend a workshop and study tour in ChiangMai, Thailand , they will learn about anti-retroviral treatment and the psychological needs of people living with HIV/AIDS.

The participants would also learn about home care assistance and HIV in children.

Lao Red Cross volunteers will make home visits to provide support to people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Volunteers will make regular follow -up visits and are able to access rural areas that are subject to flooding.

This partnership with the Lao Red Cross in serving the most vulnerable victims of this disease.

The Lao Red Cross hope this partnership and cooperation will continue for many years, including other core activities at our headquarters and local branches, especially in capacity building.

The Lao Red Cross was highly committed to helping the government reduce poverty and achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015.

Red Cross Societies around the world have an important role to play to reduce the suffering of humanity, which is sadly increasing day by day. But by mobilizing the power of humanity we can achieve this.

The signing ceremony was attended by Lao Red Cross Vice-President Dr Boulakhoth Keomayphith, the Head of the Red Cross Delegation in Sri Lanka. Mr. Pino ungaro. and other interested parties.