Training on the production of respiratory protective equipment (face masks) and the provision of production materials to 5 target villages in Pakngum District (Ban Somsavath, Ban Nongkhiet, Ban Nakung, Ban Don Sangphai, and Ban Maknao Dong).

On 17–18 March 2022, at the Pakngum District Administration meeting hall in Vientiane Capital, the Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education (ADWLE) in collaboration with the Pakngum District Office of Labour and Social Welfare and the Pakngum District Health Office organized a training session on the production of respiratory protective gear (face masks). Materials for production were also provided to five target villages in Pakngum District (Ban Somsavath, Ban Nongkhiet, Ban Nakung, Ban Don Sangphai, and Ban Maknao Dong). The event was attended by 26 participants, including 16 women, and was presided over by Mr. Kongmi Sisamouth, Deputy District Governor, who oversees COVID-19 prevention efforts. During this training, village-level volunteers from five target villages in Pak Ngum District enhanced their knowledge and skills in producing respiratory protective gear (face masks). They also received the necessary production materials, enabling them to share this knowledge with fellow villagers and apply it in their daily lives. The training process involved both theoretical instruction and practical, hands-on sessions, where volunteers learned to sew masks using both manual (hand-sewing) and machine-sewing methods. The Association for the Development of Women and Legal Education also provided sewing machines and sewing supplies to five target villages for their use.

This project is funded by the European Union in Laos, coordinated through the Lao CSO Coordination Office (LCCO), and implemented through a partnership involving the Ministry of Health, the Association for Sustainable Agriculture and Environment Development, the Community Health and Inclusion Association (CHIAs Laos), and Plan International Laos.