Japan Boosts Dental Hygiene Training in Laos

Grant Assistance Enhances Dental Hygienist Training in Vientiane Province

LAOS: In a bid to bolster oral and dental health care in Laos, the Government of Japan has extended a grant assistance worth USD 300,000 for an oral and dental health project. This initiative, facilitated through the Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Project, aims to fortify dental hygienist training efforts in the country, particularly in remote areas.

The project entails the provision of facilities and equipment meeting requisite standards to support a dental hygienist training course at the Public Health School in Vientiane Province. Mr. KOBAYASHI Kenichi, Ambassador of Japan to the Lao P.D.R., and Prof. Dr. MIYATA Takashi, President of Organization of International Support for Dental Education (OISDE), formalized this endeavor through a grant agreement signed in Vientiane.

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Strengthening Dental Care Infrastructure

Prof. Dr. MIYATA Takashi, President of OISDE, expressed gratitude for Japan’s support, emphasizing the pivotal role of the project in augmenting dental and oral health care in Laos. He stated, “This project supports the operation of a dental hygienist training course… by providing facilities and equipment necessary for dental education and technical support.” He further highlighted the significance of training dental hygienists to enhance preventive measures against dental and oral diseases, particularly in underserved regions.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities

Ambassador KOBAYASHI underscored the importance of improving dental and oral health indicators in Laos, noting the potential adverse health outcomes associated with untreated dental issues. He emphasized the need for specialized professionals like dental hygienists and commended the collaboration between Japan and Laos to develop human resources in this field. The ambassador reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting socio-economic development in Laos, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, education, and health care.

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Continued Collaboration for Sustainable Development

Japan’s Grant Assistance for Japanese NGO Project aligns with efforts to foster economic and social development in Laos. Over the past five years, Japan has provided substantial support, exceeding USD 13 million through Japanese NGOs, to advance various sectors including infrastructure, education, and health care. This collaboration underscores Japan’s commitment to ensuring inclusivity and equitable socio-economic progress, affirming the principle of “no-one is left behind.”

Through initiatives like the dental hygienist training course, Japan seeks to empower local communities and contribute to the long-term improvement of living standards in Laos, reinforcing the shared commitment towards sustainable development.