In Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the monsoon season often brings heavy rains and flooding that damage homes, disrupt livelihoods and limit access to food and clean water. When disasters strike, delays in getting essential supplies to affected communities can make recovery even harder.

To strengthen preparedness, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) has partnered with the Lao Red Cross (LRC) to pre-position 670 household relief kits ahead of the monsoon season. These supplies will be stored across four locations nationwide, closer to communities, to enable faster mobilisation especially to remote areas, and ensure more timely support when disasters occur.

Each kit supports a household for about a week with essential food and hygiene items. 

The initiative is expected to support approximately 3,350 individuals (670 households) including vulnerable groups such as children, elderly persons and low-income families.

The agreement was witnessed by the Embassy of the Republic of Singapore in Vientiane (Lao PDR), by Ambassador Ong Siew Gay and Deputy Chief of Mission Chew Zhen Hao.

Singapore Red Cross Secretary General Benjamin William meeting with Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone.

During the visit, Singapore Red Cross also met with the Prime Minister of Lao PDR, H.E. Sonexay Siphandone, and discussed its ongoing collaboration with LRC. He welcomed the continued partnership and supported further strengthening of cooperation, including expanding youth exchanges between Singapore and Lao PDR.

Beyond the project, SRC and LRC also held discussions to strengthen bilateral ties and explore further collaboration in community health (including first aid, psychological first aid, WASH, and pandemic preparedness), disaster relief and preparedness, youth exchange, capacity building, youth exchange, blood donor recruitment and organisational development.

These initiatives underscore the enduring partnership between the Singapore Red Cross, LRC, and the government of Lao PDR, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening resilience and supporting communities before, during, and after disasters.