Last week Julia Collins, ASSEA’s Director of Coordination and Policy, visited Lao PDR and Cambodia with our partners Union Aid Abroad APHEDA to promote the findings of recently completed economic impact assessments (EIAs) on phasing out asbestos use in these countries, funded by the Australian Government.
This important work forms part of Australia’s international leadership role under the Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030.
In Vientiane we held meetings with the Department of Hygiene and Health Promotion and His Excellency Dr Phayvanh Keopaseuth, the Vice Minister of Health. We discussed how a new Health Impact Assessment Decree and the evidence from the EIA research can be used to restrict the manufacture and use of asbestos materials in Lao.
We also met with the University of Health Sciences who will commence a project supported by ASSEA and APHEDA to identify cases of malignant mesothelioma in patients with pleural effusion.
The Lao Federation of Trade Unions provided an update on asbestos removal training that they provide and a program to conduct lung function tests among asbestos factory workers.
In Phnom Penh, we participated in a consultation workshop on the economic and health impacts of ending asbestos use. Julia presented on Australia’s legislative approach to banning asbestos and learnings for Cambodia.
The workshop also included presentations and panel discussions with all relevant ministries, the consultant who conducted the EIA and APHEDA.
Constructive meetings were held with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction, His Excellency Dr Say Sam Al, as well as officials from the Ministry, where we discussed various initiatives to phase out asbestos use.
Specific assistance from Australia was sought for improving capability to identify asbestos in construction materials, such as laboratory testing equipment, training and hand-held asbestos detection devices.
A huge thank you to the Australian Embassies in both countries for actively supporting our work and for arranging in-country meetings.
