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First Phosphate Project Receives Letter of Support from Mario Simard, Canadian Parliamentary Deputy for the Riding of Jonquière, Québec


SAGUENAY, QUEBEC – Newsfile Corp. – 22 February 2024 – First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS) (OTC: FRSPF) (FSE: KD0) (“First Phosphate” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce that it has received a letter of support for its mining project and planned purified phosphoric acid plant from the Hon. Mario Simard, Member of Parliament (BQ) for the Riding of Jonquière, Québec.

Mr. Simard, first elected to Canadian parliament in 2019, is the vice-chair of the Standing Committee on Natural Resources and is the critic for natural resources for the Bloc Québécois.

“The team at First Phosphate appreciates the support that Mr. Simard and his staff have provided to us since the very beginning of our concept of establishing the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec as the LFP Battery Valley of North America,” says First Phosphate CEO, John Passalacqua. “In Canada, we need leadership that backs major projects and that supports job creation in local economies, especially an economy with the potential of Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean, Quebec.”

Mr. Simard’s letter of support for the First Phosphate project may be found at:
https://firstphosphate.com/mariosimard.pdf

Mr. Simard states the following in his letter:

“In the current context of climate change, all efforts to undertake the energy transition in a concrete way must be supported and encouraged. In this respect, phosphate is a key element in the development of the battery industry. Not only are lithium iron phosphate (“LFP”) batteries non-toxic and have the advantage of superior fire protection, but they also contribute directly towards the green-energy transition. They provide the electric vehicle sector with environmentally-friendly batteries through their production process powered by our clean Quebec hydroelectric grid.”

“Thanks to the availability of phosphate (amongst the purest 1% in the world), our region has the potential to establish itself as a true leader in the energy transition, all through the development of a LFP battery industry. What’s more, the development of First Phosphate’s project facilities could contribute to the diversification of our regional economy with the potential to help create an additional 1,000 to 10,000 jobs in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.”

“This is why, as MP for the federal riding of Jonquière, I support a project as important as that of First Phosphate for the development of LFP battery in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region.”

Canadian Federal Riding of Jonquière Québec and Locations of the First Phosphate Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8917/198819_78a7aa0564790804_001full.jpg

About First Phosphate Corp.

First Phosphate is a mineral development company fully dedicated to extracting and purifying phosphate for the production of cathode active material for the Lithium Iron Phosphate (“LFP”) battery industry. First Phosphate is committed to producing at high purity level, in responsible manner and with low anticipated carbon footprint. First Phosphate plans to vertically integrate from mine source directly into the supply chains of major North American LFP battery producers that require battery grade LFP cathode active material emanating from a consistent and secure supply source. First Phosphate holds over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada that it is actively developing. First Phosphate properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock that generally yields high purity phosphate materially devoid of high concentrations of harmful elements.

For additional information, please contact:

Bennett Kurtz, CFO
bennett@firstphosphate.com
Tel: +1 (416) 200-0657

Investor Relations: investor@firstphosphate.com
Media Relations: media@firstphosphate.com
Website: www.FirstPhosphate.com

Follow First Phosphate:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/FirstPhosphate
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/first-phosphate

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Forward-Looking Information and Cautionary Statements

This news release contains certain statements and information that may be considered “forward-looking statements” and “forward looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. In some cases, but not necessarily in all cases, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “plans”, “targets”, “expects” or “does not expect”, “is expected”, “an opportunity exists”, “is positioned”, “estimates”, “intends”, “assumes”, “anticipates” or “does not anticipate” or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, “will” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and other similar expressions. In addition, statements in this news release that are not historical facts are forward looking statements, including, among other things, the Company’s planned exploration and production activities, the properties and composition of any extracted phosphate, the Company’s plans for vertical integration into North American supply chains and the establishment of the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region of Quebec as the LFP Battery Valley of North America.

These statements and other forward-looking information are based on assumptions and estimates that the Company believes are appropriate and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, expectations of the Company’s long term business outcomes given its short operating history; expectations regarding revenue, expenses and operations; the Company having sufficient working capital and ability to secure additional funding necessary for the exploration of the Company’s property interests; expectations regarding the potential mineralization, geological merit and economic feasibility of the Company’s projects; expectations regarding drill programs and the potential impacts successful drill programs could have on the life of the mine and the Company; mineral exploration and exploration program cost estimates; expectations regarding any environmental issues that may affect planned or future exploration programs and the potential impact of complying with existing and proposed environmental laws and regulations; receipt and timing of exploration and exploitation permits and other third-party approvals; government regulation of mineral exploration and development operations; expectations regarding any social or local community issues that may affect planned or future exploration and development programs; expectations surrounding global economic trends and technological advancements; and key personnel continuing their employment with the Company.

There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include: limited operating history; high risk of business failure; no profits or significant revenues; limited resources; negative cash flow from operations and dependence on third-party financing; the uncertainty of additional funding; no dividends; risks related to possible fluctuations in revenues and results; insurance and uninsured risks; litigation; reliance on management and key personnel; conflicts of interest; access to supplies and materials; dangers of mineral exploration and related liability and damages; risks relating to health and safety; government regulation and legal uncertainties; the company’s exploration and development properties may not be successful and are highly speculative in nature; dependence on outside parties; title to some of the Company’s mineral properties may be challenged or defective; Aboriginal title and land claims; obtaining and renewing licenses and permits; environmental and other regulatory risks may adversely affect the company; risks relating to climate change; risks related to infrastructure; land reclamation requirements may be burdensome; current global financial conditions; fluctuation in commodity prices; dilution; future sales by existing shareholders could cause the Company’s share price to fall; fluctuation and volatility in stock exchange prices; and risks related to market demands. There can be no assurance that any opportunity will be successful, commercially viable, completed on time or on budget, or will generate any meaningful revenues, savings or earnings, as the case may be, for the Company. In addition, the Company will incur costs in pursuing any particular opportunity, which may be significant.

These factors and assumptions are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors and assumptions that could affect the Company and, though they should be considered carefully, should be considered in conjunction with the risk factors described in the Company’s other documents filed with the Canadian securities authorities, including without limitation the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Information Form dated November 29, 2023 which is available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking information or information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About First Phosphate Corp.

Classy Kiss and Uni-China Group Enter into Strategic Cooperation Team Up to Venture into the Yogurt Product Market in Hong Kong

The first three products are now available at more than 1,000 points of sales in Hong Kong


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – Classy Kiss, the number one yogurt brand in Southern China, has entered into a strategic cooperation agreement with Uni-China Group, under which Uni-China Group will serve as Classy Kiss’s sole distributor in Hong Kong to launch Classy Kiss’s yogurt products in the Hong Kong market. The signing and launch ceremony was held today. According to the cooperation agreement, Uni-China Group will introduce Classy Kiss’s iconic products to local consumers through its retail network across Hong Kong and its high-end cold chain logistics distribution system. The first three products to be launched in the Hong Kong market, including “007 Probiotic Family Pack Yogurt (Original)”, “One Hour After Meal”, and “Natural Yogurt”, are now available at designated retail outlets across the city, including ParknShop, Wellcome, U Select, Bao Dim Sin Seng, and FRESH, and will also be available at Circle K Convenience Stores and 7-Eleven at the end of February and March, respectively, totaling over 1,000 points of sales.

Classy Kiss, Uni-China and all artists
Classy Kiss, Uni-China and all artists

Classy Kiss is the number one yogurt brand in Southern China in terms of sales volume. It has been focusing on the research and development of low-temperature dairy products since its establishment 24 years ago. Classy Kiss’s yogurt is made from top international strains fermented with high-quality fresh cow’s milk, which meets EU standards. The products have been awarded the SGS Global Dairy Industry Gold Standard Certification and The Superior Taste Award. Classy Kiss products lead the market in four aspects: source of milk, bacterial strains, craftsmanship, and quality.

The first three products launched in Hong Kong will be transported to various points of sales across the city by Uni-China Group’s dedicated cold chain logistics team. The team’s logistics solution combines nearly HK$100 million in investment in artificial intelligence and automation system equipment, making it the first service provider in Hong Kong to offer seamless automated cold chain logistics solutions to customers, effectively ensuring the preservation of quality and food safety of products to the highest standard.

Wang Weijia, Founder and General Manager of Classy Kiss, said, “Hong Kong is an important member of the Greater Bay Area and a window to the international market. Classy Kiss’s entry into the Hong Kong market not only complements our strategic plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, but also enhances our brand’s competitiveness and prepares us for future overseas market development. We are pleased to cooperate with Uni-China Group, which provides reliable support with its sizeable retail network, extensive experience in food trading, and seamless cold-chain logistics system. As travelling to Mainland China has become a trend for Hong Kong people in recent months, weare introducing our flagship products directly to Hong Kong to give its consumers the freshest and safest high-quality product experience through the most convenient shopping channels.”

Jackie Ling, Chairman of Uni-China Group, said, “We are honored to become Classy Kiss’s strategic partner to capture the business opportunities in the rapidly growing yogurt market and bring quality yogurt products that are renowned in Southern Mainland China to local consumers. With our experience in retail and food trading, extensive distribution network, and a seamless automated cold chain logistics system, we can ensure that the yogurt products are in the best quality and the most stringent food safety is upheld throughout the cold chain transportation process. This strategic cooperation fully leverages the Group’s advantages in various aspects. Going forward, we will continue to source and introduce different food brands from around the world to provide consumers with a wider range of high-quality food options.”

Classy Kiss products are now available in designated retail outlets across Hong Kong, including ParknShop, Wellcome, U Select, Bao Dim Sin Seng, and FRESH, and will also be available at Circle K Convenience Stores and 7-Eleven by the end of February and March, respectively, totaling over 1,000 points of sales.

Hashtag: #UniChinaGroup

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Classy Kiss

Established in 1999, Classy Kiss is a modern professional dairy product enterprise that integrates research, production, sales, and cold chain logistics. It is the only large-scale dairy product enterprise in China that focuses on yogurt production. Classy has been focusing on low-temperature yogurt for 24 years, with a professional product team, logistics team, production factory, and leading quality systems including ISO9001 and HACCP certifications. Over the years, Classy Kiss has adhered to a product strategy of “high grade, high quality, high standards”, successfully creating the Classy Kiss range of yogurt product and becoming the preferred brand in the white-collar consumer market and high-end dairy product market.

About Uni-China Group

With nearly 25 years of experience in Hong Kong, Uni-China Group has been playing an important role in the operation and management of different sectors based on the local business landscape. The Group has evolved from a commercial entity to a diversified business with a consistent commitment to excellence. The Group has a wide range of businesses, including retail, food and beverage, food trading, asset management, integrated marketing and marketing. Today, the Group manages about 1,000 stores in Hong Kong, and is not only a leader in various industries, but also plays a key role in promoting traditional culture and future development. Uni-China currently employs around 5,000 employees, and the entire team is dedicated, professional and committed to achieving excellence in all aspects. Uni-China is committed to promoting the sustainable development of its business scope and community services, fulfilling its corporate social responsibility, and maintaining its leading position in the industry.

Orbis Flying Eye Hospital Returns to Hong Kong After 8 Years Collaborates with Hip Shing Hong to Promote Global Sight-saving Efforts


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – Orbis, an international nonprofit dedicated to global blindness prevention for over 40 years, is pleased to announce the return of its iconic Flying Eye Hospital to Hong Kong after an eight-year hiatus. To express gratitude for the generous support from Hong Kong, Orbis, in collaboration with Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited (referred to as “Hip Shing Hong”), is hosting the “Orbis * Hip Shing Hong Flying Eye Hospital See Love Tour 2024” event. Orbis and Hip Shing Hong join forces in 2024 to launch their one-year partnership with the objectives to promote eye health awareness within the local community. Hip Shing Hong is the title sponsor of this event signifying the kickoff of the year-long partnership.

Mr. Derek Hodkey, CEO of Orbis and Mr. David M.H. Fong, BBS, JP, Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited visited Flying Eye Hospital.
Mr. Derek Hodkey, CEO of Orbis and Mr. David M.H. Fong, BBS, JP, Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited visited Flying Eye Hospital.

During the nine-day event, the public could take a look at the interior of the aircraft cabin, which has been transformed into a small-scale eye hospital equipped with a classroom, operating room, and recovery room for treating patients and teaching medical staff in developing countries. This tour would also offer visitors an opportunity to witness firsthand how Orbis transforms the lives of countless individuals with eye diseases.

Provided 400,000+ trainings over the past 9 years

Orbis has established 63 sight-saving programs in 11 countries globally through the Flying Eye Hospital. Over the past 9 years, it has provided more than 400,000 training sessions to healthcare professionals, distributed over 500,000 pairs of corrective eyeglasses to patients, and conducted over 28 million eye screenings. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic in the past 3 years, the Flying Eye Hospital adapted by transitioning training programs online to continue their sight-saving missions in different regions. Following its visit to Hong Kong, the Flying Eye Hospital will proceed to Mongolia and Bangladesh, furthering its commitment to fight avoidable blindness.

Mr. Derek Hodkey, CEO of Orbis, expressed his gratitude to the people in Hong Kong for their long-term support. “For over 40 years, Orbis has been visiting various regions worldwide through the Flying Eye Hospital. Other than providing training to healthcare professionals in remote areas, we also invite patients to board the Flying Eye Hospital for surgeries and treatments, successfully restoring sight for many people in need. Through the Flying Eye Hospital tour during its stay in Hong Kong, I hope to encourage interactions between the local community and the crew team, allowing the public to gain a deeper understanding of Orbis’s work. In the future, we are dedicated to lead the global fight against avoidable blindness and develop long-term blindness prevention strategies in collaboration with various stakeholders.”

Hip Shing Hong is committed to giving back to the society. Together with two family foundations, Hip Shing Hong has participated in around 600 charitable projects. Mr. David M.H. Fong, BBS, JP, Managing Director of Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited, shared his company’s parallel philosophy with Orbis of empowering individuals through training and skills transfer. “We believe in shared human wellness and happiness, and fulfilling dreams for people, is the true meaning of business existence. In January 2024, we launched a new branding motto, ‘Growing Together’ with the aim of working and growing together with our stakeholders to build a win-win future and give back to society. Sharing a similar philosophy, we have embarked on a year-long collaboration with Orbis, making it the first large-scale community project after our rebranding. Through this collaboration, we hope to promote eye care education to the public and create a brighter future filled with colors for those in need.”

Special thanks to Title Sponsor Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited, Vision Sponsor Rusy and Purviz Shroff Charitable Foundation, Caring Sponsor Mentholatum (Asia Pacific) Limited, Sponsor The Divine Grace Foundation Ltd and Wilson Group, Services and Venue Sponsor Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering Company Limited, Supporting Organization Airport Authority Hong Kong, Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre and Hong Kong Airport Services Ltd for supporting Orbis’s mission.

More photos

https://orbis365e4-my.sharepoint.com/:f:/g/personal/isabella_choi_orbis_org/EnaxHevthE5NjVco3WggTGcBENn9xZxOhsSs8xQ7wVZkgA?e=aSi3Hu

Hashtag: #HipShingHong #Orbis

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Orbis

Orbis is a nonprofit, organization that prevents and treats blindness through hands-on training, public health education, improved access to quality eye care, advocacy and partnerships with local health care organizations. By building long-term capabilities, Orbis helps its partner institutions take action to reach a state where they can provide, on their own, quality eye care services that are affordable, accessible, and sustainable. To learn more about Orbis, please visit .

About Hip Shing Hong (Holdings) Company Limited

Our vision is creating human wellness and fulfilling dreams for society which we believe is the true meaning of business existence. We are committed to going beyond the basics to grow together.
Since 1948, Hip Shing Hong has deep roots in the city. Today, as one of Hong Kong’s reputable private real estate developers, Hip Shing Hong will continue to deliver sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant dreams.

Growing Together, Hip Shing Hong!

For more information, please visit .

A Blooming Spectacle: The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23rd World Orchid Conference will be held in Tainan, Taiwan


TAINAN, TAIWAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – The excitement is palpable as the 20th edition of the Taiwan International Orchid Show is set to bloom spectacularly alongside the 23rd World Orchid Conference. For the first time, this prestigious event will extend from the Taiwan Orchid Technology Park to the ICC TAINAN, forming an impressive exhibition layout of ‘5 Halls and 6 Zones’.

The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23th World Orchid Conference
The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23th World Orchid Conference

During the promotional press conference in Taipei, attendees were delighted by a slew of new attractions, including the enchanting ‘Pink Orchidsaur’, orchid-shaped egg pancakes, and the delightful ‘Orchidsaur Family Dolls’. These creative and engaging elements promise an experience that is eye-catching, fun and flavorful. The event will be held in Tainan, Taiwan from February 24th to March 10th.

The Orchidsaur, the two-story tall mascot, has already made a grand appearance in the main hall of Taipei Station. Artist Chen Pu’s dinosaur-themed creation symbolizes that the ancient origins of orchids possibly date back to 65 million years ago, the era of dinosaurs.

In addition to admiring the creatively designed installations, visitors can also savor the freshly baked egg pancakes. The organizing committee has specially created molds featuring the Orchidsaur, as well as many orchids, such as Oncidium, Phalaenopsis, Vanda, etc. The egg pancakes come in six shapes. Baked to a crispy exterior with soft interior, they’re bursting with irresistible aroma, and their deliciousness is matched only by their stunning visual appeal.

The 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show, in tandem with the 23rd World Orchid Conference, adopts the theme ‘2024 Orchid Together’. The five halls will demonstrate the versatile applications of orchids through thematic landscapes, lifestyle utilizations, digital interactions, live sales, and multi-billion-dollar orders. The six zones will focus on native orchid exhibits, floral competitions, expanded participation, cross-industry collaborations, a hundred conferences, and diverse industry integrations.

The Taiwan International Orchid Show builds on the foundation of Tainan 400, incorporating 7major themes, ‘culture, crafts, rituals, festivals, mythology, cuisine, and architecture’ to recreate the bustling atmosphere of Tainan 400. Starting from Tainan, this 16-day event will showcase the exquisite beauty of Taiwan’s orchids to the world, connecting dot, line and plane.

Those who want to attend the 20th Taiwan International Orchid Show and the 23rd World Orchid Conference can purchase tickets through ibon, Fami, KLOOK, and other ticketing platforms. For more information, please visit the official website of ‘2024 Taiwan International Orchid Show’ (https://tios.tw/) or ’23rd World Orchid Conference’ (https://www.woc23.com/)

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Miyazaki City hit a homerun to the world, Welcoming International Visitors with Open Arms

MIYAZAKI, JAPAN – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – From the 24th to the 25th of this month in 2024, Miyazaki Prefecture will be the stage for a riveting international competition, featuring intense matchups among the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, Taiwan’s Rakuten Monkeys, and the Orix Buffaloes. Renowned for its wealth of natural resources, geographical splendor, and a culinary scene that reflects its rich culture, Miyazaki Prefecture has been a magnet for various international events, including the Dunlop Phoenix Tournament, the International Aoshima Pacific Marathon, and the World Senior Championship. While extending a warm welcome to globetrotters, the Miyazaki City Tourism Association, in collaboration with Japan Airlines Miyazaki Branch, is orchestrating a series of events to showcase Miyazaki Prefecture’s intangible assets and foster new hubs for international camaraderie.

Miyazaki City hit a homerun to the world, Welcoming International Visitors with Open Arms

Miyazaki has earned acclaim as a sports tourism haven, serving as the preferred spring training grounds for professional baseball teams. Beyond the athletic pursuits, the region offers a kaleidoscope of water activities, golf courses, and hiking trails. Nestled in Kyushu, Miyazaki’s “Aoshima” is a haven for surf enthusiasts. Visitors are not only treated to the thrill of extreme sports but also have the chance to indulge in the delectable local cuisine, including the melt-in-your-mouth Miyazaki beef, succulent seafood, and an array of fruits such as mangoes and “Hyuganatsu,” accompanied by di
stinctive local libations.

In a bid to acquaint the world with Miyazaki, Miyazaki City, and Japan Airlines Miyazaki Branch are collaborating to host a cultural exchange lecture and an international youth community exchange meeting. The inaugural lecture delves into understanding national disparities, encouraging participants to share nuances in culinary and expressive forms. Beyond language, the session underscores the efficacy of gestures and facial expressions as potent tools for emotional communication, urging everyone to embrace experimentation without fear of communication barriers.

The second segment of the international youth exchange focuses on students hailing from institutions like the Miyazaki Comprehensive Institute, Hong Kong, Myanmar, and Central Asian countries. Through interactions between locals and international youth, a cross-cultural understanding is nurtured. A student from Central Asia, touched by the familial warmth extended by local residents, shares that this warmth prompted her return for a second chapter of life in this enchanting land.

Dedicated to fashioning a more immigrant-friendly and internationally infused urban space, Miyazaki City invites individuals from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan to bask in the familial warmth it offers. Everyone is encouraged to partake in the Miyazaki experience, a captivating city that seamlessly amalgamates its titles as the baseball capital, mythical realm, and gastronomic haven.

Miyazaki City hit a homerun to the world, Welcoming International Visitors with Open Arms

More Information:
【Miyazaki City Tourist Association Website】
https://www.miyazaki-city.tourism.or.jp/

【Miyazaki Information Business Medical College Japanese Course】
https://www.msg-japanese.jp/

【Access to Miyazaki Prefecture(by air)】
https://www.miyazaki-airport.co.jp/flight/dom_dep

Hashtag: #JapanAirlinesMiyazakiBranch

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Celebrating 9 Years of Healing at Lao Friends Hospital for Children in Luang Prabang

Children are playing at the LFHC at the hospital's 9th anniversary event in Luang Prabang on 16 February, 2024. (Photo supplied/Adri Berger)

Just a decade ago, children in northern Laos grappling with thalassemia faced a grim reality, lacking proper care and support. Medical professionals were inadequately trained to address such deadly diseases, and essential equipment was scarce.

Today, things look a bit different. The Lao Friends Hospital for Children (LFHC) in Luang Prabang stands as a lifeline for thousands of children every year. Recognized as Northern Laos’ referral hospital, LFHC can now offer vital care to severely ill children with its High Acuity Unit, and neonatal and developmental clinics.

Dr. Annkham Thammaseng, the hospital’s Medical Education Director and a dedicated Lao pediatrician, expresses optimism about the evolution of child healthcare in Laos over the past decade and the ones to come. 

“The introduction of the High Acuity Unit has been crucial in saving the lives of young patients in need of ventilation,” she said. 

“Our long-term goal is a full transition to Lao management and direction,” Annkham added. “Now we are already transitioning, for example, I am Lao, and our medical director is Lao, as are other managers in the hospital.”

Since its establishment in 2015, LFHC has served over 200,000 children with essential medical care that was previously inaccessible in the northern regions. Annually, the hospital treats approximately 38,000 children, a number that continues to grow steadily.

However, as the number of young patients continues to grow, ensuring free access to pediatric healthcare at LFHC becomes increasingly challenging. But despite these hurdles, nine years since its inception, the hospital has persistently expanded its human and technical capacity, remaining the sole free children’s hospital in northern Laos, LFHC fills a critical gap in the region’s healthcare landscape.

Kenro Izu, LFHC’s Founder and Honorary President, gave a speech at the 9th anniversary event in Luang Prabang on 16 February, 2024. (Photo supplied/Adri Berger)

According to Kenro Izu, LFHC’s founder and honorary president, speaking at the 9th anniversary event on 16 February, the hospital’s success stems from its comprehensive healthcare approach, which extends beyond mere treatment to serving as a hub for training and capacity-building among healthcare professionals across the northern regions. 

Almost a decade after its first operations, the hospital still offers vital healthcare services often inaccessible elsewhere, including thalassemia, nephrology, and orthopedic clinics. It also boasts one of the nation’s finest neonatal units with 24 beds available and the only specified development clinic catering to children with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental conditions. 

Dr. Annkham also emphasized the hospital’s commitment to nurturing local talents, with a long-term vision of transitioning to Lao management and direction.

“We have implemented a robust education system where every clinical staff member receives foundational training in pediatric care and specialized training in their respective clinical areas,” Annkham added. “The hospital’s support extends to training Lao doctors to become pediatricians; six of them have returned to work at LFHC, bolstering the confidence of local staff and reducing the dependence on volunteer healthcare workers.”

Despite its remarkable achievements, LFHC faces significant challenges, with child malnutrition being the chief among them. Laos grapples with the highest rate of child malnutrition in Southeast Asia, affecting approximately 40 percent of its young population. LFHC has taken proactive steps to address this issue, designated as the leading provider of malnutrition management in Laos in 2023. 

Collaborating with partners like UNICEF, LFHC spearheads prevention programs aimed at combating malnutrition in underserved districts, providing support, education, diagnosis, and referrals to at-risk communities.

These projects, however, have not only transformed individual lives but have also laid the groundwork for a healthier community.

Rakuten Kobo expands digital reading offering in Hong Kong and Taiwan with Kobo Plus, join all-you-can-read and listen subscription with HK$49 monthly


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 22 February 2024 – Leading digital reading retailer and publisher Rakuten Kobo announces the expansion of its Kobo Plus subscription service to Hong Kong and Taiwan, following its launch in European and American countries. Booklovers now only need to download the latest Kobo Books App on their smartphones or tablets to enjoy unlimited access to over 1.5 million e-books and over 150,000 audiobooks, enabling them to enjoy the pleasure of reading anytime, anywhere.

Dive into a new field of interest

Kobo offers over 1.5 million books, covering a wide range of genres including popular novels, essays, economics, magazines, comics, and more from around the world. The Kobo Plus catalogue is ever-growing, with more titles being added to the collection each month. Hong Kong booklovers can now conveniently access the Kobo Plus subscription service directly through the Kobo Books App for iOS or Android or Kobo eReaders to begin discovering new authors and genres.

The Kobo Plus eBook and audiobook collection features a breadth of stories, including《剛剛好的優雅》by 林志玲,《看見你,聽見我,遇見愛:米米與白雪.佩岑沉浸式為愛朗讀》by 侯佩岑 and “Empires in World History: Power and the Politics of Difference” by Jane Burbank, Frederick Cooper.

Book Recommendations
Audiobook
  • How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie
  • “The Secret Sister” by M. M. DeLuca
  • 《剛剛好的優雅》by 林志玲 (Chinese Version only)
  • 《看見你,聽見我,遇見愛:米米與白雪.佩岑沉浸式為愛朗讀》by 侯佩岑(Chinese Version only)
  • 《傲慢佮偏見─台語版》by珍.奧斯汀Jane Austen (Chinese Version only)
  • 《世界古文明之旅:來一場有趣的歷史大冒險吧!》by 宋彥陞 (Chinese Version only)
eBook
  • “Empires in World History: Power and the Politics of Difference” by Jane Burbank, Frederick Cooper
  • “Empires in World History: Power and the Politics of Difference” by Jane Burbank, Frederick Cooper
  • “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” by C.J. Archer
  • 《倒數五秒月牙》by李琴峰 (Chinese Version only)
  • 《別忘了你的暴龍!》by琳賽.華德, Lindsay Ward (Chinese Version only)
  • 《疑案辦:血色芙蓉》by唐嘉邦
  • 《6年存到300張股票2022修訂版》by 陳重銘 (Chinese Version only)
  • 《新多益滿分講師授課》by徐培恩 (Chinese Version only)
  • 《厭女:日本的女性嫌惡(全新增訂版)》by上野千鶴子(Chinese Version only)
  • 《主廚也想知道的美味密技:4大工法、22堂實戰課程、40道應用食譜,烹調祕訣都在科學中》by章致綱 (Chinese Version only)

New three subscription plans with 14-day trial period

Kobo Plus offers three budget-friendly subscription plans, allowing booklovers to choose the one that best aligns with their personal preferences and reading habits. Quick start to enjoy a complimentary 14-day trial period to experience the service:

Kobo Plus Read

(HK$49/month)

  • Access over 1.5 million eBooks
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Climate Change Intensifies Heatwaves across Southeast Asia

Laos Still Doesn’t Have a Heat Action Plan to Combat Heat Waves
Man wipes his sweat with cloth.

Amidst a climate of confusion, Laos finds itself grappling with the unpredictable extremes of heatwaves and cold snaps. This trend is not isolated to Laos alone but is a sign of the larger global challenge posed by climate change.