VIENTIANE, June 18 (Xinhua) -- The Lao government on Wednesday hailed midwives as vital contributors to maternal and newborn health.
Speaking at an event in Vientiane to mark the International Day of the Midwife, Lao Deputy Minister of Health Aphone Visathep emphasized that midwives are the backbone of the maternal health system and reaffirmed the commitment to have at least one trained midwife in every health facility by 2030, especially in rural and ethnic areas.
The event brought together government officials, health workers, and development partners, Lao News Agency reported.
Highlighting significant progress toward the country's family planning goals for 2030, the event also introduced the new Midwifery Action Plan 2025-2035, which focuses on five key areas, including education, regulation, workforce development, enabling environment, and community participation.
Also speaking at the event, President of the Lao Association of Midwife Sengmany Khambounheuang acknowledged the challenges midwives face, such as poor infrastructure and cultural barriers, and pledged continued efforts to support and train midwives to save lives.
Over the past 20 years, Laos has reduced its maternal mortality rate by more than 80 percent, from 579 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 112 deaths in 2023. ■
