Laos sees dramatic improvements in health of mothers: UN report

Illustrative photo (Photo: who.int)

Vientiane (VNA) – The loss of life for mothers during childbirth reached its lowest point in Laos’s history, according to a new United Nations report.

The report estimates that between 2000 and 2020, the number of pregnant women who died per 100,000 live births dropped from 579 in 2000 to 126 in 2020 – a reduction of 78.7% – one of the fastest falling rates in the world.

In contrast, in nearly all regions of the world, declining maternal mortality rates slowed or stagnated, according to the report "Trends in maternal mortality" produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on behalf of a group of United Nations entities, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank Group.

WHO Representative Dr. Ying-Ru Lo said that the commendable, lifesaving progress reflects years of commitment and investment by the Lao Government and partners.

It combines better health services, facilities, and more highly skilled healthcare staff, increasing the number of mothers accessing services.

Equally important is strong leadership driving these efforts, coordinated by an effective National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Committee, which WHO is proud to support, she said.

Essential to the country’s progress has been an increase in the number and quality of midwives, nurses, and other skilled birth attendants, according to the report.

The Lao Social Indicator Survey shows a 23% increase in deliveries assisted by a skilled birth attendant between 2011 and 2017. Equally important was the establishment of free maternal and child health services nationwide in 2013, later incorporated into the continuous expansion of the National Health Insurance scheme in 2015./.