KPL: The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Lao Midwives Association, development partners, and frontline healthcare workers, held a gathering to celebrate International Day of the Midwife on June 18, 2025. The event aimed to honor midwives as a vital pillar of maternal and newborn health in the Lao PDR.
This celebration reflects the courage, resilience, and crucial role of midwives, especially in remote areas where healthcare services remain limited. Over the past two decades, the Lao PDR has achieved significant success in reducing the maternal mortality ratio, dropping drastically from 579 per 100,000 live births in 2000 (according to UN estimates) to 112 in 2023. This decline of over 80% outperforms the global average rate of reduction. Midwives have played a key role in driving this progress.
Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Luxembourg to the Lao PDR, highlighted the importance of Luxembourg’s long-standing support for maternal and newborn health in the Lao PDR. He reaffirmed that Luxembourg will continue to stand by the Lao PDR in strengthening midwifery education, supporting frontline healthcare workers, and improving access to quality services. Midwives play a central role in building a strong, resilient health system that leaves no one behind.
Ms. Sengmanee Khambounheuang, President of the Lao Midwives Association, stated that midwives in the Lao PDR continue to face numerous challenges, ranging from poor travel conditions and roads to cultural barriers and limited resources. However, they perform their duties with compassion and courage. As professionals in this field, the association is committed to building a future where midwives are well-trained, supported, and proud of their vital, life-saving roles.
On the same occasion, the global implementation guidance on transitioning to midwifery-led models of care was officially launched. This guide was developed in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the International Confederation of Midwives. It supports midwives as coordinators to ensure quality, people-centered care, helping the healthcare system deliver better services and allocate resources in line with the needs of women and children. Additionally, the event featured various activities, including a drama performance by midwifery students and real-life storytelling. Key partners also reported on the government’s progress in implementing its FP2030 commitments, highlighting the growing role of midwives in family planning, adolescent health, and crisis response.