Representatives of the Lao government and development partners launch UN Joint Programme’s Phase IV on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health on September 17. Photo UNICEF

Govt, partners launch new phase to strengthen maternal and child health services

The Lao government and development partners have launched a new phase of a joint programme to strengthen reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services across Laos.
The Ministry of Health, the Government of Luxembourg, and UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO launched Phase IV of the UN Joint Programme on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) on September 17. The new phase will support implementation of the Ministry’s RMNCAH Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030.
The Phase IV of the Luxembourg-funded partnership follows the launch of the RMNCAH Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030 on September 16, when health leaders from all 17 provinces and Vientiane signed a Commitment Charter pledging to support its implementation.

Dr Vannasay Sattakoun addresses the launch ceremony. Photo UNICEF

“The launch of the new RMNCAH Strategy and the commitment made by every province gives this partnership a clear national direction,” Deputy Minister of Health Dr Vannasay Sattakoun said.
He added that Luxembourg’s support would help consolidate and extend the gains made over the past 15 years to families who depend on these services.
The joint programme has supported health services and systems in Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay and Bokeo provinces since 2011.
During this period, Laos achieved the Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality, while under-five mortality fell significantly and skilled birth attendance and postnatal care expanded.
Maternal mortality also declined by 82 percent between 2000 and 2023, according to United Nations estimates.
“Luxembourg is proud to support this programme, allowing the UN to ‘Deliver as one’,” said Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Laos, Thomas Lammar.
He said the programme addressed some of the most fundamental aspects of human development, including safe childbirth, child survival and access to health services and information for adolescents.
Phase IV will continue strengthening health services and health systems while addressing persistent challenges related to service integration, quality of care and equitable access.

Representatives of the Lao government and development partners express their commitment to achieving the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) strategy’s targets by 2030. Photo UNICEF

The programme will continue to be implemented in Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay and Bokeo, while technical support will be extended to Khammuan province.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO, UNICEF Country Representative Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani said the partners shared the purpose of supporting the Ministry of Health and provincial health authorities make quality care more reliable for families.
He said the programme’s success would be measured not only by improvements during the programme but also by what could be sustained afterwards, including capable health workers, routine supervision and standards that women, children and adolescents could rely on.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update September 18, 2026)