Vientiane: Today, on the International Day of the Midwife, we come together to acknowledge, recognise and pay tribute to the critical role of midwives in crises and their contribution to ending preventable maternal and newborn mortality, addressing unmet need for family planning and supporting women and girls sexual and reproductive health needs. We come together to celebrate the extraordinary contributions of the heroes in pink whose skilled hands and compassionate hearts have saved countless lives over the past five decades.
According to Lao News Agency, the story of midwifery in Laos is one of resilience, hope, and progress. From the early days in the 1960s, when pioneering midwives like Madame Maniso and Madame Soikeo Sibounheuang laid the foundation for the profession, midwifery has grown into a central pillar of the national health system. Midwives are at the heart of the 2030 Agenda, directly propelling the country's health system toward ambitious global targets such as SDG 3.1 and SDG 3.2. Their dedication has significantly contributed to reducing the maternal mortality ratio in Lao PDR from 609 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to 112 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
The impact of midwifery is evident in stories like that of Phailine from Phongsly, who became a midwife inspired by witnessing her mother's challenging roadside childbirth. Her journey highlights the life-saving power of midwifery and its capacity to inspire new generations to serve their communities.
The scope of midwifery extends beyond childbirth and maternal care, with midwives capable of providing up to 90% of essential SRMNCAH services. In times of crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, midwives like Lotchana Nonpasith have continued to offer vital services, balancing personal risk with community needs.
Training of ethnic midwives marks another milestone in reaching remote communities, with young women from ethnic groups providing culturally competent care. Tay Samone, a trained midwife from the Hmong community, exemplifies this by delivering maternal care in isolated villages.
Lao PDR is also the first country in Asia-Pacific to have three midwifery education institutions accredited by the International Confederation of Midwives, reflecting collective efforts to elevate midwifery education and practice.
Despite these achievements, challenges remain, such as uneven distribution and under-resourced conditions for midwives. Continued investment in their training and development is essential. Midwives are crucial in ensuring safe motherhood, with even modest investments having a significant impact.
The UNFPA, Ministry of Health, and partners stand committed to supporting midwives, recognizing their indispensable role in maternal health. With continued investment and support, Lao PDR can ensure every woman experiences childbirth with safety, compassion, and respect.