Sanamxay:Ms. Manivong, a midwife in Sanamxay District, Attapeu Province, has continued her vital work despite the challenges following a dam collapse that destroyed the local health center.
According to Lao News Agency, the catastrophe left many pregnant women in fear due to the uncertainty of accessing necessary care. Ms. Manivong took pride in ensuring mothers could survive childbirth and embrace their healthy newborns.
In the absence of a health facility, clean delivery kits from UNFPA became crucial for safe deliveries. Ms. Manivong reached out to women in remote villages, providing essential antenatal and postnatal care, family planning advice, and emotional support amid the crisis.
With most health facilities staffed by general nurses and lacking specialized midwifery services, she advocated for every center to have at least one trained midwife. This, she believed, would ensure women receive skilled and respectful care near their homes.
Despite the disaster, Ms. Manivong’s dedication has enabled women to give birth with dignity, safety, and hope.
