During the visit, the delegation met with provincial health leaders and frontline teams and observed service delivery at hospitals and health centres, including maternal and newborn care, child health services, and adolescent-friendly services.

The mission formed part of the United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, led by the Ministry of Health with support from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented in partnership with UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO. The programme has contributed to an estimated 82% reduction in maternal mortality in the Lao PDR over the past two decades.

“Strengthening quality RMNCAH services is central to ensuring that every woman, newborn, child and adolescent can access timely and respectful care close to home,” said Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth, Vice Minister of Health. “This joint visit provided an opportunity to learn directly from provincial and district health teams and communities, identify practical bottlenecks, and accelerate improvements in service delivery across all levels of the health system.”

Now in its 15th year, the UNJP has supported health system strengthening by equipping facilities, training health workers and village health volunteers, and promoting an integrated package of RMNCAH services to improve access and quality of care nationwide.

“Luxembourg is proud to support the Lao PDR’s efforts to strengthen health services, particularly for mothers, newborns, children and adolescents,” said Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg in the Lao PDR. “By working alongside the Ministry of Health and UN partners, we aim to deliver sustainable results—stronger systems, better quality of care, and more equitable access for families, including those in remote areas.”

UN partners highlighted the importance of coordinated support to strengthen services both in health facilities and at the community level.

“Thanks to the longstanding support of the Government of Luxembourg and close collaboration with the Government of the Lao PDR, this joint programme is translating investments into real improvements for the health of families in the Lao PDR,” said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative in the Lao PDR.

“What we see in Savannakhet reflects the strength of long-term, coordinated investment in the health system,” said Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadirov, UNFPA Representative. “By strengthening the skills of health workers, improving facility readiness and integrating RMNCAH services from community to referral level, the Joint Programme is helping build a system that can deliver quality care for every woman, newborn, child and adolescent—today and in the years ahead.”

“Through the UN Joint Programme, WHO is proud to have supported the Lao PDR’s remarkable progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, including an 82% reduction in maternal mortality over the past two decades,” said Dr. Christopher Fitzpatrick, Deputy WHO Representative. “As we enter Phase 4, our focus is on last-mile interventions to ensure seamless, equitable, and high-quality RMNCAH services that respond to the needs of women, newborns and children in the Lao PDR. With Luxembourg’s continued partnership, we are committed to translating this progress into lasting improvements for those we serve.

The visit concluded with a courtesy call on provincial leadership and a joint review of findings to help inform next steps for health system strengthening in Savannakhet and beyond.

KPL