(KPL) Senior officials from the Ministry of Health, development partners and United Nations agencies conducted a joint field visit to Savannakhet Province to monitor implementation of programmes supporting reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health services.

The delegation met provincial health authorities and observed service delivery at hospitals and health centres, including maternal and newborn care, child health services and youth-friendly healthcare.

The visit formed part of the United Nations Joint Programme on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, implemented in cooperation with United Nations Population Fund, UNICEF and World Health Organization, with financial support from Luxembourg. Officials said the programme has contributed to an estimated 82 percent reduction in the maternal mortality ratio over the past two decades.

Deputy Minister of Health Phayvanh Keopaseuth said strengthening quality health services is essential to ensure women, newborns, children and adolescents receive timely and respectful care close to their communities. The visit aimed to identify operational challenges and accelerate service improvements across all levels of the health system.

The programme, now in its 15th year, continues to support health system strengthening through equipment provision, training for medical personnel and village health volunteers, and expansion of integrated service packages nationwide.

Luxembourg representatives reaffirmed continued support to improve service quality and expand equitable access to healthcare, particularly for families in remote areas across Lao PDR.

KPL