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Vientiane, Lao PDR, September 17, 2026 — The Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, the Government of Luxembourg, UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO today launched Phase IV of the UN Joint Programme on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH). The phase IV of the Luxembourg-funded partnership will support the Ministry’s RMNCAH Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030, launched at the September 16, 2026, as health leaders from 17 provinces and 1 Capital across the country signed a Commitment Charter for its implementation.
“The launch of the new RMNCAH Strategy and the commitment made by every province gives this partnership a clear national direction. Luxembourg’s support will help ensure that the gains made over the past fifteen years are consolidated and extended to the families who depend on these services,” said H.E. Dr. Vannasay Sattakoun, Vice-Minister of Health.
The Joint Programme has supported services and health systems in Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay and Bokeo since 2011. Over that period, Lao PDR achieved the Sustainable Development Goal target for neonatal mortality, whilst under-5 mortality fell significantly and skilled birth attendance and postnatal care expanded. Maternal mortality also fell by 82 per cent between 2000 and 2023, according to United Nations estimates.
“Luxembourg is proud to support this programme, allowing the UN to ‘Deliver as one’. It addresses some of the most fundamental dimensions of human development: ensuring that every mother can give birth safely, every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive, and every adolescent can access the services and information needed to lead a healthy life,” said Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg in Lao PDR.
Phase IV will continue to strengthen services and health systems while addressing persistent challenges in service integration, quality of care and equitable access. The programme will continue to be implemented in Savannakhet, Bolikhamxay and Bokeo and extend technical support to Khammouane.
“We come to this phase with one shared purpose: to support the Ministry and provincial health authorities to make quality care more reliable for families. Our measure of success is not only what improves during this programme, but what continues afterwards: capable health workers, routine supervision and standards that women, children and adolescents can rely on,” said Mr Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, Country Representative of UNICEF Lao PDR, speaking on behalf of UNFPA, UNICEF and WHO.
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