UNFPA in Lao PDR

Lao People's Democratic Republic, or Lao PDR, registers one of the world's highest rates of population growth, coupled with one of the lowest Human Development Indices. These are among several reasons why the United Nations Population Fund's mission is so important. Others include poverty; huge disparities between urban and rural areas (particularly those populated by ethnic minorities) in terms of infrastructure, reproductive health and education; gender imbalances in many spheres; and widespread lack of knowledge about reproductive health and reproductive rights .

In Lao PDR, UNFPA works with the Government and international non-governmental organizations to support programmes that help women, men and young people to:

•  plan their families and avoid unwanted pregnancies;
•  ensure safe pregnancy and childbirth;
•  avoid reproductive tract infections, including sexually   transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS;
•  combat violence against women;
•  benefit from balanced, sustainable social and economic development planning incorporating gender equality.