Responding to the recent floods that have affected the country, UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, has provided the Ministry of Health with 10 delivery kits to be used by health providers in Xiengkhouang and Borikhamsay provinces to help pregnant women in flood-affected communities to give birth. In these two provinces, 6 health centres have been severely damaged, according to official reports.
"In a flood situation, women continue to have babies. In some cases they go into labour early and sometimes they cannot travel to health centres" Said Mieko Yabuta, UNFPA's Representative. "We provide medical equipment and services so women can have safe deliveries in safe, dry and warm environments"
The donation represents humanitarian assistance from UNFPA to the Ministry of Health and provides crucial equipments and supplies to ensure safe delivery to women in flood-affected areas. It also supports national efforts to improve maternal health, reduce the Maternal Mortality Rate and achieve the Millennium Development Goal # 5: Improve Maternal Health in the country.
The ten kits worth LAK 14.000.000 (around US $1750) include: stethoscope, digital thermometer, foetal stethoscope, baby scale, uterine scissors, scalpel, sterile gloves, syringes, sterile cord ligature, gauze, chlorine, towels, among other medical supplies to ensure a safe birth and manage some common complications that may arise.
