Vientiane- The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) handed over to the Lao Ministry of Health 310 Midwifery kits to be used by Community Mdwives in remote areas to help pregnant women to give birth. 62 uniforms for Community Midwifery teachers and students were also provided.
During the handover ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, H.E. Prof. Dr. Eksavang Vongvichit, Minister of Health said "In order for midwives to be able to provide good services for mother and newborns in their communities they need quality training, but also basic equipment. Therefore these midwifery bags are very important for their performance and support our efforts to achieve MDG5".
"It is our great pleasure to provide the Ministry of Health with these 310 midwifery bags to be given to those new graduates who pass the national accreditation and licensing examination, so that as they return to their workplace they will have the basic equipment to provide services" said Dr. Esther Muia, UNFPA Representative.
The total cost of the kits and uniforms is equivalent to 305100000 LAK (39000 USD approximately). The kits include: stethoscope, digital thermometer, foetal stethoscope, baby scale, uterine scissors, scalpel, sterile gloves, syringes, sterile cord ligature, gauze, chlorine and towels, among other medical supplies to ensure a safe birth and manage some common complications that may arise.
The materials and uniforms will be distributed in 8 provincial health schools in Oudomxay, Luang Prabang, Vientiane Province, Khammouane, Savannakhet, Champassak, Xiengkouang, Sekong and the Faculty of Nursing in Vientiane Capital.
The donation is part of the assistance from UNFPA to the Ministry of Health and provides crucial equipment and supplies to ensure safe delivery to women. 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.
Contact information:
Diego De La Rosa, Tel.: (+856 21) 315547, Mobile: (+856) 20 59936509, drosa@unfpa.org
