UNFPA Representative’s exit courtesy calls to the Lao Government

Dr. Muia’s exit courtesy call to H.E.Mme. Pany Yathotou, Preseident of National Assembly.

1 April, 2014, Vientiane – Dr Esther Muia, UNFPA Resident Representative visited the National Assembly, Ministry of Planning and Investment, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Educations and Sports and Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 1 to 4 April, for her completion of assignment in Lao PDR.

Dr. Muia’s exit courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Somdy Douangdy, Minister of Ministry of Planning and Investment

Dr. Muia has served a total of just over 2.5 years as the UNFPA Representative in Lao PDR. During this period she worked closely with government towards reaching their MDG targets, notably for MDG s 1, 3 and 5. She assisted the government’s work on strategies to respond to their commitment in advancing the ICPD agenda Programme of Action and the implementation of the recommendations of CEDAW.

Dr. Muia’s exit courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Eksavang Vongvichit, Minister of Ministry of Health.

During her tenure, some of the key achievements with UNFPA support to the Government of Lao PDR include: Reducing maternal deaths though implementation of the MNCH package of MOH by enhancing the Midwifery Programme, the Emergency Obstetric Care (Emoc), and Family Planning with community engagement; Awareness raising on the harmful effects of Adolescent Marriages and early Pregnancies; Improving access to Reproductive Health information and services for the minority and vulnerable groups including young people and remote populations; Responding to Gender based violence.

Dr. Muia’s exit courtesy call to H.E Mr. Phankham Viphavanh, Minister of Ministry of Educations and Sports.

Under her leadership, UNFPA has played a key role to support the national Adolescent and Youth Situation Analysis, national survey on Violence Against Women, as a lead agency to conduct Lao Social Indicator Survey (LSIS) 2011-2012, as well as provided support to the government in initiating and moving forward the Population and Housing Census 2015 process and finally towards engaging young people for the first time ever with UNFPA supported the dialogue forum between young people and the National Assembly among many other initiatives in policy dialogue upstream, and downstream in the communities and facilities.

Dr. Muia’s exit courtesy call to H.E. Mr. Alounkeo Kittikhoun, Vice Minister of Ministry of Foreign Affairs

As she exits she leaves behind a very strong team at the UNFPA office with 90% Lao nationals taking the lead on all the initiatives on going. A very cordial relationship with the Lao government continues to be in place, and support to the Government of Lao PDR for development in Population and development firm. She has been assigned as the UNFPA Resident Representative to the Republic of South Africa beginning 21^st April 2014.

For more information please contact:

Ms. Vanly Lorkuangming

Communication Associate – UNFPA

Tel: + 856 21 315547

Mobile: + 856 20 77822456

E-mail: lorkuangming@unfpa.org