Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane, tours a photo exhibition with Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov (centre),  and Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov (left) during the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of partnership between the Lao government and the United Nations Population Fund in Vientiane.--Photo UNFPA

Laos, UNFPA mark 50-year partnership, target reduced maternal mortality

The government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal deaths to fewer than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 as it marks 50 years of partnership with the United Nations Population Fund.
The commitment was highlighted at a ceremony held on Monday to celebrate the 50th anniversary of cooperation between the government and the United Nations Population Fund under the theme “50 Years of Partnership for People, Rights and Health”.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Thongsavan Phomvihane, said the government remained committed to achieving the shared goal of reducing the maternal mortality ratio to below 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, while ensuring that every woman and girl has access to quality healthcare.
“Our task is therefore not only to bring the national maternal mortality ratio below 70 by 2030. It is to ensure that the remaining gaps are closed, and that every woman and girl can access essential services with dignity,” he said.
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Finance Mr Sitthiroth Rasphone, United Nations Resident Coordinator to Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, United Nations Population Fund Representative to Laos, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, senior government officials, ambassadors, and representatives of United Nations agencies, international organisations and civil society organisations.
The event reflected five decades of cooperation in improving sexual and reproductive health, maternal and child health, youth empowerment, gender equality, population data systems, and sustainable development in Laos.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Thongsavanh said the partnership has helped improve the lives of people across the country while supporting national development priorities.
He noted that Laos has undergone significant demographic, social and economic changes since the United Nations Population Fund began supporting the country in 1976.
The partnership has strengthened sexual and reproductive health services, improved midwifery and maternal healthcare, empowered adolescents and young people, promoted gender equality, and enhanced population data used for public policy.
He said one of the country’s most significant achievements has been the sharp decline in maternal mortality.
“Between 2000 and 2023, the maternal mortality ratio in the Lao PDR fell by almost 82 percent, from 609 to 112 deaths per 100,000 live births. This is one of the largest percentage declines recorded globally,” he said.
As Laos enters a crucial phase of demographic transition, he emphasised the need to focus on education, public health, skills development for quality employment opportunities, and youth empowerment, while leveraging demographic potential to achieve development goals and support Laos’ graduation from Least Developed Country status this year.
UN Resident Coordinator to Laos, Mr Bakhodir Burkhanov, stressed the importance of people-centred development, to which UNFPA has contributed by supporting Laos in areas such as policy formulation, coordination mechanisms, integration of demographic shifts, and the implementation of a fully digitalised Population and Housing Census.
This data is vital for setting policies, allocating resources, and formulating the 10th National Socio-Economic Development Plan to ensure that no one is left behind, he added.
In addition, UNFPA Representative to Laos, Dr Bakhtiyor Kadyrov, said the 50th anniversary milestone was not just about reflecting on past achievements, but also about setting shared goals to focus on unfinished agendas, further strengthen relations, and foster a comprehensive and sustainable partnership in the years ahead.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update July 29, 2026)