CARE International extends support for maternal and infant healthcare

Health outcomes for women, girls and children in Xekong and Phongsaly provinces face a brighter future through a new partnership between CARE International in Laos and the Ministry of Health.

Mr Khamlek Chaieesanh and Mrs Keoamphone Souvannaphoum display signed project contracts.

A landmark signing of two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) took place in Vientiane on November 13, marking a commitment to enhance healthcare in these underserved regions.
The first agreement focuses on “Strengthening the Quality of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Services in Phongsaly province (Phase IV)”, while the second concerns the “Promotion of Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, Phase-II Project” in Xekong province.
The projects, supported by total funding of €2.2 million Euros from the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Luxembourg, will run until December 31, 2027, marking a major step forward in CARE’s ongoing efforts to address critical health challenges in rural Laos.
Together, these initiatives will bring together CARE and provincial governments to work in 90 communities across both provinces, engaging with 30 health centres and 12 schools.
Both MOU’s build upon over a decade of CARE International’s work in Phongsaly and Xekong provinces, which has focused on improving maternal and child health through community mobilisation and capacity-building at the village level, as well as improving the quality of healthcare services and governance.
Through the new MOUs, CARE International is expanding its efforts in Khua, Mai and Samphan districts in Phongsaly, and Dakcheung and Kaleum districts in Xekong province.
Building upon lessons learned from earlier phases of the projects, the organisation’s mission to improve reproductive, maternal, child and adolescent healthcare in remote, often marginalised communities.
The initiative continues efforts to improve the quality of and access to maternal and reproductive health services through the provision of equipment and support capacity building.
This project aims to improve the health and nutrition status of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and children under the age of two  through behavioural change at the community level.

Mr Khamsone Koneyer and Mrs Keoamphone Souvannaphoum display signed project contracts.

The projects also address adolescent sexual reproductive health rights through innovative approaches to engaging youth and improving access to adolescent-dedicated services, targeting reducing early marriage of school-age population.
In line with CARE’s mandate on gender equality, the MOU also aims to address violence against women and girls by challenging social norms, improving healthcare workers’ capacity to respond, and improving the services available to survivors.
The projects aim to transform gender norms within communities, promoting gender equality to ensure that women and girls have more decision- making power regarding their own healthcare and finance as well as improving women’s economic empowerment.
The MOUs will also aim to enhance nutritional behaviours and address food security, and support local stakeholders in maternal and child healthcare and improved governance.
Country Director of CARE International in Laos, Mrs Keoamphone Souvannaphoum, said “These projects will not only provide health access and services but also contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty by empowering women and adolescents and improving community resilience.”
Chargé d’Affaires at the Luxembourg Embassy in Laos, Mr Thomas Lammar, said “The partnership marks another step forward in our shared commitment to improve health and nutrition for people in Laos, with a particular focus on the health of women, girls and children. These two projects are also fully aligned with the priorities of the Laos-Luxembourg indicative cooperation programme.”
Deputy Governor of Xekong province Mr Khamsone Koneyer said “Both projects will be managed in close cooperation with local health authorities, and regular monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will ensure that they meet the intended goals. Together, these initiatives are a crucial step towards improving health outcomes and advancing gender equality in Laos.”
Deputy Governor of Phongsaly province Mr Khamlek Chaieesanh said “These projects will improve health services and contribute to development.”
Operating in Laos since 1992, CARE International continues to partner with communities, government bodies, and civil society to support vulnerable groups, especially small ethnic groups, across multiple provinces.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update November 18, 2024)