Laos Boosts Infrastructure Restoration and Maternal Health Amidst Flood Devastation

Northern Laos' Oudomxay Province has been severely impacted by floods and landslides following heavy seasonal monsoon rains that struck three separate periods in August, affecting five districts. In response, Phet Phomphiphak, a senior Party and State official, led a high-level delegation on a two-day inspection of the severely flood-hit areas, delivering financial aid and urging accelerated infrastructure restoration. Amidst the devastation, the Ministry of Health of Lao PDR, in collaboration with UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO, launched Phase IV of the UN Joint Programme on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), funded by the Government of Luxembourg. This phase will support the Ministry’s RMNCAH Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2030, which was launched on September 16, with health leaders from 17 provinces and the Capital signing a Commitment Charter for its implementation. This joint program underscores the critical need for trained midwives in all health facilities, especially in areas where specialized midwifery services are limited, a situation highlighted by the aftermath of a catastrophic dam collapse. In such instances, a midwife named Manivong continued to support safe deliveries even in the field, relying on clean delivery kits provided by UNFPA. She traveled to remote villages to provide antenatal checkups, postnatal follow-up, family planning information, and emotional support to pregnant women facing fear and uncertainty. Such dedicated efforts are vital in ensuring women can give birth with dignity, safety, and hope, even under challenging circumstances. Furthermore, public security forces of Laos and Vietnam cooperated to bust a transnational criminal ring operating in cyberspace in the northern Lao province of Bokeo. The ring used computer networks, telecommunications networks, and electronic devices to illegally appropriate property. Additionally, Laos' Ambassador to Russia affirmed that the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam are an invaluable asset, cherished and developed by generations of leaders and people of both countries. Laos also continued its role as host and chair of the Third Review Conference of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (CCM), steering critical international dialogues on transparency, compliance, and humanitarian disarmament. Information Source: KPL Laos News