High-level delegation visit to Savannakhet reviews progress on RMNCAH services

The Ministry of Health and the Embassy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, together with United Nations partners UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO, conducted a high level field visit to Savannakhet Province this week on 27-29 January 2026 to review the implementation of the UN Joint Programme and assess the quality and availability of reproductive, maternal, neonatal, child and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services. 

During the visit, the delegation met provincial health leaders and frontline teams, and observed services in hospitals and health centres, including care for mothers, newborns, child and adolescent friendly services.  

The mission was part of the United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, led by the Ministry of Health with support from the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented with UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO.  The programme has so far helped support an 82% reduction in maternal mortality over the past two decades.

“Strengthening quality RMNCAH services is central to ensuring that every woman, newborn, child and adolescent can access timely and respectful care, close to home,” said H.E. Dr. Phayvanh Keopaseuth,  Vice Minister, Ministry of Health . “This joint visit was an opportunity to learn directly from provincial and district health teams and communities, identify practical bottlenecks, and accelerate improvements in service delivery across all levels of the health system.” 

Now in its 15th year, the UNJP has helped strengthen the health system by equipping facilities, training health workers and village health volunteers, and supporting an integrated package of RMNCAH services to improve access and quality of care across Lao PDR.  

 “Luxembourg is proud to support the Lao PDR’s efforts to strengthen health services, particularly for mothers, newborns, children and adolescents,” said Mr. Thomas Lammar, Chargé d’Affaires at the Embassy of Luxembourg in Lao PDR. “By working alongside the Ministry of Health and UN partners, we aim to help deliver sustainable results - stronger systems, better quality of care, and more equitable access for families, including those in more remote areas.”

UN partners underscored the importance of coordinated support to strengthen services in facilities and communities. 

“Thanks to the longstanding support of the Government of Luxembourg and close collaboration with the Government of the Lao PDR, this joint programme is translating investments into real improvements for the health of families in Lao PDR,” said Mr. Bilal Aurang Zeb Durrani, UNICEF Country Representative in Lao PDR.  

“What we see in Savannakhet reflects the strength of long-term, coordinated investment in the health system,” said Dr. Bakhtiyor Kadirov, UNFPA Representative. “By strengthening the skills of health workers, improving facility readiness and integrating RMNCAH services from community to referral level, the Joint Programme is helping build a system that can deliver quality care for every woman, newborn, child and adolescent—today and in the years ahead.”

“Through the UN Joint Programme, WHO is proud to have supported Lao PDR’s remarkable progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, including an 82% reduction in maternal mortality over the past two decades,” said Dr Christopher Fitzpatrick, Deputy WHO Representative. “As we enter Phase 4, our focus is on last-mile interventions to ensure seamless, equitable, and high-quality RMNCAH services that respond to the needs of women, newborns and children in Lao PDR. With Luxembourg’s continued partnership, we are committed to translating this progress into lasting improvements for those we serve.”