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Background:
Lao PDR, with an estimated popuation of 7.8 million in 2023 is among the poorest and least developed countries in Southeast Asia. Malnutrition and maternal mortality remain significant challenges. The World Bank has found that the lack of healthcare and education available to the Lao population results in reductions in human development such that a child born in Lao PDR today will only be half as productive as s/he could be.¹ Lao has made steady progress on some fronts. In 1995, the maternal mortality estimate was 695 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.² Since that time, Lao PDR through its own effort, and with intensive support by UN agencies, bilateral partners and NGOs, has made tremendous progress with addressing maternal mortality through a variety of interventions and investments.
Lao PDR ranked 8th among the 10 countries with the largest percentage reduction in the MMR between 2000 and 2020 dropping from 579 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2,000 to 126 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020, an overall drop of 78.7% in 20 years.³ One of the impactful changes that Lao PDR has implemented is the reintroduction of midwifery training. This manuscript will discuss the development path from re-introduction through international accreditation and will identify the impact of the program on key indicators, lessons learned, and opportunities for future improvement.