Further support in providing better healthcare to local communities, especially in rural areas of Bokeo, Luang Namtha and Oudomxay provinces, is the main aim of the Promotion of Family Health Association (PFHA).
The association’s Save Motherhood Project has benefitted a large number of mothers and children by ensuring better healthcare at 27 dispensaries over the past years. But more clothing, diapers and other essentials are still needed, according to a senior association official.
PFHA Executive Director Dr Souphonh Xayavong told Vientiane Times yesterday the organisation was established in Laos in 2011 as part of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, which has had a presence in Laos since 2004.
Dr Souphonh said the association had received assistance from the private sector and other donors, adding “We usually use the assistance to buy clothes and diapers for dispensaries in the target provinces to give to expectant women when they come to give birth. This will help to reduce their costs.”
The organisation has recently received support in the form of clothes and diapers from Lao people living in the USA worth more than 30 million kip.
The supplies were handed over to association staff in Vientiane, in the presence of PFHA Deputy Executive Director Dr Chansy Phommachanh and invited guests.
Dr Souphonh said the organisation has also carried out other projects in reproductive health and nutrition improvement for mothers and children in collaboration with provincial and local health authorities.
“ Improving the health system is an important part of developing human resources, and a central policy of the Party and government to meet the changing needs of society,” he said.
“We are very happy to be part of bringing better healthcare to the villagers,” he added.
T he association’s vision is to provide Lao people with innovative and up-to-date reproductive health information and quality services for a healthy society, helping to raise Laos out of Least Developed Country status.
Their work is based on four key strategies: promoting family health for those in remote areas; empowering individuals through awareness-raising on reproductive health knowledge, information and services; helping health service providers at the local level to acquire adequate knowledge, information and skills; and work in collaboration with government authorities, relevant stakeholders and other civil society organisations.
Source: Vientiane Times
