Strengthening Health Systems and Governance Lao PDR – Lao People’s Democratic Republic (the)

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Seeking to transform the lives of communities, mothers and children across the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, USAID has launched a new five-year health and governance initiative that strengthens partnerships with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs and World Health Organization. By bringing together health and government stakeholders at the national, provincial, district and community levels, the alliance aims to unify health priorities and empower communities to identify and implement local solutions, with a focus on maternal and child health and nutritional outcomes.

A key component is CONNECT – a project led by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Home Affairs supported by WHO – which strengthens existing governance and public infrastructure and capacity for community engagement, and strengthens trust between villagers, health services and local government. At the same time, there is a focus on improving Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent (RMNCAH) health and nutrition services. Despite significant progress over the past decade, domestic disparities in women’s and children’s health conditions exist, and improvements in the quality of health services and the effectiveness of service delivery are needed. To address this, a range of technical support and interventions will be provided, focusing on quality, efficiency, equity, capacity building, multi-level coordination for national RMNCAH and nutrition efforts. the correct one.

REMEMBER

With a primary focus on remote and tribal communities, local health governance and engagement will be strengthened through the deployment of CONNECT in five additional provinces: Phongsaly, Oudomxay, Savannakhet, Salavanh and Xekong. This expansion builds on CONNECT’s existing deployment to over 230 communities in 10 states.

Ideally, this will involve delivering three-module workshops, with participants from local government and health organizations – including provincial and district officials, representatives of the Lao Women’s Union and Lao Youth Union, village officials, communities, ethnic and religious leaders, health workers, and others – as well as ongoing personal care and practical support, and training and support about health services and delivery.

SUPPORT FOR THE HEALTH OF MOTHERS AND CHILDREN

To improve the quality and efficiency of maternal and child care, the RMNCAH essential and nutrition service delivery will be strengthened with a strong focus on primary health care through quality assessment and support of development, development and improvement of necessary guidelines, comprehensive training for health care professionals. , and supportive care at health care facilities across the country. It is expected that USAID support will help develop and implement clinical guidelines and training in more than 200 centers based on the National Strategy and Action Plan on RMNCAH.

To promote better health and nutrition outcomes, the final review of the RMNCAH Strategy will provide an opportunity to assess the current situation, identify a set of priorities and develop a strategic plan for the year which will strengthen the delivery of integrated services across RMNCAH, nutrition and immunization. programs. This will also provide an important basis for strengthening advocacy and high-level multi-sector engagement, linked to CONNECT and the broader strengthening of primary health care. In addition, the high-level advocacy will raise awareness of the importance and multi-sectoral collaborative activities in addressing SDHs for health equity, with a focus on maternal health and children and nutrition.

COMMUNITY STRENGTHS

Coordination of planning, implementation and monitoring at the central and national levels is essential. With support from USAID, formal coordination will be strengthened by strengthening the activities of key coordinating bodies (ie RMNCAH Technical Working Group & Health Sector Working Group). WHO technical assistance will support the RMNCAH National Committee to develop an evidence-based strategy and action plan for RMNCAH for 2026-2030 and build capacity for effective coordination of development partners, including and monitor the progress of integration for nutrition within RMNCAH.

EXPECTATION REASON

To achieve its vision, the partnership is aligned with the MoH’s Health Sector Reform Strategy which aims to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of RMNCAH integrated nutrition services, as well as broader health goals. The program will promote good health management and governance outcomes by:

• Improving health equity through empowerment local health governance and public engagement in provinces targeted by the CONNECT project;
• To improve the quality and efficiency of the delivery of RMNCAH’s essential services and nutrition;
• Improving coordinated planning, implementation and monitoring expanding the health sector at the central and international levels and developing multi-sectoral approaches to health.

For more information visit www.usaid.gov/laos or contact infolaos@usaid.gov