The government targets to increase the use of modern contraceptives to 65 percent of the population and reduce the unmet need for contraceptives among the female population to 13 percent by 2020, according to the Deputy General Director of Ministry of Health, Dr. Kaysone Chounlamany.

“The maternal mortality in Laos still remains higher than in other Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), so the government has invested in family planning, which has been able to reduce the maternal mortality to 30 percent,” Dr Kaysone said on July 11at the celebration of the World Population Day in Vientiane Capital.

The adolescent birth rate is 76 live births per 1,000 girls in the 15-19 age group, which is the highest among ASEAN countries. Adolescent contraceptive use is very low, at 22.3 percent.

“Family Planning provides choice to individuals and families, ensuring governments’ work on saving mothers and babies’ lives towards sustainable development goals,” said Dr Khamlien Pholsena, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment.

He said that currently, people’s view on family planning is only about birth control, without taking into account the benefits for the individuals, families and the nation as a whole.

Family planning contributes to the quality of life and reduces maternal mortality when couples can choose when and how many children they would like to have, He said.

“Greater access to family planning will reduce the number of adolescent pregnancies, allowing young women to maintain good physical health, remain in school to strengthen the foundation for their future as well as contribute to the economy of their families and the nation,” said Dr. Khamlien.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL

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