European Union helps Vietnam reduce maternal, infant mortality ratios
The European Union has funded a number of projects that aim to help Vietnam reduce the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) and infant mortality ratio (IMR).
A doctor takes care of an infant at a hospital in HCMC. The European Union has carried out a number of projects to help Vietnam reduce the maternal and infant mortality ratios - PHOTO: VNA |
To assist Vietnam in overcoming this problem, the European Union has supported to improve the professional skills for ethnic village birth attendants and midwives, upgraded or renovated health stations in disadvantaged regions, and raised the awareness of pregnant women and women of reproductive ages within ethnic minorities.
As part of the support, 400 midwives are being trained to improve their knowledge and clinical skills following the ASEAN-UNFPA regional guidelines for minimum requirement for training and accreditation of skilled birth attendants.
Koen Duchateau, Head of Cooperation, EU Delegation to Vietnam, has handed over certificates of graduation to trainees of a class in Lao Cai City in the northen upland province of the same name. The event was witnessed by deputy director of the Lao Cai Department of Health and deputy director of the Mother and Child Health Department under the Ministry of Health.
Acknowledging the strong commitment of birth attendants and midwives, Duchateau encouraged the graduates to apply their improved clinical skills and spread their knowledge to their peers to maximize the impact of this European Union-funded capacity development program.
Duchateau also visited Ta Van Commune health station, one of 300 facilities renovated with the European Union’s support.