LIFE. INSIDE
A BOX
Each box helps CARE provide access to clean water in Laos for pregnant women and their babies
MATERNAL AND NEWBORN HEALTH IN LAOS
Chances are you’ve heard of Laos -- the Southeast Asian country known for its breathtaking views, rich culture and abundance of beautiful temples. One thing you may not know is that Laos is one of the poorest countries in the region, experiencing a high rate of maternal and infant mortality. Just for reference, 1 in 3,400 women in Europe die from pregnancy-related issues. But in Laos, 1 in 150 women are expected to pass away.
One of the largest causes of these mortality rates is the lack of access to health care services during pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care. In rural areas, only 38% of women receive medical aid when giving birth. The percentage gets even smaller when you consider the number of women getting medical care throughout their pregnancy.
But it doesn’t stop there. Undernourished young mothers and infants are also at high risk of death from water-borne diseases and infections. Unfortunately, over 1,000 children in Laos die from diseases stemming from insufficient access to water and unhygienic sanitation practices.
CARE’S APPROACH:
THE FIRST 1,000 DAYS
The first 1,000 days between a child’s conception and their second birthday is a crucial window of opportunity that can shape their development and potentially even save their life. This vulnerable moment is when foundations can be laid to protect a baby’s development and their physical, social, emotional and cognitive health. What happens in these first 1,000 days may be the difference between struggling and flourishing for the rest of that baby’s life.
CARE Luxembourg wants to help make a difference by focusing on those first 1,000 days. And it starts by increasing access to quality health and nutrition services for Laotian mothers and their newborns. CARE works alongside the health, water and sanitation sectors in Laos to create nutritional changes and new habits that spark change in a sustainable way that won’t only help right now, but will continue to help even years from now.
CARE’S ACTIONS AND THE IMPACT OF YOUR SUPPORT
Currently, CARE targets rural regions in Laos to access the mothers and children of marginalized remote ethnic minorities. These areas consist of the three districts in Phongsaly province: Mai, Khua and Samphan, as well as the two districts in Sekong province: Kaleum and Dakcheung. In total, CARE works in 85 villages and 24 health centers, reaching a population of 29,896 people, and more specifically 500 pregnant women and 2,000 children under the age of 2.
Change is possible, and it all starts with water. Without clean water, there can’t be quality health services, especially for newborns and pregnant women who are highly at risk of water borne diseases. Clean water reduces the risks of infections during and after delivery. Clean water also reduces the incidence of water borne diseases that would otherwise be spread while washing, drinking, or eating food exposed to contaminated water. By helping provide pregnant women and newborns with clean water, sanitation, nutrition, and quality health services, CARE Luxembourg pledges for a better future.
CARE Luxembourg and Thalus
Buying a box of Thalus helps provide CARE Luxembourg with the money needed to focus on those first 1,000 days and to improve the chances of survival for Laotian mothers and their children.
