Laos – Support for the first graduating class of State midwives

06/11/2015

This past 26 May, the first graduating class of the National College of Midwifery received their diplomas at Vientiane. Fondation Pierre Fabre, which supports the young graduates, attended the ceremony.

The school, the first of its kind, opened in 2010, born of Laos’ determination to improve midwife training in the country.

A unique school in Laos
The health of mothers and children is a major concern in Southeast Asia, and this is why, in 2010, Laos decided to found the first national school for midwifery. This college, located in Vientiane, is attached to the Faculty of Allied Health Professions at the University of Health Sciences in Laos.

Over the course of four years, students are trained in the practice of obstetrics and gynaecology by Laotian and French teachers, thanks in part to support from the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians and the Lao Anakhod Association. During this period, apprentice midwives alternate between theory classes at the school and practical training in hospitals in the country’s capital or provinces.

First graduation class receives medical equipment
Fondation Pierre Fabre wished to support the graduates of the first class before they took on their assignments: each received from the Foundation the essential tools allowing them to optimally practice their profession during childbirth calls, whether in a rural or urban environment.

These delivery kits were given to the students during the graduation ceremony held on 26 May at the school in Vientiane, in the presence of Dr Chanhème Songnavong (Dean of the Faculty of Allied Health Professions), Ms Noumanh Keomanivanh (Director of the National College of Midwifery), Dr Manichanh Sadettan (coordinator of the Lao Anakhod Association and member of the French College of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians) and the professors. These kits included the main medical equipment necessary to the exercise of midwifery (tensiometer, speculum, stethoscope, clamps, suture kit, etc.).

This is an initial gesture of support by Fondation Pierre Fabre to this unique school in Laos, which may be followed by other forms of commitment to support training of healthcare professionals in the country. To be continued…

Ceremony photos