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MDG 5: Improve Maternal Health
Despite considerable improvements in the quality of life over the past two decades, the general health status of the Lao population remains low, particularly for rural communities, and women continue to experience inadequate levels of care in pregnancy and childbirth. In 2000 the maternal mortality ratio was 530 deaths per 100,000 live births. Goal 5 calls for reducing the rate of maternal mortality to only 185 deaths per 100,000 live births by the year 2015. Given the current population growth rate, the Lao population of approximately 5 million is expected to double in 25 years, as persons under 20 years of age, who currently comprise 54% of the total population, enter their reproductive years. Currently 89% of rural women deliver without a trained attendant, and most live a long distance from any services. The major causes of maternal mortality in remote areas are due to relatively minor complications that could be easily addressed if care was available and accessible. To achieve this Goal, more investment, particularly in the quality of services and better management of health systems, is needed.
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