Health authorities say Laos has become the first country in Asean to achieve recognition under the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) for midwifery education under the Midwifery Education Accreditation Programme (MEAP).
The programme identifies the best practices and gaps for partners/implementers to provide more focused, effective, and sustainable support for high-quality midwifery education.
The MEAP is also a benchmark for midwifery education programmes that seek to meet international standards. Its goal is to evaluate pre-service midwifery education programmes against the ICM Global Standards.
ICM’s MEAP is based on international best practices in midwifery education and accreditation.
Minister of Health Dr Bounfeng Phoummalaysith said three teaching facilities in Laos had been accredited as centres of excellence in midwifery education on January 7.
This followed an in-country visit to assess the three institutions in the second half of 2022, which are the Colleges of Health Sciences in Champassak, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khuang provinces.
The colleges met 35 out of a total of 37 International Confederation of Midwives standards, with only two standards partially met.
Dr Bounfeng congratulated the colleges on their efforts to obtain international accreditation. They received their national accreditation last year, and now their goal to achieve the MEAP status is also fulfilled.
UNFPA, in close partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education and Sports, has supported the Lao Midwifery Programme since 2009.
As part of the support, UNFPA has also helped prepare the promising centres of excellence in midwifery education towards international standards.
Minister of Education and Sports, Assoc. Prof. Dr Phout Simmalavong, said the three colleges had made an immense effort to go through all aspects of evaluation: administration, student body, alumni, faculty members, assessment, equipment and facilities, and clinical placement site. “This accreditation for standards of midwifery teaching in Laos is not only an indication of quality, but also ensures graduate outcomes,” he added. UNFPA Representative Ms Mariam A. Khan said “The midwives were so proud because the work for this task was hefty, and they remained committed to achieving this despite the past few years being riddled with Covid-related challenges.”
“The accreditation will be valid for three years and they are already planning to sustain their MEAP status by beginning their preparations now. UNFPA is delighted to have supported this successful result for midwifery education in Laos.” The latest research shows that a well-trained midwife, with access to the requisite equipment and connected to a health service network, can respond to over 80 percent of maternal health requirements. Midwives are essential for Laos’ efforts to reduce maternal deaths.
( Vientiane Times By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth)
