Vientiane (VNA) – The loss𓂃 of life for mothersduring childbirth reached its lowest point in Laos’s histor❀y, according to a newUnited Nations report.
The report estimates that between 2000 and 2020,the number of pregnant women who died per 100,000 live births dropped from 579in 2000 to 126 in 2020 – a reduction of 78.7% – one of the fastest fallingrates in the world. In contrast, in nearly all regions of the world, decliningmaternal mortality rates slowed or stagnated, according to the report "Trendsin maternal mortality" produced by the World Health Organisation (WHO) onbehalf of a group of United Nations entities, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and theWorld Bank Group. WHO Representative Dr. Ying-Ru Lo said that the commendable,lifesaving progress reflects years of commitment and investment by the LaoGovernment and partners. It combines better health services, facilities, and morehighly skilled healthcare staff, increasing the number of mothers accessingservices. Equally important is strong leadership driving these efforts,coordinated by an effective National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child andAdolescent Health (RMNCAH) Committee, which WHO is proud to support, she said. Essential to the country’s progress has been an increase inthe number and quality of midwives, nurses, and other skilled birth attendants,according to the report. The Lao Social Indicator Survey shows a 23% increase in deliveriesassisted by a skilled birth attendant between 2011 and 2017. Equally importantwas the establishment of free maternal and child health services nationwide in2013, later incorporated into the continuous expansion of the National HealthInsurance scheme in 2015./.
The Lao Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism and the Cambodian Ministry of Tourism have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on tourism cooperation.
Laos’ total trade value in February was estimated at 962 million USD (excluding electricity export), according to Lao Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
The proposed venue is located in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok, featuring eight public sites, including Krungthep Aphiwat Central Terminal and several nearby parks.
Connectivity is expected to improve further with the completion of the fifth Laos–Thailand Friendship Bridge by the end of 2025, facilitating logistics and agricultural exports to Vietnam, Thailand, and China.
Two naval gunboats intercepted a fishing vessel carrying 1.5 tonnes of methamphetamine hydrochloride off the coast of the main island of Luzon just before dawn, in a joint operation with the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.
In the today context of socio-economic development and growth, the professionalism of Vietnam’s revolutionary journalists continues to rise, guided by exemplary mastery of new information technologies and the modernisation of their founding principles to preserve the enduring values of revolutionary journalism.
Thai Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce Vuttikrai Leewiraphan Thailand's formal proposal will be substantial enough for the US to consider further detailed negotiations. He hoped for a tariff rate not exceeding 10% and suggested that the US might extend the negotiation period if an agreement is not reached by the July 8 deadline.
Organised by the Ministry of Culture and the Association of Thai Silk & Culture Promotions, the event honors Her Majesty the Queen on her 47th birthday anniversary and promotes Thai craftsmanship on an international stage.
Prensa Latina's recent article on Vietnam’s assurance of smooth and effective transition to a leaner structure highlighted Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s latest directions on implementing 28 resolutions regarding the decentralisation and delegation of authority.
The lab focuses on four key thematic areas: energy transition and green innovation, sustainable agriculture, circular economy and sustainable cities, and nature-based solutions and biodiversity.
The key content of the document titled "Accelerating Innovative Strategies: Addressing the OOSCY Challenges" will be refined further in a seminar preceding the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur this October.
This follows Telegram’s serious failure to address the content that has been repeatedly reported to them, despite various efforts of negotiation and cooperation made by MCMC, it said.
Efforts to empower women must transcend dialogue and translate into concrete commitments, including corporate pledges and government partnerships, according to the spouse of Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
The forum featured two in-depth discussion sessions, engaging representatives from governments, think tanks, and businesses from both ASEAN and China, on how to forge closer ties for a common future.
The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
Talking to the Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Vietnam’s Revolutionary Press Day (June 21, 1925–2025), Nikulina, who is also a veteran journalist of Russia’s Sputnik News, emphasised the vital role of mainstream journalism in defending the truth and maintaining public trust.
The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Illustrative photo (Photo: who.int) 
