Access to healthcare improving in Xekong
Xekong province is among the poorest in Laos, with an infant mortality rate of 70 per 1,000 live births and a maternal mortality ratio of 357 per 100,000 live births, according to 2015 statistics from the provincial health office. Xekong province was one of five provinces-targeted by the Ministry of Health and supported by the World Bank to increase the usage and quality of health services for poor women and children, particularly in rural areas. A World Bank project is currently improving basic health care services for women and children in poor rural areas of Xekong province through the Health Equity Fund. Over five years, the project is expected to benefit one million women and children across 14 provinces in the country.
