Help women in Southern Laos access better reproductive health services by providing midwifery and community health worker training and purchasing essential medical supplies.

Why we care: In Laos, more than 90% of women give birth at home without medical assistance. As a result, the maternal and infant mortality rates are some of the highest in Southeast Asia.

The cost for a set of antenatal and post-natal consultation per woman is $13, with delivery varying from $30 (normal birth) to $280 (C-Section).

These costs cover the training of midwives and health workers to provide maternal and newborn healthcare and to raise awareness of safe birthing practices throughout communities. They also cover the medical supplies to provide the right care including basic obstetric emergency care equipment and clean delivery kits.

Photo credit: Lâm Duc Hiên

Doctors of the World is supported by the Kering Foundation, which combats violence against women and promotes their empowerment. Launched in January 2009, the Foundation supports community-based projects and encourages employee involvement to sustain women’s causes around the world. Through four programmes, it supports local and international NGOs as well as social entrepreneurs, helps raise awareness and establishes joint projects with the Kering brands. In 2012, more than 80,000 women benefited from its support in 16 countries. *In line with PPR’s change of name, the PPR Corporate Foundation for Women’s Dignity and Rights will become the Kering Corporate Foundation, subject to approval at the Foundation’s board meeting on 26 June 2013. www.keringfoundation.org @KeringForWomen