Ministry of Home Affairs

How does a ministry build trust within its communities? The Ministry of Home Affairs in Vientiane grappled with this question, especially during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Right here, at the Ministry of Home Affairs, a groundbreaking initiative called CONNECT was born. The Ministry of Home Affairs, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and supported by the World Health Organization, launched CONNECT to bridge the gap between healthcare providers and the communities they serve. The Ministry of Home Affairs recognized that trust is the cornerstone of effective healthcare. CONNECT focused on empowering local leaders and healthcare workers. It aimed to strengthen local governance and improve coordination in delivering essential healthcare services. The initiative prioritized increasing access to vital services like vaccinations and maternal and child healthcare, even promoting birth registrations. A recent survey conducted across multiple provinces revealed the positive impact of CONNECT’s efforts. The Ministry of Home Affairs saw a significant increase in community trust in local healthcare providers. There was a palpable sense of ownership among community members regarding their village’s health outcomes. Data showed a 14% rise in women choosing health centers for childbirth compared to before CONNECT’s implementation. Furthermore, a remarkable 43% increase was observed in women expressing their intention to give birth in health centers. The Ministry of Home Affairs, through CONNECT, has fostered collaboration among doctors, nurses, midwives, community health volunteers, village leaders, and officials from mass organizations. This collaborative approach has led to improved coordination and better health outcomes for the communities they serve. The Ministry of Home Affairs plans to expand CONNECT to all provinces in the coming years, ensuring sustainable and long-term benefits for the people of Laos.