National Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Consultancy, Health & SP section, 4 months, Team of two national consultants, Vientiane, Lao (Remote with travel)

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Purpose of Assignment:

The purpose of this consultancy is to work in close coordination with an international consultant to conduct a comprehensive mixed-methods analysis identifying underlying causes and system bottlenecks driving preventable maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality in Lao PDR.

Between 2017 and 2023, Lao PDR made notable progress in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH). The Total Fertility Rate declined to the national target of 2.5, and major survival indicators improved despite persistent health system constraints. Maternal mortality declined sharply, with Lao PDR ranking among the countries with the highest percentage reduction in Maternal Mortality Ratio globally—an 82 per cent decline between 2000 and 2023. According to UN estimates, the MMR stood at 112 per 100,000 live births in 2023. Neonatal mortality reached the SDG target of 12 per 1,000 live births, improving from 18 per 1,000 in 2017. Under-five mortality declined from 46 to 28 per 1,000 live births, approaching the SDG target of 25, while infant mortality fell from 40 to 25 per 1,000 live births.

Despite this progress, preventable deaths and poor health outcomes among women and children remain unacceptably high in many parts of the country, particularly in remote, ethnically diverse, and underserved communities. Large disparities persist in geography, wealth, education, and ethnicity. Barriers include delayed care-seeking, limited physical access to services, variable quality of care, financial constraints, and social and cultural factors that influence health behaviors.

As Lao PDR prepares to update its RMNCAH strategy for 2026 and beyond, there is a critical need for a comprehensive, equity-focused analysis that goes beyond national averages to identify where, why, and for whom progress is stalling. This analysis will use the most recent national data sets and qualitative evidence to generate actionable insights into the key bottlenecks and delays contributing to preventable maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality by:

• Analyzing recent national data (LSIS III, LECS, and other relevant sources) to identify patterns, disparities and risk factors across the RMNCH continuum of care.
• Examining bottlenecks using the Four Delays Model to understand barriers in care-seeking, access, quality and referral.
• Triangulating quantitative findings with qualitative evidence from key informants and communities.
• Generating practical, policy-relevant recommendations to inform the RMNCAH Strategy 2026+, UNICEF programming and partner investments.

Scope of Work: This study will apply a mixed-methods approach combining secondary quantitative analysis with primary qualitative research to identify the causes, bottlenecks, and inequities driving preventable maternal, neonatal, and child morbidity and mortality in Lao PDR. The analysis will be guided by an equity lens and structured around the Four Delays Model across the RMNCH continuum of care. The national consultant will carry out the following key areas: 1. Secondary data analysis 2. Qualitative data collection and analysis

If you would like to know more about this consultancy's scope of work and expected deliverables, please review the complete Terms of Reference here:  ToRTMC0002031.pdf

Minimum requirements: (Qualifications/Experience/ Knowledge/Expertise/Skills)

• Education: Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in public health, epidemiology, demography, economics, social sciences, or related field.
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