The Quang Khe Commune Health Station is now at the forefront of improving maternal and child health quality in a challenging mountainous region. Through an administrative merger between Dak Plao and Quang Khe, this health facility now operates two service locations 15 kilometers apart, aiming to overcome geographical barriers for ethnic minority communities so they can access closer and more reachable primary healthcare.
A shift in community mindset serves as a clear indicator of success. While home births using traditional methods were previously common, the majority of pregnant women are now proactive in seeking prenatal check-ups at medical facilities. This enthusiasm is evident from the large number of young mothers who regularly undergo prenatal examinations, receive vaccinations, and actively participate in health education sessions to ensure the safety of both mother and fetus.
Nevertheless, infrastructure challenges remain a serious hurdle. Limited medical equipment and minimal operational space force healthcare workers to be more creative. They optimize digital technology such as the Zalo application to monitor pregnancies early and provide regular education, ensuring that every pregnant woman receives appropriate referrals to higher-level facilities as their delivery date approaches.
Behind this progress, a threat has re-emerged as child marriage and early pregnancy cases begin to rise, particularly in remote areas. Pregnancy cases at the age of 15 have become a serious concern for medical personnel and local authorities. Currently, cross-sector collaboration involving village governments and women's organizations is being actively promoted to provide continuous education in order to break the cycle of child marriage and protect the future of the younger generation in Quang Khe.
