Hanoi, Oct. 19 -- In many remote villages once bound by old customs such as home births, spiritual rituals, and restrictive postpartum practices, positive changes are emerging thanks to the dedication of village-based midwives who are bringing safer childbirth and maternal care to women in the highlands.

In Po Si Ngai village of Ban Xeo commune, Lao Cai province, Thao Thi Pa, a Mong ethnic woman, has served as a village-based midwife since 2011. In the early years, poor road conditions made access to medical facilities extremely difficult. Most women still gave birth at home according to traditional customs. Nine out of ten deliveries took place in houses or makeshift huts, posing serious risks to both mothers and babies. Many families b...