Department of Anthropology
Doctoral Research
Mobility and Reproductive Health amongst an Ethnic Minority Group (Akha) in Northwest, Laos.
By Douangphet
The Lao population has many minority ethnic groups. In Northwest Laos, 46% of the population in Sing District are from the Akha ethnic group. These people are undergoing rapid social change as they move into the lowlands in search of land and new employment opportunities. To date there has been little provision of health services and no study concerning reproductive health amongst Akha in Laos. Traditionally the Akha lived in the upper slopes of the mountains where health services hardly reach them. Anecdotal evidence from development agencies in the area suggested the common presence of Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) may impact on fertility levels amongst the Akha.
Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio.