Nurse Maly’s Story: From Growing Up In A Rural Village To Becoming a Healthcare Leader
Meet Nurse Maly
Nurse Maly’s journey to healthcare leadership began in one of the last six remaining Kasak villages in rural Laos, where medical care was nearly non-existent. Growing up watching her father manage chronic asthma without proper healthcare resources ignited her passion to become a nurse.
Nurse Maly is the first Lao national appointed as Nursing Director at Lao Friends Hospital for Children, a milestone that reflects our commitment to a locally led, sustainable healthcare system in Laos. Her growth to leadership embodies our mission to empower local professionals to lead and deliver healthcare for Lao people, by Lao people.
Maly now leads our pediatric nursing team with the same resilience that has defined her path from a remote village to a leadership role in child healthcare.
Read her full story below.
“Growing up, I experienced the challenges of limited access to healthcare. My father, who had chronic asthma, was constantly in need of care.”
My name is Maly Chittaphai. I was born in a close-knit Kasak community in rural Laos. Kasak is an ethnic group, which consists of only six villages. Growing up, I experienced the challenges of limited access to healthcare. My father, who had chronic asthma, was constantly in need of care.
This fuelled my passion to become a healthcare professional. Another influencing factor is my desire for all people in Laos to be treated equally.
Despite the obstacles I faced due to limited educational opportunities, I was determined to pursue a career in healthcare. I navigated the complexities of rural life to attend Xieng Ngeun High School in a nearby town. My siblings, friends, and I would commute to school on foot, which took two hours. I thoroughly enjoyed school, and it was during this time that I decided I wanted to be a nurse. In 2006, I enrolled at the College of Public Health in Luang Prabang. where I studied for three years and obtained my certificate in technical nursing. Whilst studying, I would often return to my village to support my father and to take care of my nieces and nephews.
My first job was at Erikshjälpen, a Swedish NGO. One of the main focuses of this effort was sterilizationncluding villages and primary schools, implementing healthcare programs, and raising awareness about hygiene and sanitation. We also provided equipment and training to local volunteers in remote areas of Phonexaly Province, Laos, to assist with childbirth and care. One of the main focuses of this effort was sterilization, as access to clinics and hospitals was limited.
Eager to take on new challenges, I transitioned to the Little Hands Learning Project in Luang Prabang, where I served as the Assistant Project Manager. This role allowed me to refine my project management skills and contribute to educational initiatives.
“I feel a deep responsibility to guide how we care for each child at LFHC. What drives me every day is seeing our nurses give professional nursing care with compassion. I love seeing and helping our team learn and grow. I know it means we can really help the children who need us. It’s truly rewarding to be part of this journey and it’s what makes me get up every day and be proud of what I do .”
In 2015, I took a significant step in my career by joining the Lao Friends Hospital for Children as a nurse. This marked a transition from community development to hands-on healthcare provision.
This role required not only medical expertise but also empathy and compassion. I continued to learn and grow in this dynamic environment, and I was encouraged to apply for the position of Nursing Director.
As Nursing Director, I play an important role in shaping the hospital's approach to paediatric care. My emphasis on compassionate nursing, community engagement, and continuous education inspires me to achieve LFHC’s goal to reach and help more children in need.
