Laos to Improve Education and Health Sector Performance with World Bank Support

To help address long-term human capital challenges in Laos, the World Bank yesterday approved a project to enhance the performance of primary education and health workers by improving staff management and training.

The $35 million six-year project, Improving Frontline Workers Performance in Education and Health, will develop comprehensive continuous professional development for teachers, with classroom observation and learning assessments. In health, the project will expand health worker registration and licensing, and enhance pre- and in-service training. In both sectors, measures will be taken to attract and retain professional staff in rural and underserved areas, and to improve staff management systems.

"Laos still faces significant challenges in education and health", said World Bank Country Manager for the Lao PDR, Khwima Nthara. "The government is to be commended for its leadership and commitment in mobilizing these much needed resources to help those at the frontline of teaching and medicine, so that they can fully devote their efforts to the needs of local people".

Spending on education and health in Laos declined from 4.9% of GDP in 2013 to an estimated 2.3% in 2023, and surveys indicate a partial reversal of earlier gains in child nutrition. Severe workforce shortages are evident in schools and health facilities. Geographical disparities exacerbate these challenges, with teacher and medical staff shortages more common in rural, high-poverty areas.

The project will measure and enhance the performance of primary education and health frontline workers, building their skills and improving their management and distribution. For primary school teachers, measures include strengthening teacher training colleges with smart classrooms, support to an existing two-year continuous bachelor program, and modernization of online professional development for teachers.

To improve the skills mix, performance and management of health workers, the project will deliver training and staff retention packages at district hospitals and health centers in eight target provinces. It will also strengthen frameworks for health workforce recruitment, deployment, and personnel systems at national level.