Vientiane: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $41 million financing package to bolster primary health care in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR).
According to Lao News Agency, the Green Primary Care Project will strengthen the governance and service delivery of primary health care and enhance the resilience of the health system and communities across the country against a backdrop of rapidly changing weather conditions. The package includes $30 million from ADB’s ordinary capital resources, $10 million from the Asian Development Fund, and $1 million in technical assistance from the ADB-administered Community Resilience Partnership Program Trust Fund, supported by the Nordic Development Fund and the governments of France and the United Kingdom.
‘This project puts people and prevention first by strengthening local health services and ensuring facilities and communities can withstand climate shocks,’ said ADB Country Director for the Lao PDR Shanny Campbell. ‘By expanding climate-resil
ient primary care in rural and climate-vulnerable districts, the project will help the Lao PDR protect hard-won gains in universal health coverage.’
In the Lao PDR, persistent gaps in primary care access are compounded by fragile health infrastructure and geographic barriers that disproportionately affect poor and ethnic communities. Climate change and extreme weather events are increasing floods and droughts, which are intensifying disease burdens, disrupting care delivery, and threatening the resilience of the health system.
The project will address these issues by upgrading and equipping primary care facilities and training the workforce to ensure the continuity of services during extreme weather. The project will upgrade water systems, implement community climate adaptation plans, and train leaders, women, girls, and ethnic groups on adaptation strategies. The project targets 51 districts, including 14 climate-vulnerable districts, across the five provinces of Champasak, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Savanna
khet, and Xiangkhouang.
The project supports the government’s Health Sector Reform Strategy, the 2024 National Adaptation Plan, and climate commitments, while ensuring its progress towards achieving universal health coverage.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-50 from the region.