In the heart of Southeast Asia lies a landlocked country, once known as the land of a million elephants: Laos. Yet this country, rich in culture and history, suffers from the abject misery of poverty. As part of the vast array of nations it supports, USAID provides comprehensive assistance to combat economic challenges and help Laos achieve its various development goals. Here is how four USAID programs in Laos are eliminating poverty.

History

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is a bustling nation bordered by Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, China and Myanmar. Officially becoming the Lao People’s Democratic Republic on December 2, 1975, the country has become an integral Southeast Asian nation with 7.5 million people. Despite making strides in development in the last two decades, the country faces numerous challenges stemming from an unskilled workforce and economic hurdles. These challenges have caused Laos to remain one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, with 18.3% of people living below the poverty line and 10% of employed people on only $1.90 a day.

Here are the four USAID programs in Laos that help support its economic reforms and sustainable growth.

1. Backing Businesses

The Laos government emphasizes a diverse economy with room for jobs in numerous sectors to improve the country’s economic conditions. USAID directly assists two key enterprises to support their endeavors: the Laos Business Environment (LBE) and the Laos Micro Enterprise (LME). The LBE helps business operations in the private sector. At the same time, the LME is a thorough support system for the rural markets. Together, these two enterprises create a backbone by which the Laos government can enhance its economy.

2. Educating Youth

To lift a country out of poverty, its population needs to be provided with a proper education. The Laos government and USAID understand this and have created critical programs to facilitate mass education. Learn to Read teaches reading skills to Lao children, especially those who are not native speakers or have disabilities. All Children Learning has similar goals, though it narrows the focus on providing vital recovery for education sectors hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic.

3. Harvesting Energy

Reducing greenhouse gasses is a significant part of USAID’s bracket in Laos. Working together with the Laos government, USAID has established The Regional Southeast Asia Smart Power Program. It involves USAID directly assisting the Mekong’s transition toward energy security by partnering with organizations such as Japan U.S. Mekong Power Partnership (JUMPP). USAID helps Laos manage its electricity more efficiently by providing this support system, allowing it to be used more frequently for various projects. In addition, USAID partners with Électricitédu Laos (EDL) to help strengthen assets and manage the grid.

4. Improving Health Care

With 43 out of 1000 newborns perishing before their 5th birthday, USAID partners with the Laos government in essential health-related services to boost the nation’s health care systems. Regarding COVID-19 assistance, USAID provided 3 million vaccine doses to the Lao people while improving treatments and detection. Another program, the Capacity Strengthening on Maternal Child Health and Nutrition Project (LMCHN), improves new mothers’ and children’s well-being, nutrition and maternal health. USAID also provides strategic support to the country’s fight against HIV, malaria and other infectious diseases.

Without a doubt, Laos is developing rapidly. According to the World Bank, the poverty rate in Laos has halved from 46% to 18%. However, there is still a long way to go. USAID’s work through its programs in Laos is a testament to the country’s desire to improve the living conditions of its population and lift the Lao people out of the trenches of poverty.

– Atheeth Ravikrishnan
Photo: Flickr