Programs in Lao PDR

Lao PDR is the 2nd poorest country in Southeast Asia and has some of the lowest development indicators in the region. The heartbreaking reality is that 29% of the population still lives below $1 USD per day and 74% below $2 USD per day leaving many poor households vulnerable to shocks that could push them back into extreme poverty.

The progress towards the Millennium Development Goals in Lao PDR is mixed, with major development challenges including a level of poverty that is increasingly defined by geography and ethnicity, which is evident despite the economic growth. This means that poverty in Lao PDR is predominantly a rural issue, with 80% of the country’s poor living in rural areas. On top of this, basic health and fundamental education services and facilities are still very poor, especially due to the weak state of government infrastructure and a highly dispersed population that is difficult to reach.

ADRA is supporting the government and people of Lao PDR in its efforts to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and their national development priorities. We do this by working to reduce poverty and achieve sustainable development, improved health, improved food security and land management, improved education and increased resilience to (and protection from) socio-economic risks that come with change and development.

ADRA Lao's community partners are the most vulnerable communities. We promote an inclusive and sustainable development approach that supports communities to realise their full potential and achieve an enhanced quality of life that will change the future prospects for the generations to come.

Developing areas in need

	Luang Namtha Louang Namtha is both a province of Laos and the name of the provincial capital, located in the north of the country. From 1966 to 1976 it formed, together with Bokeo, the province of Houakhong The province is bordered by the other Lao provinces Bokeo in the south-west, Oudomxay in the south-east . . . Read the whole story
	Xiengkhoung Xiangkhoang is a province of Laos, located in the north-east of the country. It was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War era. Originally known as Muang Phuan, the famous Plain of Jars is located here. Many people talk with a slightly different accent than the usual Vientiane accent. Lum Phuan is highly . . . Read the whole story
	Vientiane Vientiane (pronounced Viang-chan) is the capital city of Laos, situated in the Mekong Valley. It is also Laos's largest city. The estimated population of the city is 200,000 (2005) while the number of people living in the Vientiane metropolitan area is believed to be over 730,000 . . . Read the whole story