The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $41 million financing package to enhance primary health care in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The Green Primary Care Project aims to improve governance and service delivery at the primary care level while building resilience in health facilities and communities against the impacts of climate change.
The funding 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 Lao PDR, Shanny Campbell. “By expanding climate-resilient primary care in rural and climate-vulnerable districts, the project will help the Lao PDR protect hard-won gains in universal health coverage.”
Primary care access in Lao PDR faces persistent challenges due to fragile infrastructure, geographic barriers, and disparities affecting poor and ethnic communities. Climate change and extreme weather events—such as floods and droughts—have intensified disease burdens, disrupted service delivery, and strained the health system’s resilience.
The Green Primary Care Project will address these gaps by upgrading and equipping primary care facilities, strengthening water systems, and training health workers to ensure continuity of services during extreme weather. Community adaptation plans will be implemented, and local leaders, women, girls, and ethnic groups will receive training in climate adaptation strategies. The project will cover 51 districts, including 14 climate-vulnerable districts, across five provinces: Champasak, Louangphabang, Oudomxai, Savannakhet, and Xiangkhouang.
The initiative aligns with the government’s Health Sector Reform Strategy, the 2024 National Adaptation Plan, and climate commitments, while advancing progress toward universal health coverage.
Founded in 1966, ADB is a leading multilateral development bank owned by 69 members, including 50 from Asia and the Pacific. It supports inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth by harnessing innovative financial tools and partnerships to improve infrastructure, transform lives, and safeguard the environment.
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