UNICEF Partnership

This air quality monitor is part of a groundbreaking UNICEF initiative to address the severe air quality crisis in Lao PDR, one of Southeast Asia's most polluted countries. Led by UNICEF Lao PDR in partnership with national ministries and local partners, the project has deployed 160 AirGradient air quality monitors across public schools nationwide. Previously, people in Lao PDR had access to air quality data from very few monitors, but now communities across the country can finally see what's in the air they're breathing for the first time.

This initiative is particularly crucial given that UNICEF estimates over 100 children under five lose their lives every day in the broader East Asia and Pacific region to causes linked to air pollution. The project provides comprehensive training to teachers, students, and local officials on data interpretation and pollution response strategies, empowering schools and communities to detect pollution spikes and act swiftly. AirGradient plays a significant role in capacity building, ensuring local teams develop the technical skills necessary for long-term monitoring success and community-driven environmental protection.