A public school in Vientiane Capital is the first of 150 schools across Laos to install an AI-supported air quality sensor, marking a major step toward real-time monitoring of harmful air pollutants.
Launched by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Laos in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES), the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE), UNICEF East Asia Pacific’s Frontier Data Network, with support from the United Kingdom. tech company Arm Holdings through the UNICEF Office of Innovation, this initiative will deploy sensors in every district nationwide.
Laos is among the most polluted countries in Southeast Asia, yet until now, very few sensors have tracked air quality. In the broader East Asia and Pacific region, UNICEF estimates that over 100 children under five lose their lives every day to causes linked to air pollution.
By introducing advanced monitoring devices in schools, authorities will have localized data—district by district and even neighborhood by neighborhood—enabling them to protect children’s health. Recently, Thailand closed its schools due to dangerous air quality, a decision that the government was able to make based on trusted data collection, which is delivered by the AQ sensors. This also promoted action to procure air purification systems for classrooms.
![Laos to Receive AI Sensors for Nationwide Air Quality Monitoring](https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/air-pollution-1.jpg)
The sensors measure pollutants in real-time and feed the data into public platforms like OpenAQ. School officials and local authorities can quickly identify unsafe air pollution levels and take precautionary measures, such as suspending classes when necessary. This ensures a safer learning environment and helps communities understand the risks of air pollution so they can respond proactively.
The installation of 150 sensors is accompanied by hands-on training for teachers, students, and local officials. This includes guidance on assembling and maintaining the monitors, interpreting air quality data, and applying AI-based forecasting tools where needed in the future.
Building on Regional Success
Key partners—including Maker Box Lao, Lao Telecom, and technical experts—participated in workshops led by AirGradient in Thailand to learn best practices for accurate calibration, data analysis, and AI-driven predictions. The workshops also included expert insights from representatives from Thailand Clean Air Network and National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand. These skills will help Laos create a more robust nationwide monitoring network, ensuring communities can detect pollution spikes and act swiftly.
With these sensors in place, policy decisions can be backed by reliable data, shaping long-term strategies for cleaner air and stronger climate resilience. Beyond the immediate health benefits, the system fosters community engagement: students learn about the science of air quality, local authorities refine their response strategies, and families gain vital information for safeguarding children’s health.
As this project expands, UNICEF and its partners remain committed to ensuring every district in Laos benefits from real-time air quality monitoring. Together, they aim to reduce the health risks posed by pollution, create a safer environment for students, and build a healthier future for all children in Laos.