Declines in health and education in poor countries ‘harming earning potential’

The report found children across low- and middle-incomes countries are achieving lower learning outcomes than 15 years ago, with the worst decline in sub-Saharan Africa. Photograph: Anadolu Agency/Anadolu/Getty Images

Deteriorating health, education and training in many developing countries is dramatically depressing the future earnings of children born today, the World Bank has said.

In a report, the World Bank urges policymakers to focus on improving outcomes in three settings: homes, neighbourhoods and workplaces.