Current Deficits in Nutrition, Learning, and On-the-Job Skills Are Costing Children Born Today Half of Their Future Earnings This page in:English Français العربية Русский 中文 Português

https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2026/02/12/human-capital-nutrition-learning-skills-deficits-reduce-future-earnings WASHINGTON, February 12, 2026—Current deficits in health, education, and skill development at work are costing low- and middle-income countries 51% of their future labor earnings, according to a new World Bank Group report released today. Over the past 15 years, even as incomes have risen and poverty has declined, two-thirds of low- and middle-income countries have experienced declines in nutrition, learning, or workforce skills. Reversing these deficits will require a new approach to human capital investments.