Missing in Action: Teacher and Health Worker Absence in Developing Countries.

The article discusses a study which examined the absence of teachers and health workers in developing countries in 2006. With their absence, developing countries are wasting considerable resources and missing opportunities to educate their children and improve the health of their populations. The results of the study complement a literature that argues that corruption and weak institutions in developing countries reduce private investment and, thus, growth. Poorly functioning government institutions may also impair provision of education and health. The authors suggest that policies in education and health should be designed to take into account high absence rates.