Limited internet access across sub‑Saharan Africa affects far more than social media or streaming. It shapes whether students can learn, teachers can access training and health workers can reach patients in remote places. The Groupe Spéciale Mobile Association (GSMA) estimates that sub‑Saharan Africa has the world’s largest mobile internet usage gap, driven by affordability, skills and device access.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report that two-thirds of the world’s school‑age children lack internet access at home. Children in low- and middle-income countries are particularly affected. Closing these gaps is central to cutting poverty and unlocking long‑term development.
How Connectivity Translates to Classrooms and Clinics
When schools get reliable internet, students can access digital lessons, teachers can join training and ministries can target support based on real‑time data. In health, mobile platforms let nurses triage cases, issue reminders and consult specialists without long referrals.
The result is time saved, better information and fewer missed appointments. In places where travel is costly or unsafe, digital services extend the reach of education and primary care.
Giga: Connecting Every School
Giga, a UNICEF and ITU partnership, works to connect every school to the internet and every young person to information and opportunity. The initiative maps schools, tracks connectivity in real time and supports governments in financing and procuring affordable services.
In sub‑Saharan Africa, Giga works with governments including Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Niger and Zimbabwe to map schools and design viable financing models. Public‑private partnerships, satellite mapping and open data are helping countries plan where and how to connect first.
To speed up progress, Giga has teamed up with industry and tech partners to lower costs and expand coverage. Market assessments call for a collaborative push to connect every African school by 2030, while mapping work with companies like Mapbox and AI partners has identified tens of thousands of previously unmapped schools. Partnerships with providers such as Liquid and IHS Towers support connectivity rollouts and school mapping at scale.
Smart Africa: A Regional Blueprint for Scale
Smart Africa is a pan‑African alliance working toward a Single Digital Market. Its SMART Broadband 2025 blueprint aligns with U.N. Broadband Commission targets. It focuses on affordability, coverage and policy harmonization for faster rollout.
At the continental level, the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy aims to build a digital single market by 2030, with supportive regulation, regional infrastructure and cross‑border services. Together, these frameworks guide countries on spectrum, universal service funds and investment climates that make school and clinic connectivity more sustainable.
Mobile Health: Bringing Care to the Last Mile
Mobile health services show how connectivity improves daily life. In South Africa, Hello Doctor provides 24/7 phone and app access to registered doctors, including callback and prescription support within national regulations. Regional models go further. In Rwanda, the government signed a 10‑year agreement with Babyl to provide telemedicine through basic phones and data services, expanding access for millions who live far from clinics.
Pharmacy‑based telehealth is also growing. mPharma is rolling out Mutti Doctor and subscription services that support remote consultations and point‑of‑care testing across multiple markets.
Barriers That Still Block Progress
Affordability, device availability and digital skills remain the biggest obstacles. GSMA finds that adults in rural areas are far less likely to use mobile internet than those in cities and women are less likely than men to be online. Industry and development partners are responding with device financing, digital literacy programs and policy reforms that reduce taxes and fees on data and smartphones.
A 2024 industry coalition, backed by global institutions, is focused on closing the usage gap by improving access to affordable, internet‑enabled devices.
What Works: Schools First, Clinics Next
The most promising models start with clear targets, open data and local ownership. Map schools, publish the data and invite providers to compete on price and quality. Connect clinics along the same routes and share infrastructure where possible.
Link connectivity with training, curriculum and telehealth workflows so that teachers, nurses and community health workers can use the connection from day one. The result is better learning, faster referrals and fewer missed visits.
A Roadmap To Narrow the Divide
Giga’s school connectivity model, Smart Africa’s broadband blueprint and mobile health platforms show that closing the digital divide is achievable at scale. Investments that combine infrastructure with skills and services can deliver immediate gains in classrooms and clinics while building inclusive growth over time.
With governments, private sector partners and communities working together, Africa can connect its schools, strengthen primary care and give the next generation the tools to thrive.
– Joseph Hasty
Joseph is based in Winter Park, FL, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Giga and The Digital Divide in Africa
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) report that two-thirds of the world’s school‑age children lack internet access at home. Children in low- and middle-income countries are particularly affected. Closing these gaps is central to cutting poverty and unlocking long‑term development.
How Connectivity Translates to Classrooms and Clinics
When schools get reliable internet, students can access digital lessons, teachers can join training and ministries can target support based on real‑time data. In health, mobile platforms let nurses triage cases, issue reminders and consult specialists without long referrals.
The result is time saved, better information and fewer missed appointments. In places where travel is costly or unsafe, digital services extend the reach of education and primary care.
Giga: Connecting Every School
Giga, a UNICEF and ITU partnership, works to connect every school to the internet and every young person to information and opportunity. The initiative maps schools, tracks connectivity in real time and supports governments in financing and procuring affordable services.
In sub‑Saharan Africa, Giga works with governments including Rwanda, Kenya, Sierra Leone, Niger and Zimbabwe to map schools and design viable financing models. Public‑private partnerships, satellite mapping and open data are helping countries plan where and how to connect first.
To speed up progress, Giga has teamed up with industry and tech partners to lower costs and expand coverage. Market assessments call for a collaborative push to connect every African school by 2030, while mapping work with companies like Mapbox and AI partners has identified tens of thousands of previously unmapped schools. Partnerships with providers such as Liquid and IHS Towers support connectivity rollouts and school mapping at scale.
Smart Africa: A Regional Blueprint for Scale
Smart Africa is a pan‑African alliance working toward a Single Digital Market. Its SMART Broadband 2025 blueprint aligns with U.N. Broadband Commission targets. It focuses on affordability, coverage and policy harmonization for faster rollout.
At the continental level, the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy aims to build a digital single market by 2030, with supportive regulation, regional infrastructure and cross‑border services. Together, these frameworks guide countries on spectrum, universal service funds and investment climates that make school and clinic connectivity more sustainable.
Mobile Health: Bringing Care to the Last Mile
Mobile health services show how connectivity improves daily life. In South Africa, Hello Doctor provides 24/7 phone and app access to registered doctors, including callback and prescription support within national regulations. Regional models go further. In Rwanda, the government signed a 10‑year agreement with Babyl to provide telemedicine through basic phones and data services, expanding access for millions who live far from clinics.
Pharmacy‑based telehealth is also growing. mPharma is rolling out Mutti Doctor and subscription services that support remote consultations and point‑of‑care testing across multiple markets.
Barriers That Still Block Progress
Affordability, device availability and digital skills remain the biggest obstacles. GSMA finds that adults in rural areas are far less likely to use mobile internet than those in cities and women are less likely than men to be online. Industry and development partners are responding with device financing, digital literacy programs and policy reforms that reduce taxes and fees on data and smartphones.
A 2024 industry coalition, backed by global institutions, is focused on closing the usage gap by improving access to affordable, internet‑enabled devices.
What Works: Schools First, Clinics Next
The most promising models start with clear targets, open data and local ownership. Map schools, publish the data and invite providers to compete on price and quality. Connect clinics along the same routes and share infrastructure where possible.
Link connectivity with training, curriculum and telehealth workflows so that teachers, nurses and community health workers can use the connection from day one. The result is better learning, faster referrals and fewer missed visits.
A Roadmap To Narrow the Divide
Giga’s school connectivity model, Smart Africa’s broadband blueprint and mobile health platforms show that closing the digital divide is achievable at scale. Investments that combine infrastructure with skills and services can deliver immediate gains in classrooms and clinics while building inclusive growth over time.
With governments, private sector partners and communities working together, Africa can connect its schools, strengthen primary care and give the next generation the tools to thrive.
– Joseph Hasty
Photo: Flickr
How MrBeast’s Chocolate Is Eradicating Child Labor
MrBeast plans to reshape the industry from production to purchase by “empowering West African children to get off farms and into local schools.” Feastables is more than a chocolate brand; it is one of the few companies sourcing 100% of its cocoa from Fairtrade-certified cooperatives. It ensures farmers receive a living income while tackling the root causes of child labor.
The Cocoa Industry’s Child Labor Problem
The global chocolate industry, despite having faced criticism for its ties to child labor, has refused to cut its connection to farms with human rights violations. The Bureau of International Labor Affairs (ILAB) reports that more than 1.5 million children work on cocoa farms in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana.
The International Labor Organization (ILO) defines child labor as: “Work that deprives children of their childhood, their potential and their dignity and that is harmful to their physical and mental development.” The Food Empowerment Project reports that children as young as 5 years old work on these farms. They often operate heavy and dangerous machinery and sometimes work up to 14 hours daily.
Historical Roots of Exploitation
Cocoa farming has deep colonial roots. It was introduced to the region to meet European demand through cheap or free labor. This practice continues in different forms today. Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana now supply about 60% of the world’s cocoa.
Yet, because of the demand for cheap cocoa, most farmers earn less than $1 per day, below the extreme poverty line. This widespread poverty often forces families to rely on child labor for survival. MrBeast, speaking on a podcast with Steven Bartlett, said he wants to show other chocolate companies that “you can still make a profit while being ethically sourced.”
How MrBeast’s Chocolate Stands Out
Feastables’ collaboration with the International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) aids on-the-ground work with farmers to address the inequities within the supply chain. ICI Executive Director, Matthias Lange, said it is “really positive to see a relatively young company operating in the cocoa sector take up their duty to ensure that they’re creating responsible supply chains that promote human rights.”
With these efforts, MrBeast’s chocolate company aims to eradicate child labor in West Africa. The company aims to achieve this in three key ways:
The system operates through four key functions: raising awareness, identifying children, offering prevention and remediation support and following up with affected children. Strict adherence to CLMRS is central to MrBeast’s plan to eliminate child labor in West Africa.
Conclusion
The chocolate sector still faces major challenges. Yet, MrBeast’s Chocolate model shows companies can practice ethical sourcing without sacrificing profits. Feastables has partnered with three major organizations to scale its impact: Fairtrade, ICI and Tony’s Open Chain.
Through these partnerships, MrBeast has committed the company to high standards of transparency, farmer support and child protection. This approach sets an example for the industry. It shows that consumer demand and corporate responsibility can work hand in hand to drive lasting change.
– Ashley Pfeifer
Photo: Unsplash
Safeguarding Livelihoods: Kashmir’s Farmers
However, the impact on livelihoods is severe. Crop yields, especially prized produce like apples, walnuts and saffron, along with tourism and traditional industries such as pashmina wool, kani shawls, wood carving and copperware, all suffer under the weight of nature’s whims.
The frigid winter affects Kashmir both through increased mortality and direct exposure to harsh climatic conditions, as well as through the toll on the region’s predominant trades. In response, the Indian government has introduced several schemes and measures to ease the hardships for Kashmir’s farmers, these wuthering winters bring. Highlighted below are some initiatives that have shown considerable results.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
The Indian government introduced this scheme to address fears of declining paddy cultivation and provide holistic crop risk coverage. It offers protection to farmers through an automated system that activates when they apply for Kisan Credit Card loans. In the event of natural calamities, the scheme functions as an insurance mechanism, compensating farmers who lose crops to hailstorms, floods and other disasters.
Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP)
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir launched the HADP as a flagship initiative. It supports farmers’ shift from traditional apple orchards to high-density horticulture, which promises greater security and higher yields in harsh climatic conditions.
Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)
Under this scheme, the Agriculture Department of Kashmir provides greenhouses with a 50% subsidy. This has proven to be a considerable boon, giving farmers the opportunity to sow and harvest crops in a controlled environment. It also ensures a steady supply of produce and a safety net for the people of Kashmir.
Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
Similar to the MIDH, this scheme provides artisans and farmers with subsidies galore on machinery and equipment. This empowers the agriculturalists by reducing the labouriousness of traditional farming, thus making any possible losses less futile compared to the yield of crops like apples, saffron and more.
Weather-Based Crop Insurance Scheme (WBCIS)
This insurance scheme is tailored to safeguard agricultural yields affected by adverse weather. It serves as a layer of security for the financial interests of farmers and other workers, such as artisans, tradespeople, artisans, boatmen and animal herders.
Final Remarks
Though the forces of weather remain beyond human control, the schemes outlined above make it easier for communities to withstand and adapt to their impact. They stand as a testament to the resilience of Kashmir’s farmers and ability to innovate in the face of adversity.
– Ruhani Rahul
Photo: Flickr
5 Key Facts About Being Poor in Cambodia
Poverty by the Numbers
As of 2022, about 17.8% of Cambodians live below the national poverty line. For children, the situation is more concerning. Around 22% of children live in monetary poverty, while nearly 49% are multidimensionally poor, lacking essentials like clean water, housing, education or health care. Rural children face the harshest challenges. Only 22% of rural children escape significant deprivation, compared to 68% in urban areas. Overcrowded housing, poor sanitation and limited school access leave millions without a fair chance to thrive.
The Pandemic Deepened Inequality
COVID-19 devastated Cambodia’s key economic sectors of tourism, construction and garment exports. Job losses forced incomes to plummet, and families resorted to debt or pulled children out of school to cope. The government expanded the IDPoor cash transfer program to protect vulnerable families. IDPoor began in 2007 in rural areas and expanded nationwide in 2016. It identifies poor households through community assessments. During the pandemic, Cambodia expanded IDPoor so families could register for support when they needed it most. The program reached millions and kept many from sliding deeper into crisis, though the payments were often not enough to cover basic needs like food, medicine and school costs.
Families Experience Overlapping Barriers to Opportunity
Even families just above the poverty line often cannot access services that do not exist in their communities. A child may have food but no school, housing or clean water nearby. These overlapping deprivations trap children in cycles of disadvantage. For younger children, education, sanitation and housing account for more than half of the barriers. Lack of early childhood education and poor nutrition hinder long-term growth. For adolescents, overcrowded housing and weak school quality limit their chances of escaping poverty in adulthood. These realities show that being poor in Cambodia is about missing opportunities as much as it is about lacking money.
Nutrition and Education Programs Show Promise
Nutrition programs for mothers and infants have grown in recent years. UNICEF and the Ministry of Health focus on better antenatal care, micronutrient supplements and promoting breastfeeding. Exclusive breastfeeding rates are at 65%, but nearly one-third of children under 5 remain stunted, showing that more progress is needed.
Efforts to keep adolescents in school are also showing results. Scholarships tied to IDPoor status support secondary school attendance. During COVID-19, cash transfers helped families cover school fees and supplies. Surveys also found that around 80% of beneficiaries reported improved household well-being, reducing the risk of children dropping out. These combined efforts give families the chance to overcome some of the barriers that come with being poor in Cambodia.
Steps Towards Change
Cambodia has already taken key steps to reduce poverty. The IDPoor system proved that targeted support can shield families during crises and remains the backbone of the country’s social protection system.
Experts recommend a multisectoral approach to accelerate progress. Expanding access to clean water and sanitation in rural areas, improving housing and reducing overcrowding and strengthening early childhood education programs can all have lasting impacts.
With sustained effort, Cambodia can achieve its Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) of halving child poverty by 2030. For families living with the daily reality of being poor in Cambodia, these solutions represent hope for a brighter future.
Why It Matters
Growing up poor is not only about income, it is about opportunity. For Cambodia’s nearly 18 million people, it can mean the difference between thriving or being left behind. Recent progress shows that change is possible. Economic growth, stronger social protection and international support have already helped lift many Cambodian families out of poverty. By continuing to widen access to education, health care and essential services, the country has the chance to break cycles of hardship and create brighter futures.
– Lucy Williams
Photo: Pixabay
USAID Programs in Moldova
Despite these efforts, poverty remains a serious issue, particularly in rural regions. For example, last year the Southern region experienced an absolute poverty rate of 51.4%, while the capital region, with better opportunities, reported a significantly lower rate of 14.6%.
These challenges make USAID programs particularly important, and the following are some of the most notable USAID programs with poverty reducing effects.
The Moldova Competitiveness Enhancement Program (MCE)
The Moldova Competitiveness Enhancement Program (MCE) was a large investment aiming to integrate Moldova with European markets. It aimed to increase competitiveness of Moldovan producers through various improvements in the business environment. The profits have far exceeded the project’s cost of $37 million as the World Bank estimated them to be between $69 million to $93 million in value added exports.
The improvements included facilitated access to finance, help in meeting western production standards and major investments in tourism, wine and clothing industries.
The program also improved access to MSTQ (Metrology, Standardization, Testing and Quality) services which enabled small and medium sized enterprises to increase revenues and create jobs, directly contributing to poverty reduction. On top of that, it provided targeted assistance to female entrepreneurs, ensuring inclusive growth.
Notably, the program supported more than 60 Moldovan wine producers in meeting global food safety certificates, consequently helping them access higher-paying markets which boosts incomes for families in rural areas dependent on wine making. The World Bank evaluated the efficiency of the program as substantial, emphasizing the positive effects of USAID.
Energy Security of the Republic of Moldova
The ongoing energy security program in Moldova aimed at addressing humanitarian and economic issues. While the donors have continued to support the program beforehand, the U.S. marked a major milestone in 2022 directly after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, by promising $300 million in aid to improve energy security which DW described as “a major issue in Moldova.”
The U.S. embassy in Chisinau aimed to cover the following using the funds
Officials in the U.S. and Moldova planned the money to support economic development and energy security while promoting sustainability through integration of renewable energy, which also helps protect low-income households from future energy shocks. Importantly, the energy security program directly contributed to lower electricity costs, which alleviates poverty as it reduces economic strain on low-income families.
According to the UN, during the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 winter seasons, the average energy poverty rate in Moldova fell from 89% to 81.3%. While this improvement reflects the UN’s targeted support, USAID’s efforts in the energy infrastructure and affordability during the same period likely contributed to this positive outcome, helping low-income families manage the rising costs of living.
Inclusive and Participatory Processes Project (IPP)
Among the USAID programs in Moldova, the IPP has focused on democracy strengthening and greater overall participation in decision-making which can be poverty reducing. USAID started the project before the 2020 presidential election in Moldova to ensure transparency and accountability of the vote.
The financial assistance allowed easier election tracking for voters in real time, it provided political training for all parties and notably helped improve the electoral system which managed to withstand a cyberattack on election day. The funding also focused largely on educating voters through sponsoring 25 candidate debates and supporting a government exchange program which educated more than 500 Moldovans on the electoral process.
The fund also created equal opportunities for citizens through increasing access to polling stations for all. Vasile Savca, the monitor of accessibility in Causeni – a city in Moldova – spoke positively about recent changes saying “I am glad to notice the House of Culture in my village has become more accessible lately … We shall remind the society that people with disability have equal rights as all citizens.” Crucially, the IPP helps ensure that government resources reach communities in need, through transparent and accountable elections, thus indirectly supporting poverty reduction. Moreover, the IPP helps ensure that policies and budgets better address economic needs through increased participation of marginalized populations in elections.
Life After USAID Suspension
Sadly, in 2025 the U.S. Congress voted to reduce the international aid fund, consequently cutting funding for USAID programs in Moldova. Due to that, the government will not be able to undertake many projects and will have to suspend many others. This, for instance, includes the earlier mentioned high voltage line between Moldova and Romania.
However, residents have generally positive feelings towards the aid and they praised USAID programs in Moldova such as the creation of the national wine brand. Despite this setback, people stay optimistic and while American money has been helpful now Europe has stepped up to fill in the gap. For instance, Moldova.org, a feminist news page tackling sensitive stories had three European NGOs pay salaries of their workers for around 3 months after the USAID budget cut.
Ana Gherciu, the director of development of the site, is confident that “there are solutions” to the issue. They are far from being the only case and the attempts to secure aid from other sources are becoming a countrywide pattern. Even the government announced that it is seeking European funding for the power line. In the face of this challenge, Moldovans are staying hopeful and resourceful as they have experienced themselves the positive impacts of humanitarian aid.
– Karol Hejduk
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
US Aid Supports Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia
Education as a Driver of Growth and Equity
A country’s knowledge capital, the skills and competencies of its people, is one of the strongest predictors of long-term economic growth. Studies have shown that three-quarters of the variation in GDP growth across nations between 1960 and 2000 was tied to cognitive achievement, particularly in math and science. In other words, expanding education quality is not a luxury; it is a necessity for national prosperity and poverty reduction in Ethiopia.
Yet education’s importance is not purely economic. As global development organizations emphasize, inequality is often the result of political choices. When good schooling is accessible only to the wealthy, it entrenches privilege, prevents social mobility and locks families into cycles of poverty. Conversely, universal education can halve rates of extreme poverty, with each additional year of schooling raising earnings significantly, up to 20% for women.
Formal education also has lasting effects on cognitive development and problem-solving skills, equipping individuals to navigate challenges such as climate risks, economic shocks or social upheaval. In this sense, expanding access to education strengthens not only economies but also the adaptive capacity of entire societies.
The Role of READ II in Ethiopia
Recognizing these links, USAID partnered with Ethiopian institutions to launch READ II, a five-year program designed to improve literacy for 15 million children. The initiative provided teachers with training and materials in seven local languages and English, encouraged a culture of reading in schools and homes and emphasized gender equity in education.
READ II was not just a technical intervention—it was a political collaboration. By working with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Education and a coalition of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), the project aimed to institutionalize literacy improvements, ensuring they could outlast donor funding. This alignment of local and international actors underscores how education aid is deeply tied to governance and policymaking, not just classroom outcomes.
Adapting to Crisis: The Impact of READ II
Over its first three years, READ II supported 3,000 schools across more than 70 districts, reaching at least 3 million primary students. Teachers, administrators and volunteer literacy leaders received training, while reading camps and girls’ clubs helped broaden educational access.
When the COVID-19 pandemic and political conflict threatened these gains, the program pivoted. Remote learning through radio and television, teacher training delivered virtually and even hotline services kept students connected to education. As conflict displaced communities, READ II (renamed the Education Recovery Activity) delivered supplies, temporary classrooms and psychosocial support for students in 1,156 conflict-affected schools. These adjustments revealed the program’s deeper role: sustaining social stability during crises.
Education and Poverty Reduction in Ethiopia
The results of initiatives like READ II have been measurable. Between 2010 and 2016, Ethiopia’s poverty rate fell from 29.6% to 23.5%, lifting more than 5 million people out of poverty. While many factors contributed, the expansion of quality education provided critical pathways to opportunity and poverty reduction in Ethiopia. By shaping who has access to opportunity, education influences whether inequality deepens or poverty declines. In Ethiopia, U.S.-funded literacy programs have been both an economic and a democratic investment, with long-term implications for national stability.
Looking Ahead
Education empowers individuals not only with skills for the workforce but also with the civic tools to participate in democracy. Studies consistently show that increased education correlates with higher rates of political engagement and more equitable governance. In Ethiopia, this means that programs like READ II are about more than textbooks and classrooms; they are about shaping the country’s future trajectory.
By prioritizing education as a central tool for development, U.S. aid has supported both economic opportunity and democratic resilience. In doing so, it has played a role in poverty reduction in Ethiopia, proving that literacy and stability go hand in hand. For Ethiopia and for U.S. policymakers alike, the lesson is clear: education is one of the most powerful political investments a nation can make.
– Alyse Rhee
Photo: Flickr
3 Ways the Government is Fighting Poverty in Malawi
The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy
The Malawi Growth and Development Strategy (MGDS) was a policy started in 2018, aiming to reduce poverty in Malawi and improve education, health care and sanitation standards. Primarily, the MGDS focused on creating employment opportunities in agriculture, tourism and trade to enable more people to earn money and uplift the country’s overall economy.
Although not entirely successful, the increase in agricultural jobs led to an expansion of food production. Similarly, construction jobs improved the country’s infrastructure, giving many a substantially larger income while also strengthening community development and boosting rural livelihoods.
Mtukula Pakhomo Program
The Mtukula Pakhomo Program, also called “Malawi’s Social Cash Transfer Programme” (SCTP), is an initiative the government founded to help households living in poverty in Malawi. The program aims to reduce poverty and malnutrition while boosting school enrollment through bi-monthly cash transfers that the receivers can use.
By 2017, 11 years after the program began, more than 174,000 households had received support, enabling families to purchase nutritious food and secure adequate shelter. Extra money was gifted to families with children as an incentive to send them to school, increasing the number of children enrolled in education by an estimated 20%.
Beyond education, the SCTP empowered households to invest in small businesses and access health care more easily. It also helped reduce reliance on negative coping mechanisms, strengthening long-term resilience against poverty.
Women’s Empowerment Schemes
Gender equality is essential to ending poverty, as uplifting women and expanding their opportunities significantly increases household income. In Malawi, one strategy the government adopted was to strengthen women’s voices in leadership. Several key ministerial positions were filled by women and a 40/60 percent rule on employment was introduced to ensure greater inclusion in decision-making.
When women are represented in these critical positions, it inspires those at home to pursue work with confidence, allowing them to earn an income, support their families and boost overall household prosperity. This shift also challenges traditional gender roles and empowers younger generations of girls to prioritize education. It further fosters more inclusive policies that address community needs, creating a ripple effect of long-term social and economic development.
Conclusion
Poverty in Malawi is still a significant issue, with an estimated 13 million people still struggling in 2025. However, the government’s conscious efforts toward a country without poverty bring hope for a brighter future for many while showing how important the fight against poverty is still in the modern world.
– Daisy McDonald
Photo: Flickr
Diseases Impacting Iran
1. Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs)
Chronic diseases, especially heart problems, are the most significant health concern. In 2019, cardiovascular diseases caused about 3.6 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) and nearly one-third of all deaths. By 2021, CVD was the second leading cause of death and disability, with 4,367 DALYs per 100,000 people.
The IraPEN program, part of a global initiative, targets prevention through primary care. After one year in pilot regions, results showed a reduction in 10-year CVD risk (from 0.198 to 0.177 in men, and 0.119 to 0.109 in women), lower average blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol, alongside a drop in smoking among men from 13.8% to 10.5%.
Still, lifestyle-related risks are rising. As of 2021, Iran had around 80 million NCD cases, with women carrying a slightly higher burden. Obesity, diabetes and hypertension are increasingly common. Experts stress raising awareness, healthier environments and stronger prevention programs to address diseases impacting Iran’s population.
Through community health centers and health houses, the program offers free screenings for blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol; provides early cancer detection (cervical, breast and colorectal); and includes health education and counseling on smoking cessation, healthy diet and physical activity.
2. Infectious Diseases
While many have been controlled, some persist:
Other infections such as HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, pneumonia, diarrheal diseases and zoonoses remain concerns in Iran and the wider region. These infectious diseases remain among the most persistent health challenges and diseases impacting Iran today.
3. Environmental Health Risks
Air pollution is one of Iran’s deadliest threats, blamed for around 40,000 premature deaths each year. In 2018, treatment costs and lost productivity from PM2.5 accounted for about 3.7% of GDP.
Despite the Clean Air Act (2017), smog still chokes major cities. In January 2025, the government announced plans to relocate the capital, citing Tehran’s deteriorating air quality. Pollution stands alongside infectious and chronic conditions as one of the key issues and health risks impacting Iran.
4. Access to Health Care
Iran faces a “double burden”: chronic disease and lingering infections. According to WHO’s Health at a Glance: Iran (2021), of 514,446 deaths that year, 57% were due to NCDs, 29% from communicable, maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions. Medicine shortages and sanctions also undermine health care delivery, worsening the burden of diseases impacting Iran’s health care system.
Poverty significantly deepens Iran’s health challenges. Recent reports estimate that the poverty rate in Iran has hovered around 30% between 2019 and 2024—meaning approximately 25 to 26 million people live below the poverty line. Between 2011 and 2020, the share of Iranians living below the international poverty line rose from 20% to 28.1%. Many low-income households cannot afford nutritious food, safe housing or preventive care, increasing their risk of both chronic and infectious diseases.
5. Government Efforts
Iran has expanded IraPEN and, in 2014, formed the National Committee for NCD Prevention and Control to lead a nationwide response to chronic diseases. The committee, chaired by the Ministry of Health and supported by the Supreme Council for Health and Food Security, coordinates across multiple ministries to integrate NCD prevention into primary health care, promote tobacco control and expand early detection programs. It also monitors national progress toward WHO’s global targets, including reducing premature NCD deaths by 30% by 2030.
Looking Ahead
Chronic illnesses dominate, but infectious diseases and environmental hazards still claim lives and drain resources. Programs like IraPEN show promise, but real progress requires better health care, living conditions, education and infrastructure. Together, these factors illustrate the full scale of diseases impacting Iran and shaping its future.
– Katie Williams
Photo: Flickr
Being Poor in Venezuela
A Demand for Change
According to the BBC, for two decades, Maduro’s regime has inflicted suffering across Venezuela. Following a government-controlled election, Maduro claimed a third successive term, crushing hopes for change.
With renewed control over the country’s foreign policy, Maduro banned platforms such as Binance – a global cryptocurrency exchange – and social media platform X, which provide visibility into Venezuela’s economic crisis. Without such visibility, Venezuelans remain at the mercy of a corrupt regime and stay trapped in a cycle of being poor.
Mass Exodus: Searching for Safety
Being poor in Venezuela has become a daily struggle after decades of hyperinflation, leaving the country in dire straits. Citizens face extreme poverty, with an average income of just $0.72, and since the bolivar no longer functions as a viable currency, many must seek alternative means for survival.
Victims of this crisis now seek refuge in neighboring countries across Latin America and the Caribbean. According to the U.N. Refugee Agency (UNHCR), “nearly 8 million Venezuelans have been forced to flee” in search of safety and economic stability.
A Call for Action
Supporters of opposition candidate Edmundo González denounced the National Electoral Council’s (CNE) recent election results. Analysts at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) outlined a “Day After” Postcrisis Recovery and Reform Framework, calling for comprehensive institutional reconstitution to restore political and economic stability.
To be successful, they emphasize how global powers such as the United States and other countries can support Venezuela through the crisis – especially the devastating realities of being poor in Venezuela, where citizens face systematic hardship and lack access to basic resources.
United Against Corruption
Maduro has succeeded in isolating Venezuela’s global markets, economically imprisoning citizens and limiting access to foreign currencies. Being poor in Venezuela now means navigating a collapsed economy with few lifelines.
Jorge Jraissai, the president of the Economic Inclusion Group, urges individuals to support organizations such as the Human Rights Foundation, which work to give Venezuelans a fighting chance against currency collapse.
In his analysis, The Role of Freedom Tech in Venezuela’s Fight for Freedom, Jraissai explains how the Human Rights Foundation has united activists and developers to create new digital solutions. Cryptocurrency platforms such as Binance, he argues, play an essential role in helping people to safeguard their earnings and access global currencies. These tools allow Venezuelans to bypass government restrictions and achieve economic autonomy.
Digital Lifelines
The Human Rights Foundation (HRF), a non-governmental organization (NGO), which operates to alleviate poverty and protect human rights globally, with a focus on countries ruled by authoritarian regimes. Founded in 2005 by Venezuelan human rights advocate Thor Halvorssen Mendoza, HRF continues to provide initiatives such as the Oslo Freedom Forum, which brings together activists and technologists to promote global freedom.
HRF raises awareness about the threats of authoritarianism and poverty. In 2023, its policies appeared across top major media outlets including CNN, CNBC, The Atlantic, POLITICO, Newsweek and the BBC. According to HRF, the organization received 17.8K media mentions, $772M in earned media value, and 23M social media Impressions.”
To support innovative solutions, HRF’s advocacy efforts “protect activists, journalists and other civil society leaders targeted by authoritarian regimes.”
The organization developed the “Tyranny Tracker,” a research tool that analyzes and identifies countries most vulnerable to political oppression. Its methodology classifies nations as either democratic (103 countries: 2.2 billion), Hybrid Authoritarian Regimes (40 countries: 2.7 billion) or Fully Authoritarian Regimes (57 countries: 3 billion).
By supporting NGOs like HRF, global citizens can stand in solidarity with Venezuelans and help combat the devastating effects of being poor in Venezuela.
From Survival to Renewal
Poverty in Venezuela does not represent an unbreakable chain – it demands unity and action. Digital technology, institutional change and global collaboration could provide Venezuelans a fighting chance against poverty.
– Gabriela E Silva
Photo: Pexels
Higher Education in The Gambia
Poverty in The Gambia
More than half of The Gambia’s population is considered poor. Data from the 2020/21 household survey shows that 53.1% of the population is unable to afford the basic cost of living. The country’s poor are predominantly rural, with a 76% poverty rate compared to 34% in urban districts. Many people are trapped in a poverty cycle, with 80% of the poorest households employed in low-income agriculture. This dependence on irregular income from rainfed agriculture leads many young people to emigrate and seek employment abroad, allowing them to support their families with regular remittances. These payments from abroad make up 45% of the income of the poorest Gambian households.
Beginnings of Higher Education in The Gambia
The first tertiary institution, the University of The Gambia (UTG) opened in 1999. Before this, students seeking higher education would have to emigrate to neighboring Senegal, or further to Europe. In 2007, the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Technology (MoHERST) opened, with the stated aim of advancing The Gambia’s sustainable socio-economic development through tertiary and higher education. Since 1999, a further eight institutions of higher education have opened, alongside 79 accredited tertiary institutions. These offer a range of vocational courses.
Higher Education in The Gambia Today
Education is an undeniably effective tool in the fight against poverty. In The Gambia, those who have completed some form of tertiary education or vocational training are 15% more likely to participate in the labor market than those who have not. However, many graduates still struggle to find employment in a weak entrepreneurial ecosystem where their graduate skills often do not match demand.
Demand for places is high, however, structural restraints remain. Cost still represents a major challenge for prospective students. Annual tuition fees at the public University of The Gambia are 40,000 Dalasi, or $550 USD, with private institutions charging even higher fees. In a country with a GDP per capita of just $900 USD, this represents a serious investment and a barrier to low-income families.
Madrassahs
One of the main barriers preventing young people from enrolling in tertiary institutions is a lack of transferability between primary and secondary education and universities. In The Gambia, this is a particularly large issue thanks to the prevalence of Madrassahs. Madrassahs are Islamic religious schools that focus on teaching the Qur’an. These schools, where Arabic is the language of instruction, account for 22% of all schools in The Gambia. This creates an issue when Madrassah students enter the tertiary education sector, as many lack the English skills and STEM literacy skills to effectively integrate.
Madrassah Integration Strategy
To combat this issue, the government of The Gambia launched the Madrassah Integration Strategy on June 10th, 2025. This strategy aims to integrate the Madrassah system into the public education system, providing more than 400 Madrassah schools with resources to prepare students for integration into the tertiary education system and the labor market. Backed by World Bank funding, this will ensure that no young person in The Gambia is left behind due to religion or economic status. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) on inclusive and equitable quality education, allowing every student to reap the rewards of the investment in higher education.
Plans for the Future
Alongside the Madrassah Integration Strategy, the government of The Gambia has many initiatives for the future of higher education. The emphasis placed on higher education is evident, with the inauguration of the first permanent campus of UTG in March of 2024 and the planned inauguration of the University of Science, Engineering and Technology campus. Indeed, this is part of the government’s larger Recovery Focused-National Development Plan 2023-2027, which features five key priorities for tertiary and higher education:
To address the skills mismatch hindering graduates from entering the labor market, the government is investing heavily in vocational training centers. These provide students with specific skills that align with job market demand. This coincides with major initiatives to encourage women and girls into STEM and TVET, tackling the issue of gender inequality.
Final Notes
While issues persist in making higher education affordable for Gambians, the government’s drive to expand the tertiary education infrastructure is a positive sign for the country. Integrating Madrassah students into the mainstream education system will reduce inequality and investment in TVET will stimulate an economy desperate for skilled workers. Continued investment and innovation will be key to ensuring accessibility and affordability for all.
– Henry Weiser
Photo: Wikimedia Commons