For thousands of impoverished Namibians, Helena Ndume is a miracle worker. In her 30 years as an ophthalmologist, she has performed more than 35,000 eye surgeries, giving people back their sight and livelihoods. But despite her worldwide acclaim, Helena Ndume was once living in a situation not unlike those of her patients: poverty-stricken, disadvantaged and rife with inequalities. However, instead of giving up, she persevered and changed the lives of thousands across the globe.
Early Life
Helena Ndume was born in Namibia in 1960. During this time, Namibia, like many other South African countries, was divided by apartheid, a system of racial segregation that resulted in mass discrimination toward citizens of color. Even from a young age, Ndume could not stay quiet about the injustices committed against her people. She participated in anti-colonial rallies in junior high. Eventually, she decided to leave the country when she was 15 years old.
The journey before her was not for the faint of heart. To make it to the refugee camp in Zambia, she had to first cross Angola on foot, which was in the midst of a violent civil war. Her determination and grit shone through as she successfully made the voyage. She then took advantage of her Zambian education to earn a prestigious scholarship to the University of Leipzig in Germany. With such a prestigious education, Helena Ndume could have gone anywhere in the world. However, she chose to return to her home country of Namibia to fight the economic and social turmoil there.
The Namibian Struggle
By the time Ndume returned home in 1989, the nation was undergoing rapid social and political change. Namibia had finally gained independence after its 50-year stint as a territory of South Africa and this move allowed it to break free of apartheid rule. Despite this big win, Namibians were in no position to celebrate.
The country had recently suffered a large drought, which weakened the already-lacking agricultural sector. Furthermore, even though apartheid was over, Black citizens still struggled to take their place in the workforce, which heavily advantaged the wealthy White upper class by excluding people of color from taking high-paying jobs.
As a result of a lack of opportunities and continued inequality, more than half of the Namibian population experienced extreme poverty, which manifested itself as starvation and disease outbreaks. HIV/AIDS and polio cases hit a record high during the mid-’90s, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both illnesses can weaken the immune system and pave the way for sight-stealing diseases, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis and trachoma. Without adequate health care or a cure, thousands of Namibians were left blind.
A Global Hero
This is why, Ndume says, she decided to work with Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International. SEE International is a nonprofit organization that sends experienced doctors and life-changing vision technology to underserved communities. Since starting in 1995, Ndume has served at hundreds of free eye clinics to treat preventable blindness.
Blindness is often seen as a crippling affliction in many parts of the world. However, its impact is especially severe in developing countries like Namibia because of the widespread lack of health care, which affects as much as 70% of the population in some areas.
Ndume believes that blindness is closely associated with severe poverty due to its far-reaching consequences on one’s lifestyle. From causing a parent to lose their job to forcing a child to drop out of school, blindness has severe repercussions for entire families and communities.
Envisioning a Brighter Future
One of the most inspiring things about Ndume’s work is her undeniable passion for the people she serves. Ndume has stated that her patients’ joyful expressions “fuel and recharge” her to “continue serving not only the Namibian people but all of humanity.” Such sentiments demonstrate Ndume’s undeniable passion for helping others and becoming a positive change source in her community.
Her dedication to serving humanity has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was awarded the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize by the United Nations (U.N.), recognizing her unwavering commitment and transformative work in global health. Receiving the award was a full-circle moment for Ndume, who undoubtedly looked up to Mandela’s anti-apartheid activism as a young teen. In addition to this prize, Ndume was presented with the Lions Clubs International Humanitarian Award and the Forbes Women Africa Social Impact Award in 2022.
Looking Ahead
Although blindness is still prevalent in Namibia, Ndume’s work has given citizens a reason to hope for a brighter future. Since 1993, the poverty rate has been halved and the GDP has grown substantially, according to the World Bank. The Gini Index, which measures the income equality in a nation, is still disproportionately high at 59.1% as of 2015, but shows a promising downward trend from the previous decade.
These statistics prove that economic growth is on the horizon for Namibia, as well as greater equality and health care. Ndume’s selflessness and devotion to the betterment of her country define her as a role model and inspiration for future generations of doctors, innovators and leaders worldwide. Most importantly, her incredible story shows that anyone can make a difference in their community, no matter where they come from.
– Grace Gonzalez
Grace is based in Oakton, VA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Sterile Fly Barrier in Central America Saves Lives
More than 100 million sterilized male flies are released each week along the Panama–Colombia border, ensuring that emerging females lay infertile eggs and preventing NWS populations from taking hold. For rural communities, many people live in extreme poverty, protecting their herds often means the difference between starvation and survival.
The Screwworm’s Mode of Attack
Female NWS flies deposit eggs in fresh wounds. Within hours, the larvae hatch and begin excavating into living flesh in a spiraling motion that inspired its common name. As these maggots feed, they create deep, pus‑filled lesions that, without prompt removal, lead to severe inflammation, systemic infection and often the death of the animal.
Historically, livestock owners resorted to harsh chemical larvicides, branding techniques or manual extraction to combat infestations. These methods were costly, traumatic for the animals and frequently insufficient to prevent herd-wide losses.
Operation of the Barrier System
The Panama–U.S. Commission for the Eradication and Prevention of Screwworm (COPEG) oversees the production and release of sterile flies. In a specialized rearing facility near Pacora, screwworm larvae are raised on artificial diets under strict international standards before being sterilized using gamma irradiation.
The resulting sterile males are dispersed from aircraft across the Darien region to establish a continuous barrier. Since its permanent establishment in 2004, this sterile fly barrier in Central America has prevented reinvasion from South American endemic zones and safeguarded livestock populations to the north.
Economic Impact and Performance Metrics
Before the Sterile Insect Technique (SIT) was implemented, screwworm infestations caused annual losses exceeding $300 million in Central America through animal deaths and treatment expenses. At the same time, the U.S. faced more than $900 million in direct costs each year. By neutralizing reinvasion threats, the barrier delivers an estimated $1.3 billion in annual economic benefits across the region. On a household level, smallholder farmers gain an additional $200 to $300 per year, resources that can be allocated to nutrition, education and health care.
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) emphasizes that impoverished livestock owners, who often hold only a few animals as their sole asset, are disproportionately affected by parasitic outbreaks. Furthermore, the loss of even a single bovine can plunge a family into an existential crisis. By protecting up to four million of the most vulnerable rural residents in Mexico and Central America, the sterile fly barrier in Central America secures their primary source of income and food. This directly interrupts the cycle of extreme poverty and prevents further social deprivation.
Future Outlook
With climate instability accelerating parasite migration and global trade increasing the risk of cross‑border spread, sustained funding for COPEG remains essential. Moreover, the SIT model holds promise for tackling other myiasis‑causing species and livestock diseases. Expanding this approach to additional endemic areas could further stabilize agricultural livelihoods and serve as a cornerstone strategy for global poverty reduction.
– Alexander Broermann
Photo: Pixabay
Invisible and Forgotten: Living With Disability in Moldova
Despite international agreements and national policies, gaps remain in reaching the country’s most vulnerable communities. Poverty and neglect continue to isolate the disabled population, leaving them under-resourced, unheard and invisible.
Living With Disability in Moldova
An estimated 7% of Moldova’s population lives with a disability, but state support is shockingly low. Many families are left to navigate complex disabilities alone, with grandparents or single parents stepping in as full-time caregivers, without guidance, training or respite.
Disability in Moldova is not just ignored; it’s hidden. According to a 2015 report, nearly 1,716 children with mental or intellectual disabilities remain in segregated institutions and many are still denied access to mainstream education. Around 2,500 people (children and adults) with mental disabilities are forced to live in institutions, cut off from communities and basic liberties.
Additionally, between 3,000 and 4,000 individuals, mainly with intellectual or psychosocial disabilities, are stripped of legal capacity. They’re barred from basic life decisions like marriage, employment, voting and refusing medication. Many are institutionalized by guardians or withheld from community life.
Moldova’s economic crisis affects everyone, but people living with disabilities bear the brunt of it. According to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), more than 25% of Moldovans live below the national poverty line, with rural areas hit the hardest. For people with disabilities and their families, this means daily decisions between medicine and meals, therapy and survival. In Moldova, disability is not just a personal challenge; it’s a systemic trap.
International Promises vs. Local Reality
Moldova has ratified the United Nations (U.N.) Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). On paper, this marks a commitment to equality and accessibility. But in practice, little has changed. There is no cohesive national disability strategy, no consistent monitoring and international aid has failed to prioritize the disability crisis. Progress is sporadic and largely symbolic, leaving thousands in legal and social limbo.
However, some nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are working on the ground to support people with disabilities in Moldova. One such organization, the Tony Hawks Center, is committed to improving the lives of vulnerable children. It provides non-invasive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, for children aged 0 to 18.
According to the U.N., only 26% of Moldovans support the inclusion of persons with intellectual and psychosocial disabilities in the community. In response, the organization launched a broad awareness campaign aimed at increasing public acceptance and reducing stigma.
– Marina Martin
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Mental Health in São Tomé and Príncipe
Challenges Facing Mental Health Services
There is a lack of awareness and data surrounding mental health in São Tomé and Príncipe. However, many residents face common mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance use and, in some cases, trauma from poverty and isolation.
Barriers to care include a severe shortage of mental health professionals. There are only 4.6 doctors per 10,000 residents, with even fewer trained in mental health. Infrastructure is weak and there are no specified mental health facilities or consistent and constant access to medication. Stigma also plays a major role, leaving many affected individuals misunderstood and unsupported.
The public health care system offers limited mental health support through a few hospitals. Only one outpatient mental health facility is linked to a hospital and just one psychiatric unit exists within a general hospital. As of 2017, there were 706 treated cases of severe mental disorders nationwide, equivalent to 361 cases per 100,000 people.
How Poverty Fuels Mental Health Challenges
Poverty also takes a toll on the mental health of São Tomé and Príncipe’s residents. Around a quarter of the population lives on less than $1.90 daily, one of the highest poverty rates among comparable countries. This is due to unemployment and low labor force participation. In 2020, the unemployment rate jumped from 13% to 20%.
Living in poverty often means daily stress over essentials like food, water and housing, things that can trigger or worsen depression and anxiety. With a chronically underfunded health care system, there is limited access to mental health professionals and affordable support remains extremely limited for those in need.
Women and children in São Tomé and Príncipe are especially vulnerable to mental health challenges due to limited economic and educational opportunities. In 2018, the birth rate for girls aged 15–19 was 0.4 per 1,000, an indicator of deeper social and health disparities. Mental health struggles among these groups are often linked to substance abuse and domestic violence. Yet, access to mental health services remains limited, further compounding the crisis.
Support From International Organizations
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) is one of the organizations working to combat the poverty and mental health crisis in São Tomé and Príncipe. One serious problem in the country is violence against children. This occurs frequently; about 70% of children are exposed to psychological aggression and one in seven experience severe physical punishment. To address this, UNICEF developed a protocol for care and follow-up for adolescent victims of violence, sexual abuse or mistreatment. Indeed, this is a major factor in the mental health struggles many residents of São Tomé and Príncipe face.
The World Health Organization (WHO) is also working to strengthen health systems in São Tomé and Príncipe by improving working conditions and boosting staff motivation. Its efforts have significantly impacted both the more than 9,000 island residents and the 97 professionals working at the hospital. While emphasizing preventive health, the organization focuses on reducing deaths from preventable diseases and promoting long-term care and sustainability.
Conclusion
Mental health in São Tomé and Príncipe is often overlooked, yet neglecting it undermines education, productivity and overall well-being. Breaking the cycle of poverty requires addressing mental health. Spreading awareness is essential to ensure local communities can access the necessary services.
– Madyn Lewis
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Bulgaria’s Air Quality and Disease Prevention
Breathe Sofia
In September 2022, the city of Sofia, Bulgaria, launched Breathe Sofia, a project aimed at improving air quality in one of the country’s most polluted cities. It focuses on protecting vulnerable populations by building public support for stronger policies, offering technical guidance for regulations and sharing international best practices.
By reducing air pollution, these efforts can help alleviate poverty by lowering health care costs and improving quality of life, especially for communities most affected by environmental disparities. Beyond health benefits, air pollution reduction also promotes social equity. It supports children’s well-being in impacted areas, increases economic participation and reinforces Bulgaria’s commitment to inclusive development under the European Union’s (EU) sustainability goals.
Bulgaria’s Air Quality
Bulgaria has also launched the New Operational Program on the Environment, allocating $1.77 billion to address water and waste management, biodiversity and air pollution. Since 2021, the program has helped provide cleaner air for 1.3 million people.
Furthermore, as part of its broader sustainability agenda, Bulgaria has prioritized emissions reduction through the National Program for the Improvement of Ambient Air Quality. This strategy drove significant progress between 2018 and 2024, with emissions falling by 66.5%. This reduction directly benefits low-income families by providing cleaner air and supporting healthier, more sustainable living conditions.
Addressing Diseases
To address cancer and chronic diseases, Bulgaria has joined the Joint Action to Prevent Noncommunicable Diseases and Cancer (JA PreventNCD), a three-year EU-funded health initiative. The project aims to reduce the burden of cancer and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) across Europe by supporting 22 EU Member States, along with Iceland, Norway and Ukraine. It also focuses on tackling social inequalities linked to NCD risk factors.
With NCDs disproportionately affecting marginalized communities, JA PreventNCD targets the root causes by addressing the link between poverty and poor health. The initiative acknowledges the unequal impact of NCDs on lower socioeconomic groups and promotes equitable access to prevention and care. By focusing on prevention and healthier lifestyles, JA PreventNCD aims to reduce health problems, ease the economic burden of NCDs and contribute to poverty reduction.
Bulgaria’s commitment to rare disease recognition took a major leap in 2005 when it joined the J Project, a Central and Eastern European initiative focused on primary immune deficiencies. Ten years later, this progress led to the establishment of a dedicated expert center at the university hospital. The center provides families in low-resource communities with access to specialized care for rare diseases.
Final Remarks
As Bulgaria works to improve the quality of life for its citizens, it collaborates with national and international programs aimed at disease prevention and air pollution reduction. Supported by initiatives like the Clean Air Fund and the EU partnerships, these efforts create healthier environments and expand access to essential resources in underserved communities through public health and sustainability investments. Indeed, they help pave the way for a more equitable and resilient future.
– Karisma Polly
Photo: Pixabay
5 Charities Operating in New Zealand
Visionwest
Visionwest is one of many faith-led charities in New Zealand that address poverty and homelessness, support the elderly and ensure the young have hope for the future. It helps the nation by creating community housing, which includes long-term and transitional housing. The organization also contributes to the government‑backed Housing First Initiative. This program provides immediate housing and long-term support to tackle homelessness in Auckland and Canterbury.
The charity also fights food insecurity by providing services like the Pātaka Kai food bank and the Manaaki Kai social supermarket. Through these efforts, Visionwest has made a substantial impact:
Childfund
ChildFund New Zealand works in communities where political instability, conflict and violence impact the daily lives of children, youth and their families. This is one of the many essential child-centered charities operating in New Zealand. It uses a holistic approach by working alongside communities to deliver development programs that emphasize the outlook of children and youth. ChildFund has fought rising poverty by creating community water access points and providing hygiene training to keep families healthy.
In 2024 alone, the organization made an impact by reaching:
Auckland City Mission
Auckland City Mission is a charity that recognizes the cost-of-living crisis that has impacted many communities. With many only earning enough money to pay essential bills, there is often not much left for food. Auckland City Mission is among the charities operating in New Zealand that focus on bringing communities together, creating meaningful change and rising out of poverty. People in the community experience living in cars, inappropriate housing, mental health issues and struggling to feed their families.
Auckland City Mission has created HomeGround, its nine-story purpose-built facility that houses 80 apartments, health services and addiction recovery support. It has provided immediate housing relief and long-term support to those in hardship. Thanks to its efforts, the charity was able to provide:
Kindness Collective
Kindness Collective is a charity that provides practical, community-led support through five nationwide programs. Since this is a community-driven organization, its work is varied and its approach is to go where the need and help matter most. Kindness Collective work includes packing pajamas, food boxes and planting potatoes weekly. The charity works like a match-making agency, linking those in need to people with more to give.
Donations have included food, bedding, clothing, baby items and toys. As a result of these contributions and ongoing efforts, the impact has been significant:
KiwiHarvest
KiwiHarvest is one of the many food-centered charities operating in New Zealand. Its mission is based on helping the population become food secure, ensuring everyone has access to enough nutritious food every day. More than 27% of New Zealand children live in households where food tends to run out. Each year, New Zealand wastes enough food to feed the entire Dunedin population, approximately 150 thousand people.
To fight these statistics, KiwiHarvest works with food businesses to rescue the good food that goes unsold. It also redistributes excess food to those who need it, while protecting the environment. Through all this hard work, KiwiHarvest saves 250,000 kilograms of food each month and redistributes it to those facing hunger.
Through its dedication, KiwiHarvest has created a transformative impact:
From rescuing food to distributing essential supplies and providing health support, these organizations drive real, measurable change. Their combined efforts meet urgent needs and build stronger, more resilient communities across New Zealand.
– Emily Herlehy
Photo: Flickr
Helena Ndume: How a Namibian Doctor Helped Blind People See
Early Life
Helena Ndume was born in Namibia in 1960. During this time, Namibia, like many other South African countries, was divided by apartheid, a system of racial segregation that resulted in mass discrimination toward citizens of color. Even from a young age, Ndume could not stay quiet about the injustices committed against her people. She participated in anti-colonial rallies in junior high. Eventually, she decided to leave the country when she was 15 years old.
The journey before her was not for the faint of heart. To make it to the refugee camp in Zambia, she had to first cross Angola on foot, which was in the midst of a violent civil war. Her determination and grit shone through as she successfully made the voyage. She then took advantage of her Zambian education to earn a prestigious scholarship to the University of Leipzig in Germany. With such a prestigious education, Helena Ndume could have gone anywhere in the world. However, she chose to return to her home country of Namibia to fight the economic and social turmoil there.
The Namibian Struggle
By the time Ndume returned home in 1989, the nation was undergoing rapid social and political change. Namibia had finally gained independence after its 50-year stint as a territory of South Africa and this move allowed it to break free of apartheid rule. Despite this big win, Namibians were in no position to celebrate.
The country had recently suffered a large drought, which weakened the already-lacking agricultural sector. Furthermore, even though apartheid was over, Black citizens still struggled to take their place in the workforce, which heavily advantaged the wealthy White upper class by excluding people of color from taking high-paying jobs.
As a result of a lack of opportunities and continued inequality, more than half of the Namibian population experienced extreme poverty, which manifested itself as starvation and disease outbreaks. HIV/AIDS and polio cases hit a record high during the mid-’90s, as per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Both illnesses can weaken the immune system and pave the way for sight-stealing diseases, such as cytomegalovirus (CMV) Retinitis and trachoma. Without adequate health care or a cure, thousands of Namibians were left blind.
A Global Hero
This is why, Ndume says, she decided to work with Surgical Eye Expeditions (SEE) International. SEE International is a nonprofit organization that sends experienced doctors and life-changing vision technology to underserved communities. Since starting in 1995, Ndume has served at hundreds of free eye clinics to treat preventable blindness.
Blindness is often seen as a crippling affliction in many parts of the world. However, its impact is especially severe in developing countries like Namibia because of the widespread lack of health care, which affects as much as 70% of the population in some areas.
Ndume believes that blindness is closely associated with severe poverty due to its far-reaching consequences on one’s lifestyle. From causing a parent to lose their job to forcing a child to drop out of school, blindness has severe repercussions for entire families and communities.
Envisioning a Brighter Future
One of the most inspiring things about Ndume’s work is her undeniable passion for the people she serves. Ndume has stated that her patients’ joyful expressions “fuel and recharge” her to “continue serving not only the Namibian people but all of humanity.” Such sentiments demonstrate Ndume’s undeniable passion for helping others and becoming a positive change source in her community.
Her dedication to serving humanity has not gone unnoticed. In 2015, she was awarded the Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela Prize by the United Nations (U.N.), recognizing her unwavering commitment and transformative work in global health. Receiving the award was a full-circle moment for Ndume, who undoubtedly looked up to Mandela’s anti-apartheid activism as a young teen. In addition to this prize, Ndume was presented with the Lions Clubs International Humanitarian Award and the Forbes Women Africa Social Impact Award in 2022.
Looking Ahead
Although blindness is still prevalent in Namibia, Ndume’s work has given citizens a reason to hope for a brighter future. Since 1993, the poverty rate has been halved and the GDP has grown substantially, according to the World Bank. The Gini Index, which measures the income equality in a nation, is still disproportionately high at 59.1% as of 2015, but shows a promising downward trend from the previous decade.
These statistics prove that economic growth is on the horizon for Namibia, as well as greater equality and health care. Ndume’s selflessness and devotion to the betterment of her country define her as a role model and inspiration for future generations of doctors, innovators and leaders worldwide. Most importantly, her incredible story shows that anyone can make a difference in their community, no matter where they come from.
– Grace Gonzalez
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Disability and Poverty in Brunei
Disability and Poverty in Brunei: A Structural Link
According to the ASEAN Disability Forum, about 1% of Brunei’s population, roughly 4,100 people, live with a disability. Although the absolute poverty rate in Brunei is low, many PWDs face ‘relative poverty’ which relates to a lack of access to education, jobs and digital resources. A 2021 study by Universiti Brunei Darussalam revealed that PWDs face structural exclusion in both the labor market and education system, especially in rural areas. These limitations create a cycle of economic hardship that persists despite national wealth. Disability and poverty in Brunei must be understood as interconnected issues, where inclusion gaps not income levels contribute to vulnerability.
Welfare Programs and Legal Support
Brunei ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2016, marking a turning point in its legal commitment to PWD rights. Under the Welfare Assistance Act, PWDs with an “OKU card” (Orang Kelainan Upaya) are eligible for monthly financial support. As of early 2025, more than 3,800 PWDs hold the OKU card. In addition, more than 1,600 caregivers receive monthly care allowances, reflecting the government’s efforts to expand its safety net. However, challenges remain. Many PWDs struggle to find suitable jobs or gain access to inclusive education. Accessible infrastructure and digital equity also lag behind policy goals.
Recent Progress in Policy and Practice
Brunei’s 12th National Development Plan introduced “Different Abilities Design Guidelines” to make public buildings more accessible. The Ministry of Finance and Economy has pledged more than 4 billion Brunei dollars toward more than 300 national projects, including improvements in housing, education and health care.
In a 2025 New Year address, His Majesty Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to leaving no one behind. He specifically emphasized the rights of persons with disabilities to live in dignity and self-reliance. Many advocacy groups, including SMARTER Brunei, an autism awareness nonprofit organization, welcomed his remarks.
In December 2024, the “Embrace Differences” campaign launched with support from public and private sectors. The initiative provides children with autism access to tablets and e-learning modules, helping bridge the digital divide in schools.
The Road Ahead
Despite these advances, more work remains. Less than 10% of working-age PWDs in Brunei are employed in the formal economy, according to the ASEAN Post. Creating inclusive hiring practices and investing in vocational training can help reduce reliance on welfare and foster economic independence.
Muhammad Hamzi, president of the Brunei Darussalam National Association of the Blind, explained, “The primary issue is awareness, particularly regarding the challenges PWDs face in the workplace, which includes relevant training programs.”
Education reform is equally critical. While digital learning efforts are expanding, only a few schools offer inclusive classrooms. Training teachers in disability awareness and scaling up assistive technologies could help to ensure children with disabilities are not left behind.
In underserved areas, community-based outreach through mosques, clinics and village councils can help identify and support PWDs who may not be registered for official aid. These local efforts can also reduce stigma and raise public understanding.
– Charlie Wood
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Inclusive Education: Confronting Disability and Poverty in Bhutan
Despite the importance given to GNH, the country faces a number of challenges with respect to poverty including access to education and basic resources, access to health care and social support. These factors disproportionately affect vulnerable populations in the country, especially children with disabilities. However, recent developments in regional and national policies and legislation aimed at addressing disability and poverty in Bhutan have resulted in positive changes in these areas.
The Correlation Between Disability and Poverty in Bhutan
The Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) report (2018) indicated that people with disabilities experienced significantly higher levels of multidimensional poverty in Bhutan. It suggested that the multidimensional poverty rate of people was at a stark 11.1%, as compared to people without disabilities (5.6%). A 2022 report revealed that systematic barriers to education, vocational training and employment particularly affecting children and youth with disabilities reinforces the connection between disability and poverty in Bhutan. It further emphasized the role of Bhutanese social norms, like “Karuna” (compassion) and “Karma,” in perpetuating social and economic exclusions experienced by the disabled population especially.
The intersection of lack of coordination, funding for initiatives and targeted support were identified as both the cause and consequence of poverty in Bhutan. Another study noted a higher degree of prevalence of disabilities amongst poor children and those of mothers with lower levels of education. While this analysis does not paint a rosy picture regarding the intersection of disability and poverty in Bhutan, it acts as an entry point for change, grounded into local social institutions and realistic implementation, offering a roadmap to the policymakers for actionable goals—an approach that is already beginning to show tangible progress.
Disability and Education in Bhutan
In 2024, Kesang Chuki Dorjee, Chairperson of the Social and Cultural Affairs Committee (SCAC) presented a report titled “Review Report on the State of Persons with Disabilities.” In the report, Dorjee indicated how between the 12th and 13th Five-year plans, the government’s allocation towards educational activities for children with disabilities saw a rise from approximately Nu 87 million to Nu 1.115 billion.
The 2024 report estimated that 1,071 children with disabilities were attending in schools in a nationwide capacity. Bhutan has established three early childhood intervention centers offering services including communication skills, socialization behavior management, school readiness and other vocational training, like cooking, weaving tailoring and so on. Guided by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Bhutan has made important strides in implementing these inclusive strategies and policies for educating children with disabilities.
Education is an important aspect in the intersection of disability and poverty in Bhutan. The fact is that education is a critical point of intervention as it directly tackles the root cause of marginalization. As the abovementioned data suggests, children with disabilities are especially more likely to experience discrimination in mainstream educational settings. Ensuring that all children can participate in quality education regardless of ability can help build a stronger economic future for all, along with promoting equity. In Bhutan, where educational attainment has close links with future livelihoods, inclusive educational policies have become a key tool in breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty, promoting social inclusion and fulfilling the country’s Gross National Happiness (GNH) philosophy of collective well-being and equity.
Looking Ahead
Despite many challenges stemming from the link between disability and poverty with respect to children in Bhutan, the momentum for change has been set into motion. The significant increase in government investment, along with inclusive educational initiatives, reflects a national commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind. As Bhutan continues incorporating principles of Gross National Happiness into its policies, the government and stakeholders are working to ensure that children with disabilities living in poverty, not only gain access to equitable education but also have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society. Though the journey may be long, the actions taken today are laying a strong foundation for a more inclusive and equitable Bhutan in the future.
– Vasudhaa Shakdher
Photo: Unsplash
Drones Reducing Tuberculosis in Nepal
A Persistent Threat in Nepal
Tuberculosis is a serious infectious bacterial disease that spreads through coughs and sneezes. When detected and treated early, it is both preventable and curable. However, geographic and economic barriers make tuberculosis more difficult to manage in Nepal. Approximately 50% of Nepalis must travel between six and eight hours to reach a health care facility. It is the isolation and lack of infrastructure in the rural regions, where 80% of Nepalis reside, that deepens the inaccessibility of medical care. With these roadblocks, fewer citizens actively seek out care and the diagnosis of tuberculosis is consistently delayed. As a result, almost 70% of Nepalis are carriers of the disease and may face serious consequences in the future.
The Danger of Delayed Treatment
Once exposed to tuberculosis, it is important to seek out medical care quickly to begin treatment and prevent the spread of this potentially deadly disease. However, because seeking medical treatment in Nepal is such a burden, many seek it out very infrequently or not at all. The longer people wait to seek tuberculosis treatment, the more serious the illness can become. By waiting for an official diagnosis and treatment, they risk increased rates of community transmission and potential health issues. This transmission and these complications have led to significant economic decline. Many become bedridden or unable to work as a result of the disease, leading to increased poverty rates. Telemedicine, however, is making notable progress. Organizations have begun using drones to diagnose and treat tuberculosis patients more efficiently.
Using Drones to Fight Tuberculosis in Nepal
A number of institutions, including WeRobotics, Stony Brook University and Nepal Flying Labs, have been utilizing cargo drones to combat tuberculosis in Nepal. These drones collect samples from individuals suspected of having tuberculosis and deliver them for testing. The same drones also help administer treatment. Tuberculosis treatment often spans several months, making it difficult for patients in remote areas to complete. However, with the support of these drones, a technology known as e-DOTS can facilitate therapy remotely.
Building Toward Health Equity
The efforts made by these international organizations are enabling tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment. Technology like these drones is not only helping to reduce the prevalence of tuberculosis, but also represents a step toward bringing medical care to rural areas in need. Telemedicine is actively empowering rural communities by providing access to timely care. So far, these drones have tested more than 700 people in rural Nepali communities. It is the hope of many that technology like this will continue to cross borders and support international poverty reduction.
– Caroline May
Photo: Flickr
Bringing the Focus to Child Marriage in Angola
The Hard Facts
Angola’s legal age of marriage is 18. However, this law can have exceptions. If the guardians of a minor believe marriage to be in the best interest of the child, children can marry from as young as 15.
In Angola, 8% of girls are married before they are 15 years old. While this can appear to be a relatively low percentage, that is still 929,000 young girls. The statistic is even higher for brides under the age of 18, at around 30%. This means that at least 2.9 million girls are married before they reach the legal age of marriage in Angola. While child marriage is less common for boys, 6% of boys in Angola also marry before they are 18.
Why is Child Marriage Happening in Angola?
Gender inequality is a primary cause of child marriage. The perpetuated belief that girls and women are lesser than their male counterparts can contribute to violence against girls. More than 7,000 girls reported in 2020 that they had experienced some form of physical, verbal or sexual violence. And, that same year, there were reports of a further 15,000 cases of violence against children. Violence against women correlates with the increased number of child brides. From 2017 to 2020, the yearly number of reported child marriages rose from 11 to 267.
Young girls are subject to the majority of child marriages, highlighting the strong tie to gender inequality. Girls are valued more for their potential relationships with men, rather than for their own independent futures. Young women will have their development stunted by these marriages, teaching them to rely on their husbands rather than their own skills.
Additionally, COVID-19 largely affected Angolan girls. Only 19.73% of children attended a school prior to the pandemic and the closure of schools from 2020 puts children at a heightened risk of falling victims to child marriage and/or gender-based violence. Since the schools have been re-opened there is no data to show how many children have returned to school. The children will have been impacted from the years without education, and many are now too old to return to their studies.
The Solutions from The Angolan Government
The Angolan Government are now bringing the focus to child marriage in Angola. It has pledged that by 2030, it will have ended child and forced marriages. It is among 20 countries that have committed to this cause. From 2013, the government has co-sponsored numerous Human Rights Council resolutions which focus on putting an end to child marriage. Amidst this, it also signed a statement at the Human Rights Council which implored a solution to child marriage.
In 2019, the Angolan Government stated that they were in the process of adopting a national strategy to prevent child pregnancies and marriages. The government continues to address the issue of underage marriages, and it is hopeful that with a strategy in place, it can significantly reduce the number of cases.
The Work of Mwana Pwo
Created in 2017, Mwana Pwo is an organization based in Angola that aims to inspire leadership amongst women. Mwana Pwo translates to “girl child” in Chokwe. Maria Malomalo created this organization after going to a clinic for check-ups during her third pregnancy and realizing she was nearly always the oldest woman there. She was only 30 at the time. Maria began to question why so many young girls were marrying and giving birth at such a young age, this led to the creation of Mwana Pwo.
In terms of bringing the focus to child marriage in Angola, Mwana Pwo created the project Just a Child in 2022. The organization Bread for The World funded it, which works to eradicate world hunger. The objective of Just a Child is to reduce the number of cases of child marriage in Angola.
Poverty definitely has links to child marriages. Many families view marriage as a way for girls to escape poverty and simultaneously reduce costs for a household. This is why the work of Mwana Pwo is so essential. By encouraging young girls to become leaders and seek an education, the organization is enabling them to escape poverty independently.
Mwana Pwo has stated that “The impact of poverty on child marriage is undeniable, but sometimes you also have to ask ‘why don’t they sell their sons? So it’s the whole issue around gender inequality and looking at women as ‘things,’ not as people.”
The organization has set up facilities that allow young women and girls to develop new skills. Its information hubs provide a place for girls to enroll in courses such as entrepreneurship, IT and business. These skills are life changing and enable young girls to take control over their own futures. The website for Mwana Pwo goes into further detail on the great work it is carrying out and what it has accomplished with donations.
– Katie Gray
Photo: Unsplash