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Disability and Poverty in Gabon

Disability and Poverty in GabonDisability and poverty in Gabon are a little more complicated than in most African countries. Gabon is an oil-rich country, yet the poverty rate is higher, especially in rural areas, where it is 59.5%. The bigger cities, like Libreville and Port Gentil, account for 48% of the national population, but 28% of their residents are poor. In particular, poverty affects people with disabilities. The majority of this population lives in the urban areas where the poverty rate is already quite high, and they are dependent on family support. Poor people are more vulnerable to food stress, and they can experience diseases due to malnutrition.

The Situation

Disability and poverty are almost inseparable. Because one feeds the other; people with disabilities have a lower chance of getting an education and a chance of work, which will lead to poverty in general. Also, people with disabilities often have higher costs due to their health-related needs.

Youth employment is also an issue in Gabon. This country is oil-rich and therefore needs skilled workers in construction, wood processing, renewable energy and communication technologies. However, these educations were limited until quite recently. Since the Gabonese government launched PROCEDE in 2016, their aim is to lower the gap in education in those skill training and job opportunities.

Political Conditions of the Country

The coup leader, Brice Oligui Nguema, won the 2025 election and ended a more than 50-year political dynasty without bloodshed. He secured more than 90% of the vote, an outcome many did not expect. His support stems from promises to advance development and combat corruption.

Poverty grew more quickly in the past years due to countries’ corrupt leaders, where the 2% of these people were the decision makers for the almost 80% people’s wages and rights. They diverted the funds for specific organizations, and the country had to borrow money to pay some of its debt.

Agriculture and Fishing

Basic agriculture and farming contributed only a little to the country’s food production. Still, sugar refining at Franceville and palm-oil processing at Lambarene have a huge impact on the country’s development. Gabon is also one of the world’s leading producers of timber and manganese.

The country recently launched a ranger’s battle for baby sea turtle survival against the odds, aiming to reach as many people and organizations as possible, despite financial cuts. 

A 40-year-old Alain Banguiya continues to complete his duties even though he has not been paid for two months, but still says, “We have a duty to fight to the end, to keep our spirits up.” This shows the determination of the country’s citizens in many areas that need assistance.

Finance and Economics

The United States, Belgium and China are among Gabon’s main trading partners, providing substantial investment. The majority of imports are from South Korea, France and China, while exports are largely directed to China, France and the Netherlands.

Transportation remains a major challenge. The country has long lacked efficient transportation infrastructure and, for a long time, relied on light aircraft for air travel, but those were insufficient for exporting heavier materials like timber, which is a major issue in the country.

Gabon is also a major oil producer. BW Energy Gabon received a 25-year extension for the Dussafu Marin production license, extending it from 2028 to 2053. This long-term provides reserving investments, production and a higher chance of stability in oil production planning.

Gabon also launched the Emergency Community Development Programme (PUDC), and its aim is to reduce social inequalities by creating more economic opportunities, strengthening the governance and improving access to basic services.

The government is also working to expand its Fintech hub, enabling businesses to accept multiple payment methods and expanding broader financial access. This could open new entrepreneurial opportunities and expand services to rural areas, though progress depends on government incentives and digital infrastructure.

Education, Disability and Poverty in Gabon

Disability and poverty in Gabon affect younger people in education, too. In the urban areas, there is a lack of educational infrastructure and educators. Also, due to a lower level of focus on these areas, sexual harassment of children is higher.

The education system is similar to France’s and is officially mandatory for kids ages 6 to 16. Gabon, with the support of its government and UNICEF, collected data on people living with disabilities through the Census Campaign. This data shows that 15,967 people live with disabilities across nine regions, with 27.21% aged 0 to 18.

Disability rates are higher in rural areas, where access to education can be limited. Government efforts focus on improving access, supporting young mothers in education and ensuring that all children receive schooling. 

In particular, the disability rate is higher in women, where in many rural areas, males are prioritized for making a living and their education comes as a priority. However, the help and support of the government and its legislation about making education mandatory are addressing those problems.

Positive Notes

Many know Gabon for its natural beauty, which its agricultural and trade deals complement. The country has significant potential for eco-tourism and several websites help decide which part to visit and provide entry information for the country. Gabon is one of the African countries with steadily growing potential, supported by education for everyone, especially for kids with disabilities.

– Sibel Yasharoglu

Sibel is based in Leicester, UK and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Leading the Way: Bilingual Education in Senegal

Bilingual Education in SenegalSenegal has long relied on French as the sole language of instruction. However, this approach failed to reflect the linguistic reality of its population.

According to the Gates Foundation, students in Senegal have traditionally been taught in French even though less than 1% of the country’s population speaks it at home. Around 80% of Senegalese speak Wolof. This disconnect meant that most children were learning to read and write in a language they did not fully understand.

This challenge is not unique to Senegal. According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), 40% of the global population does not have access to education in a language they speak or understand, with around 250 million learners in low- and middle-income countries struggling with language barriers. The result is often lower literacy rates, reduced engagement and higher dropout rates, barriers that disproportionately affect disadvantaged communities.

A Shift Toward Bilingual Education

In response, Senegal introduced a reform in 2015. The Ministry of Education, in partnership with Associates in Research and Education for Development (ARED), launched a bilingual education model combining Wolof and French.

This initiative addressed inequality in education. Rather than abandoning French, the system integrates it alongside national languages, allowing students to build foundational literacy in a familiar linguistic environment before transitioning to broader communication skills.

UNESCO research indicates that children develop cognitive skills and master content material most easily when taught in a familiar language. These early gains are critical, as foundational literacy strongly influences long-term academic success.

Measurable Improvements in Learning Outcomes

Evidence from program evaluations shows significant improvements in literacy and comprehension. One assessment found a 29 percentage point increase in the number of students meeting oral reading and comprehension benchmarks compared to those taught exclusively in French. The bilingual model is also linked to stronger classroom participation, improved retention and long-term prospects for higher earnings.

The reform has also shifted classroom dynamics. Teachers who were previously constrained by rigid language policies now have the flexibility to communicate in languages their students understand, fostering more interactive and inclusive classrooms.

When students understand the language of instruction, they are more likely to ask questions, collaborate with peers and develop critical thinking skills.

Preserving Culture While Expanding Opportunity

Beyond academic performance, bilingual education in Senegal plays a role in preserving cultural identity. Languages like Wolof are deeply tied to heritage, community and tradition.

The Ministry of National Education is committed to the Harmonized Model of Bilingual Education in Senegal (MOHEBS), an educational reform that recognizes bilingual learning as a means of improving access to learning and strengthening students’ cultural identity.

By incorporating these languages into formal education, Senegal is promoting inclusivity while maintaining cultural continuity. Proficiency in French also provides access to opportunities in higher education, employment and international communication.

Looking Ahead

Senegal’s bilingual education model offers a broader lesson for global education systems: effective learning begins with understanding. By aligning language policy with students’ lived experiences, Senegal is reducing inequality and expanding opportunity. Its progress demonstrates that meaningful reform requires investment in teacher training, curriculum development and community engagement, and that bilingual learning can serve as a pathway to more equitable education outcomes.

– Lucy Kerr

Lucy is based in Coventry, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Party Town to Ecotourism: Reducing Poverty in Vang Vieng

Poverty in Vang ViengA small and often overlooked country in Southeast Asia, Laos remains popular among backpackers and intrepid travellers seeking an alternative to highly developed tourist destinations. Nestled against the striking backdrop of the Karst mountains and vast expanse of paddy fields, Vang Vieng has long benefitted from tourist interest. However, it is only in recent years that the rural town has departed from its hedonistic party history to a model centred on ecotourism, with growing implications for local livelihoods and the reduction of poverty in Vang Vieng.

Background

Situated in central Laos, is providing an idyllic escape for respite between the cities of Luang Prabang and Vientiane. Laos is one of the poorest countries in Southeast Asia, with World Bank statistics suggesting that 15% of the population lived below the national poverty line in 2024. Vang Vieng itself is located in the relatively wealthy Vientiane Province. Its poverty severity index of 0.5-1 indicates relatively low levels of extreme poverty; the low poverty rate is extremely significant considering its status as a rural town in a country that experiences regional economic disparities. The reduction of Poverty in Vang Vieng can partially be attributed to its sustained commitment to tourism and the economic opportunities for local people that the sector provides.

Tourism and Poverty Reduction

In Laos, tourism has become increasingly important to the economic welfare of the country, with 4.1 million tourists visiting in 2024, representing an increase of 21% from 2023. This rise in foreign interest has had a direct financial impact, bringing in $1 billion to channel back into the economy. These developments in tourism have had a tangible impact on the country’s GDP; in 2024 Laos recorded a GDP growth of 4.1%. According to the Laotian Times, tourism in Vang Vieng specifically created a revenue of $57.4 million in 2024 and the target for 2025 stood at $78.6 million. This sustained growth highlights the sector’s expanding role in generating income and strengthening economic resilience in communities like Vang Vieng.

Tourism’s Dark Past in Vang Vieng:

Tourism in Vang Vieng however, has had neither a linear or pleasant historical progression. Famed for its party reputation, backpackers in the 1990s flocked to the area to enjoy its lax approach to regulating drugs and unrestrained nightlife. Thirty years ago, a visit to Vang Vieng would have entailed a blur of mushroom laced nights and intoxicated days. This lifestyle undeniably harmed local environments and livelihoods, with the prolific drug culture compounding the impact of poverty in Vang Vieng.

A hedonistic party culture is by no means the darkest chapter of Vang Vieng’s past. The evolution of tourism in the area has been punctuated by a series of fatal tragedies. In 2011, 27 tourists died while tubing down the Nam Song river, a popular activity characterised by riverside bars and high levels of alcohol consumption. This event resulted in authorities officially banning the activity, although one can still participate in tubing with some companies in Vang Vieng even today.

The summer of 2024 saw Vang Vieng once again become the site of a serious incident, in which six tourists died in Nana’s Backpacker Hostel after consuming methanol-contaminated alcohol reportedly provided by staff. Lao authorities responded by closing down the hostel. It has since been reopened under a different name, illustrating once again a schism between official regulation and the reality of enforcing such measures.

Developments in EcoTourism: Transformation of Vang Vieng

Today, the region has largely reclaimed its turbulent past and has become home to a flourishing ecotourism industry that has been vital to the reduction of poverty in Vang Vieng. Despite the continued presence of certain high-risk recreational activities, tourists are now increasingly engaged in more regulated forms of leisure, such as hiking in Tha Hon Kham and visiting the Blue Lagoons.

Companies like Wonderful Tours Laos offer dedicated Eco-tours that allow travellers to enjoy the countryside safely and sustainably. Additionally, there has been a huge influx of eco-friendly hotels in the town, such as The Elephant Crossing Hotel. These hotels focus on sustainability, environmental protection, and creating community-driven job opportunities.

The transition to ecotourism has important socio-economic implications, particularly in terms of poverty reduction. According to the Vang Vieng District Authorities, the rate of poverty in 2017 in the area was just 2.03%.  Recent developments have generated employment, diversified income sources and increased local participation in the tourism sector.

For the Riverside Boutique Resort in Vang Vieng, a commitment to local Community and culture is central to its ethos. Indeed, the hotel prioritises the employment of Vang Vieng residents, ensuring that revenue generated through tourism goes to the local economy and supports local livelihoods.

Conclusion

A problematic and controversial past undeniably marks the history of tourism in Vang Vieng. Once sought out for its party scene and nightlife, the town has since undergone a significant transformation into a hub of ecotourism that has proved vital for local development and poverty reduction. Its metamorphosis serves as a model for other tourist destinations to keep sustainability and community central to their economic structures.

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, UK and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Higher Education in Greece Addresses Local and Refugee Poverty

Higher Education in GreeceIn the wake of one of the worst economic crises in European history, Greece suffers the fourth worst national poverty rate in the continent, ahead of only Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania. With 26.9% of the Greek population at risk of poverty or social exclusion in 2024, these economic setbacks have also begun to bleed into the education system. Greece shares one of the worst literacy rates in Europe, at only 94% among its adult and youth population in 2026, despite boasting one of the continent’s highest secondary-education completion rates.

Regardless of these challenges, however, higher education in Greece remains key in battling poverty and unemployment rates, with a degree or post-secondary qualification halving the unemployment rate from 24% to 12%, which in turn reduces the poverty rate from nearly 27% to 10.7%. Higher education in Greece traditionally takes the form of university education, however, since joining the European Economic Community in 1981, the country has taken steps to provide free adult education and training, in order to improve the skills of the general workforce beyond formal education. It is therefore of paramount importance to ensure as many students as possible in Greece remain within the education system, ensuring higher wages, increased literacy rates and a better quality of life.

Education and the Greek Economy

While Greece falls to the bottom of all Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries in education spending per post-secondary student, at around $5,620 USD compared to the median spend of $20,234, public funding still accounts for more than 78% of higher education spending in the country.

This means that while the state contributes the appropriate proportion of funds to tertiary education, it simply can’t provide the necessary financial support for universities and educational facilities to fund necessary reforms for higher education. As a result, the higher education system suffers from complexities such as delays in qualification completions and students being pushed into studying abroad.

NGOs such as American Councils Greece and the Elix Programs are supporting these issues, promoting exchange programs and volunteering in education, environmental protection and social exclusion, in order to provide opportunities for education and qualifications outside of financial constraints.

Importantly, Greece remains in significant debt to fellow European nations, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which offered bailouts throughout the economic crisis in order to stabilize the Greek economy. While Greece is making remarkable bounds in recovering these debts, the work of foundations and NGOs in providing accessible education is crucial in these debts being repaid. As citizens gain qualifications to enter well-paying jobs, the economy is rebuilt and vital public spending can go towards helping those at risk of poverty and social exclusion.

Refugee Education

Greece houses approximately 50,000 refugees, the vast majority of whom live below the poverty line, with its geographical location making it the primary entry point for those fleeing conflict and poor living conditions in the Middle East and Northeast Africa. With current laws in neighboring countries no longer allowing these refugees to travel further into Europe, most remain in and integrate into the country and its cultures. This includes the education system, where all children, including refugees, are required to enter compulsory education until they are 15.

However, these statistics don’t account for the approximately 15,000 refugees held on small islands as a result of the EU-Turkey migration deal, with very limited opportunities for formal education. In these circumstances, organizations such as Action for Education and the All Children in Education programme, which has reached more than 25,000 migrant children since 2021, are paramount to providing centers for education up to 23 years old, teaching local languages, relevant skills and trades, as well as providing important safeguarding measures for vulnerable people.

Once refugees have graduated Lyceum (lower secondary), they are able to sit the same examinations as locals in order to enter universities or higher technological institutions. However, for those who have completed secondary education in other countries, there are no special provisions granted for refugees to enter higher education in Greece. This is where the work of private agencies and NGOs, who provide educational services for adults, becomes so important. RefugeeEd provides English and Greek language courses for both children and adults, breaking down barriers of communication and integration and providing key opportunities for refugees to enter higher education or formal jobs. Since 2021, RefugeeEd has trained 46 community teachers and reached more than 200 students across six locations in mainland Greece and its surrounding islands.

How Higher Education Is Battling Poverty

Public and private organizations are working to improve access to higher education for both Greek nationals and refugees. This is battling poverty by addressing the country’s income inequality, providing higher returns in lower-paying, non-skilled jobs, as well as increasing the rate of citizens returning to education after initially graduating from compulsory schooling.

The role that higher education in Greece has played in addressing income redistribution is incredibly important and has become far more accessible through the valuable work that the NGOs named in this article are doing, as well as many more who continue to do invaluable work. Statistics suggest Greece’s poverty rates are gradually coming down, as their debts decrease and surpluses rise. As time goes on, Greece will transition into a far more sustainable model of public investment, allowing them to tackle poverty, immigration and education as efficiently as possible.

– Jake Crapper

Jake is based in Leeds, UK and focuses on Business and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

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SDG 9 in Zimbabwe: Targets in Action

SDG 9 in ZimbabweZimbabwe is an example of a developing nation working in harmony to achieve transformative components that pertain to SDG 9: industry, innovation and infrastructure. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a list of 17 global ideals toward peacekeeping, saving the planet and reducing poverty. Starting in 2015, the UN set the goal of accomplishing the SDGs by 2030. In 2018, the Zimbabwean government skyrocketed the mindset of possibility and empathy through a two-part National Development Strategy.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

There were fewer jobs and more children out of school as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, showing why SDG 9 in Zimbabwe is a priority. The Sub-Saharan nation ranks number nine among the “top 10 African countries with highest levels of extreme poverty.” Globally, the World Bank considers the extreme poverty line to be lower than a daily income of $29.80 USD. Sadly, as of 2025, 49.2 % of the Zimbabwean population live in extreme poverty and earn less than $3 a day.

Starting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of infrastructure for laptops or phones resulted in more than“4.5 million” children across Zimbabwe having to pause their schooling for “over a year.” Zimbabweans in urban or rural environments cannot thrive when digital learning is not attainable without electricity or mobile technology.

Internet Access

Even with the increase of more than 75.36% of Zimbabweans having internet access throughout the nation in 2024, rural regions lack quality internet access. Quick internet access is a need for the economy, quality education and health technology, and can in turn, help reduce poverty. Beginning in 2022 up to 2025, digital connection became the third of six transitions prioritized before 2030 in Zimbabwe.

SDG 9: Industry, innovation and Infrastructure requires countries to achieve eight targeted components. SDG 9 in Zimbabwe has had the most success in the areas of digital connectivity and broadband internet.

Digital Connectivity in Zimbabwean Communities

One of the goals for SDG 9 is “broadband” digital connectivity in less developed African countries before 2030. Zimbabwe and The World Savings Retail Banking Institute (WSBI) started a partnership in 2023 to introduce the People’s Own Savings Bank (POSB). The partnership relates to target 9.3 with banking loans and access.

POSB encourages Zimbabweans to connect online banking with speed and safety. Businesses flourish with marketing success from e-commerce and cybersecurity. Zimbabwean Agrobusiness, Prodairy, agrees to running financial interactions quicker and feeling safer with digital security. As of 2024, POSB also helps urban and rural Zimbabweans stay connected online through broadband internet, and financial entry with installation of “28 ATMs” nationwide.

Digital Learning Programs to Further Digital Connectivity

In 2024, the Re-imaging Education initiative from UNICEF, the Zimbabwean government and businesses helped 150 schools receive broadband access for e-learning. Provision of solar power, higher speed internet and laptops for primary and secondary schools in rural regions helps close the digital gap of educational advantage for most urban students in comparison to rural students. Urban regions of Zimbabwe have better access to internet connection needed for quality education. This collaboration can help actualize dreams like that of Aaron, a preteen who wants to become an engineer. This target of SDG 9 in Zimbabwe helps rural students experience equality in digital learning with urban students.

Energy Infrastructure in Zimbabwe

Realizing the important need for electricity to power digital connectivity, the energy sector is very influential in helping reduce poverty in rural regions of the nation. SDG 9 in Zimbabwe has superb progress toward target 9.4 with sustainable and cleaner energy.

As of 2024, “62 percent of the population” have electricity, along with alternative solarized and greener power sources. Also, 12% of new installations are clean energy infrastructures. The 18% improvement is a lot from the “acute energy crisis’ in 2020, when only 44% of the nation had electrical power.”

Solar and hydro innovations from the Old Mutual Renewable Energy Fund, power electricity for rural communities near Harare, Zimbabwe. The partnership with the company, Old Mutual Group, and the Zimbabwean government is helping advance SDG 7 to exit the “acute energy crisis.” Meanwhile, the SDG Renewable Energy Fund (SDG REF) Programme is working with businesses to help power more regions.

Collaboration With U.S. & Zimbabwean NGOs

In 2024, NGOs Joyce Meyer Ministries (JMM), which is located in the U.S., and Childcare Ministries Zimbabwe (CCMZ), which is in Zimbabwe, teamed up to construct the Hope factory.

The two manufacturing plant locations in Bulawayo and Heaney, Zimbabwe, have steel silos storing maize from farmers. This infrastructural project relates to sustainable infrastructure in regions and aims to reduce poverty and hunger. Furthermore, GDP can increase with new jobs in agriculture, manufacturing, textile insulation and builders constructing schools in the nation.

The circular economy involved with manufacturing and recycling bags of Corn Soyabean Blend plus (CSB+) further improves sustainable systems. In 2024, J.M.M. had intentions to “feed over 50,000” children daily. Remarkably, the humanitarian organization records “producing its 10 millionth meal” as of 2025. The philanthropic partnership demonstrates how the target 9.a. really helps developing nations accomplish economic sustainability.

Future Focus

SDG 9 in Zimbabwe has led to lots of improvements with mobile broadband in both rural and urban communities and funds for agrobusiness. However, tense trade relations and higher tariffs are interfering with financial situations around the globe and slowing progress toward SDG 9.

However, proper infrastructure for roads has shown little improvement in Zimbabwe in comparison to the aforementioned targets. Meanwhile, science and institutional studies are not close enough for targets to be achieved. This is important because gold mining helps sustain a resilient economy that is responsible for international exports of gold, but it is not enough to hold the whole economy. The primary industries of agriculture and raw material mining need to modernize for the betterment of the Zimbabwean economy.

Zimbabwe strives toward future innovations like “education 5.0,” combining more research for science, agriculture and industry. Future Developments include “industrialized parks” located around post secondary spaces like the University of Zimbabwe for research, food security and business.

Considering all of the progress so far, Zimbabwe shows it is possible for a nation to really move toward becoming a thriving society.

– Tyra Brown

Tyra is based in St. Andrews, Canada and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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How EU Accession Reduced Poverty in Croatia

Poverty in CroatiaAs one of the European Union’s recent success stories, Croatia has followed a remarkable path toward economic recovery and integration, only three decades after the devastation of the Yugoslav wars. Like many countries in the Balkans, Croatia emerged from the 1990s conflict with a shattered economy: the war of independence from 1990 to 1995 claimed around 20,000 lives and caused damage equivalent to 160% of its GDP.

In 1991 alone, GDP contracted by 21.1%, and between 1991 and 1993, real output fell cumulatively by nearly 30%.

Despite gradual stabilization in the mid-1990s, Croatia faced another major setback during the global financial crisis. Between 2009 and 2015, the country endured a prolonged recession that stalled growth and deepened social hardship. Against this backdrop, Croatia undertook significant political and economic reforms to meet EU standards, ultimately joining the European Union in 2013, less than two decades after the war. Since then, it has deepened its integration by entering the Eurozone and the Schengen Area, positioning itself ahead of many of its regional neighbors.

In many ways, EU accession reduced poverty in Croatia by providing financial resources, institutional frameworks and market access that played a decisive role in fostering economic growth.

Rebuilding Croatia’s Economy After the War

In the aftermath of the war, Croatia transitioned from a socialist economy to a market-based system under difficult conditions. Inflation surged, infrastructure lay in ruins and regional instability discouraged investment. Although tourism and trade helped spark a modest recovery in the mid-1990s, structural weaknesses persisted for years.

Croatia’s path to EU membership began with the Stabilisation and Association Process in 1999. It gained candidate status in 2004 and spent years aligning its legislation with EU law across 35 negotiation chapters. This process required reforms in governance, judiciary independence, market regulation and regional cooperation. While politically demanding, these reforms laid the groundwork for a more stable and transparent economic environment, an essential precondition for poverty reduction.

EU Membership as a Driver for Growth

Since joining the EU in 2013, Croatia has significantly improved its key socioeconomic indicators, showing how EU accession reduced poverty in the country. Unemployment dropped sharply from 17.25% in 2013 to 6.1% in 2023.

This drop reflects not only favorable economic conditions but also structural transformations supported by EU integration. Croatia received approximately 8 billion euros in structural and investment funds between 2014 and 2020, targeting competitiveness, employment and regional development.

These funds supported infrastructure projects, education and training programs and initiatives aimed at improving labor market participation. Large-scale investments such as the Pelješac Bridge, railway modernization and rural development programs stimulated economic activity and created jobs across multiple sectors.

Expanding industries such as manufacturing, retail and tourism employed many lower-income workers. Economic growth increased wages and improved living standards for vulnerable populations. Croatia also strengthened its social policies by expanding family benefits, child support and welfare programs, many co-financed by the EU. Rising labor income and better employment outcomes drove more than half of the reduction in poverty between 2013 and 2016. Overall employment grew by 17% between 2013 and 2024.

Currently, Croatia’s GDP per capita exceeds 70% of the EU average, up from around 59% a decade ago. The country has also received more than it contributed to the EU budget, with a net benefit exceeding 10 billion euros in its first 10 years of membership.

Sustaining Growth Beyond EU Support

Despite these achievements, Croatia now faces the challenge of sustaining this momentum beyond EU-driven support. Structural problems such as low productivity, bureaucratic inefficiencies and a challenging business environment continue to limit the full impact of EU-driven reforms. Small and medium-sized enterprises struggle to access financing, while public administration inefficiencies reduce the effective use of EU funds.

EU integration has also accelerated emigration. Since 2013, more than 300,000 Croatians have left the country in search of better opportunities elsewhere in the EU, shrinking the domestic workforce and deepening demographic decline, particularly in less developed regions. These trends highlight that, although EU accession reduced poverty in Croatia, it has not resolved all underlying structural challenges.

To sustain its progress, Croatia must strengthen its economic fundamentals, improve governance and enhance its domestic attractiveness. By addressing these structural barriers, the country can maintain growth, retain its population and remain competitive for future EU investment.

Looking Ahead

Croatia’s experience demonstrates how EU accession can serve as an engine for poverty reduction and economic recovery, especially in post-conflict contexts. Through financial support, institutional reforms and access to a larger market, EU membership has transformed the country’s economy, reduced unemployment and improved living standards. At the same time, Croatia’s trajectory highlights the importance of sustained domestic reforms to fully unlock the benefits of integration.

The reduction of poverty in Croatia offers a model for other Western Balkan states. With strong political commitment to reform and effective use of EU support, these countries could work toward replicating similar gains and building more resilient economies.

– Inès Maudire

Inès is based in Paris, France and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Caribbean Health Systems: Lab Training and AMR in Barbados

AMR in BarbadosIn Barbados, laboratory professionals are helping lead one of the Caribbean’s most important public health efforts: strengthening the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Through regional training workshops focused on advanced diagnostic technologies, laboratory information systems and shared surveillance strategies, Barbados is emerging as a key hub for Caribbean cooperation against drug-resistant infections. As AMR continues to threaten health systems worldwide, Barbados offers a model for how regional investment in public health infrastructure can improve long-term development outcomes.

Why AMR Matters

AMR happens when bacteria and other microorganisms evolve, making antibiotics and other medicines less effective. The result is infections that are harder to treat, longer hospital stays and a higher risk of severe illness or death. For smaller island nations, the challenge extends beyond medicine into development itself. 

Limited diagnostic infrastructure can delay treatment decisions, raise health care costs and place greater strain on already stretched public health systems. For Caribbean countries with limited standard laboratories and uneven access to advanced testing equipment, these delays can weaken infection control efforts and reduce the quality of data needed for policy decisions. This is especially significant in lower-resource settings, where preventable illness can deepen poverty by increasing medical expenses and reducing workforce productivity.

How Barbados Is Strengthening Regional Laboratory Capacity

At the center of this effort is the Best-dos-Santos Public Health Laboratory in Bridgetown, where regional training sessions have brought together laboratory professionals from across the Caribbean. Recent workshops organized by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) focused on Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS), AMR characterization and new diagnostic technologies, including Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-of-Flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry and infrared spectrometry. These tools allow laboratories to move more quickly from identifying pathogens to determining which antibiotics will work. 

Just as importantly, digital systems such as WHONET and SEDRI-LIMS help countries standardize data collection and share reliable surveillance information across borders. This regional interoperability strengthens the Caribbean’s ability to track resistant infections and coordinate public health responses more efficiently. Barbados’ growing leadership in this space reflects years of capacity-building support through PAHO and the U.K. Fleming Fund. 

According to PAHO, the Best-dos-Santos laboratory has improved microbiology workflows, reporting systems and regional coordination. This positions the country as an emerging reference center for AMR surveillance in the Eastern Caribbean.

The Link Between Stronger Labs and Global Development

Stronger laboratories do more than improve diagnostics. Faster, more accurate testing reduces unnecessary antibiotic use, supports better patient recovery and lowers the long-term costs associated with resistant infections. In practical terms, this means fewer preventable deaths, shorter disruptions to employment and less financial pressure on households already vulnerable to health-related poverty.

For the Caribbean, this also represents a broader investment in resilience. Over the past year, PAHO-supported initiatives delivered 34 critical pieces of laboratory equipment to 14 laboratories in nine Caribbean countries, helping expand the region’s diagnostic capacity and data quality. These improvements strengthen not only clinical care but also national action plans and regional health security.

A Model for Regional Public Health Cooperation

Barbados’ leadership points to a larger shift toward regional self-sufficiency in health infrastructure. As AMR grows into one of the century’s most serious public health threats, Barbados is showing how regional cooperation can turn limited resources into collective strength. By sharing technology, expertise and surveillance systems, Caribbean countries are building a collective response to a problem that no single nation can solve alone. 

Investments in laboratory systems today are helping the region build healthier, more resilient futures tomorrow.

– Angela “Phoenix” Garrett

Angela is based in Chicago, IL, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon Turned Shark Predators into Prosperity

Fiji's Beqa LagoonFiji’s Beqa Lagoon was once a hotspot for shark fishing, as shark fins and oil provided profitable returns for local fishermen. An abundance of bull sharks feeding in the nearby river mouths made Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon a reliable target in the region, with heavy fishing efforts leaving the reef system in a decimated state.

Once depleted of marine life, the lagoon now hosts one of the world’s leading shark diving experiences, with a vibrant and healthy reef ecosystem. The marine reserve is not only an environmental success story — it is also a model for community development.

Local communities are thriving beyond the shark fishing economy, using eco-tourism and marine conservation strategies to rebuild the economy, infrastructure and spiritual connection alongside Beqa Lagoon.

Shark Reef Marine Reserve

Fiji waters support a known 75 species of sharks and rays, with 66% of these species globally threatened or near threatened according to the IUCN Red List. Established in 2004, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve uses a community-compensation model where local villages, including Galoa and Wainiyabia, legally yielded their fishing rights to the reef, also known as Qoliqoli, in exchange for monthly funds deposited directly into village bank accounts to support local infrastructure and education. As a result, every diver pays a mandatory marine park shark levy of approximately FJD 20. This provides a steady income compared to the fluctuating returns of overfishing. The marine reserve also creates a spillover effect, with fish populations spilling into neighboring unprotected reefs and increasing fishing yields in those areas.

As part of the agreement, the community receives 100% of the marine park levy with full autonomy over how the funds are allocated. Development projects have included:

  • Infrastructure and facilities maintenance, with funds providing critical income to more than 6,000 fishermen during the COVID-19 pandemic when tourism stopped.
  • Education support for local schools, with specific allocations including school fees, supplies and maintenance of educational buildings in Galoa.
  • Health and welfare, with the steady cash flow providing a social safety net, especially during fluctuations and declines in fish yields in unprotected areas.

In the past 20 years, the shark diving industry generated more than $42.2 million annually, with $3.9 million in salaries, contributing to funding schools, health care and infrastructure while providing a stable income. The partnership with Beqa Adventure Divers and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pacific Office has trained 10 official community members as fish wardens. Under the Fisheries Act, these wardens have the authority to protect the reserve from poaching and illegal activity. The organization has also trained qualified divers in the eco-tourism industry, providing long-term employment.

The reserve has attracted international partnerships, including the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and the UNDP. Through these partnerships, the community founded the first nonprofit elasmobranch research project, Fiji Shark Lab, developed coral nursery programs and restored more than 50 hectares of mangrove forests. These institutions provide employment and educational resources to local communities and continue to engage with community members in climate resilience projects.

Cultural Significance

Beyond the local economy, the Shark Reef Marine Reserve is tied to a long-standing spiritual connection between Beqa divers and sharks. According to oral tradition, Cakaubalavu, a chief fisherman, transformed into a shark after returning from a fishing trip to find his food eaten. He left Beqa with other traditional fishermen, traveling across several islands and eventually assisting another group in a reef battle, forever tying him to the island of Benau. Through this story, he became known as Dakuwaqa, the protector of divers and a shark deity for the Rukua people. Currently, the legend extends beyond Benau, with Dakuwaqa spoken of as the protector of divers in the Beqa Lagoon, providing a sense of safety and spiritual connection to many divers and visitors.

Looking Ahead

This approach, tying marine conservation to economic and community prosperity, highlights how conservation can become a pathway to reducing global poverty. With low-elevation coastal zones (LECZ) harboring a significant portion of the world’s poverty, coastal communities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to environmental hazards and climate change. The success of Fiji’s Beqa Lagoon continues to serve as a model as community ties to marine health support a growing movement toward sustainable development.

– Alyssa Forget

Alyssa is based in Dundas, Ontario, Canada and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Unsplash

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Women Farmers in Guyana and Food Security

Women Farmers in GuyanaWomen farmers in Guyana and food security begin at the market level, where women dominate food distribution in areas such as Anna Regina, Corriverton and Georgetown. Vendors such as Jasmin Ramsammy at Skeldon Market in Berbice adjust supply based on demand during holidays like Diwali, while Nina Sarju at Port Mourant Market manages unsold goods by reselling or sharing them to reduce waste. These daily decisions directly affect food availability. In 2020, fruits and vegetables generated $3.3 million in exports, much of it supported by women’s labor.

Regional Production Shows Women’s Impact

Women farmers in Guyana and food security extend into farming communities such as Pomeroon in Essequibo and Belle West. Women grow crops such as bora, pumpkin, tomatoes and peppers, supplying both households and urban markets. Traders, often women, transport produce weekly from Pomeroon to Georgetown, linking rural farms to cities. Malika Deokarran, who leads a 75-member farming group, plays a key role in organizing pricing and distribution, showing how women sustain the supply chain.

Women farmers in Guyana and food security face the greatest challenges in the hinterland regions of Regions 1, 7, 8, and 9. Poverty in these areas reaches up to 55%, limiting access to infrastructure and markets. Many women rely on small kitchen gardens to support their families rather than operate large-scale farms, which reduces overall productivity and income potential.

Food Loss in Berbice and Coastal Regions

Food loss significantly affects women farmers in Guyana and food security, especially in coastal regions such as Berbice. Nearly 30% of fruits and vegetables are lost annually due to flooding, poor storage and transportation issues. Vendors in Berbice markets often face spoilage if goods are not sold quickly, leading to financial loss and reduced food supply.

Programs Supporting Women Farmers

Current programs are improving conditions for women farmers in Guyana and food security, particularly in rural communities. Government initiatives have provided tools and inputs to farmers in areas such as the Corentyne Coast, helping boost production. Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) training programs focus on reducing post-harvest losses and improving climate resilience. Women-led groups are also expanding agro-processing, producing goods such as cassava products and coconut oil to increase income and reduce waste.

Looking Ahead

Women farmers in Guyana are essential to the country’s food system. From Berbice vendors managing daily sales to Pomeroon farmers supplying urban markets, women support every stage of production and distribution. Expanding access to land, credit and training, especially in the most affected regions, could increase productivity and strengthen national food security.

– Kianna Hines

Kianna is based in Brooklyn, NY, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Poor Sanitation and Infectious Diseases in Indonesia

Infectious Diseases in IndonesiaAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), communicable diseases and nutritional conditions are responsible for 34.7% of deaths in Indonesia. With tuberculosis (TB) ranked first, a ratio of 48.9 deaths per 100,000 people creates a major social and economic burden. Poverty, overcrowding and the lack of rural health infrastructure in Indonesia act as catalysts for infectious diseases like TB, due to poor sanitation and hygiene. 

Diseases such as TB and worm infections affect low-income communities by placing a heavy financial burden on families, especially those living in rural areas, due to a lack of safe shelter, clean drinking water, nutrition and sanitation. These challenges increase disease risk and push families deeper into poverty. As a result, initiatives addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities are needed. 

Organizations such as Palang Merah Indonesia (PMI), Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE help reduce the spread of infectious diseases and promote sanitation in rural areas. They do this by improving public health, expanding health care access and supporting health care in low-income communities.

Palang Merah Indonesia

On September 17, 1945, Indonesia’s year of independence, Mohammad Hatta ordered the creation of PMI, also known as the Indonesian Red Cross Society. The goal was to help support the injured and provide medical assistance to communities during the Indonesian National Revolution. Through this effort, PMI received international recognition and became a member of the International Red Cross.

The Indonesian government officially recognized PMI as a humanitarian organization in 2018. From then on, PMI has set a long-term mission to expand its inclusive services, prevent disease, strengthen social trust and increase collaborations with partners, including the government. It does this by implementing several strategies, including strengthening communities, improving blood donation services and increasing transparency. 

In 2022, PMI collected a total of 368,557 bags of blood, helping ensure a steady, reliable blood supply for communities. To maximize its impact on sanitation and hygiene, PMI also runs a health program called Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH). WASH plays a key role in preventing disease and improving quality of life. 

By building clean water supply systems, improving sanitation facilities and raising awareness through hygiene education campaigns, PMI prevents infectious diseases often caused by poor sanitation. Programs like WASH play a major role in preventing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

Siklus Indonesia

Siklus Indonesia is a nonprofit organization founded in 2010, focused on health care access and social development. Its mission is to strengthen and empower communities, particularly the underserved, through its services, research, partnerships and educational programs. To better achieve this goal, Siklus Indonesia proposed creating the AIDS, TB and Malaria Regional Action Plan (RAD) to reduce HIV, TB and malaria rates in Yogyakarta from 2026 to 2030. 

During a preparatory meeting for the program, the regional government and secretariat held a workshop in November 2025 to review strategies, including the National AIDS, TB and Malaria (ATM) strategy. The workshop discussed progress in fighting infectious diseases through the ATM program. About 87% of Indonesians with HIV/AIDS are aware of their diagnosis. Moreover, 58% have received antiretroviral therapy (ARV). 

As a result, 64% of individuals with HIV/AIDS achieved viral load suppression. As for TB, screening reached 63% of estimated cases among the total 90%, while treatment success is 83.4%. Consequently, Siklus Indonesia has implemented outreach focused on vulnerable communities to increase TB case discovery through education, screening and encouraging high-risk individuals to get tested. 

Most of the outreach focuses on the elderly, youth, pregnant women, people with infectious diseases and congregate settings. Heavily populated areas, such as Islamic boarding schools and correctional facilities, often have higher transmission rates. This is due to limited space and inadequate infrastructure, which underlines the need for action and attention. 

While direct initiatives, such as medical and therapeutic efforts, are important, Siklus Indonesia shows that education and outreach remain essential for addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities.

DoctorSHARE

DoctorSHARE was founded in 2009 by Lie A. Dharmawan, with the mission to alleviate suffering and expand health care access for vulnerable and underserved communities in Indonesia. In 2013, he created the first floating hospital in Indonesia to better reach and support marginalized communities that live far away. Dharmawan was inspired during his time in Maluku, when a young mother and her severely ill daughter had to travel three days by boat and approached him for help. 

She was diagnosed with a hernia and interstitial clamping, which required immediate surgery. Fortunately, Dharmawan was able to operate in time. The surgery was successful and the child survived. On his way back to Jakarta, he began thinking about how many others face the same challenge. As a solution, he created the first floating hospital, named RSA Nusa Waluya I.

DoctorSHARE also offers a range of health programs, including outreach and disaster response. Outreach includes the floating hospital, flying doctor (five to seven doctors supporting highlanders via aircraft), health promotion and advocacy and capacity building. DoctorSHARE also runs TB rehabilitation programs, with more than 394 patient care and consultation sessions and 612 walking clinics. 

This initiative partners with communities, individuals and the government. It also improves health care access through infrastructure upgrades. One example is the TB clinic in Sentani, which treats infectious diseases to help contain them and prevent outbreaks. Medical outreach like this directly reduces infectious diseases in low-income communities.

As of 2024, doctorSHARE has completed more than 5,350 major surgeries, 7,959 minor surgeries and 294,028 outpatient treatments, including 6,299 ultrasound consultations and 68,371 health education programs. By providing surgeries and TB rehabilitation, these programs restore productivity and help break the cycle of poverty caused by financial burden. This creates a sustainable culture of wellness, where improving health care protects communities’ future.

Conclusion

In an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, the geography of Indonesia makes addressing infectious diseases in low-income communities especially challenging. This highlights the need for continued action. If these issues matter in Indonesia, then they matter globally.

Thus, initiatives from PMI, Siklus Indonesia and doctorSHARE highlight nonprofit regional support through health care access, education and promotion. By implementing these strategies, organizations empower the next generation with quality health care and support that helps address broader global challenges. Through intervention, accessibility and sustainability, these efforts improve health care access and help communities break the cycle of poverty.

Bianca P. Gunawan

Bianca is based in Jakarta, Indonesia and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr