The rising number of people in Estonia who are at risk of poverty is a worrying trend, particularly when it comes to child poverty. Children in Estonia are increasingly becoming more exposed to poverty, which requires urgent attention. Despite the challenges posed by this growing rate, encouraging progress is being made. From government-determined family benefits that can put a child through university to nonprofit food banks, there are many ways that the issue is being addressed, as well as opportunities for individuals to get involved.
Mistreatment
Though the highest rate of those at risk of poverty is consistently older people who live alone, child poverty in Estonia is not absent. The recent at-risk-poverty rate increased the greatest for families with children, specifically those with three or more. As living prices for households continue to rise, particularly in the area of groceries, the at-risk number continues to climb, with the total number of people living in absolute poverty increasing from 18,000 in 2021 to almost 48,000 in 2022.
Many children are placed in state orphanages by the courts and while they may be temporarily placed in foster care, they are often not adopted. The The main reason for this is the significant challenge that foster parents face when caring for a child who has experienced trauma. With such a destabilized and traumatic upbringing, the children are not often given the chances or the tools for proper integration and often turn to delinquency.
Discrimination
On top of this, there is an issue of discrimination when large percentages of the population do not speak Estonian. Much of the population speaks only Russian. Though there are efforts to integrate minorities, they still face struggles in the job market when many professions and employers require that they speak fluent Estonian. This, in turn, creates more hardship for the children of the unemployed and difficulties for their future careers.
The percentage of children living in poverty, whether they are in families or living on their own, may vary over time, but it is a persistent issue that requires attention. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has developed a comprehensive plan to fully realize every child’s rights by 2030. Its data on Estonia indicates that, historically, the efforts employed to address the needs of children who live both in extreme poverty as well as anywhere below the national poverty line have been “average.” For these needs to be met by the 2030 goal, that effort will need to be increased to “very high effort” and “high effort,” respectively.
Encouraging Progress
Despite these hardships, there is still encouraging progress in the fight against child poverty in Estonia. Based on the 2022 Estonian Social Survey, even though the risk of poverty rate has gone up over the last 15 or so years, the absolute poverty rate has rapidly declined along the same timetable, with a spike in 2022 requiring focused effort to flatten out again.
As mentioned, food is one of the most significant factors pushing Estonian families and children into poverty. However, this is being addressed by several efforts to make it more accessible for those in need. One is the Estonian Food Bank, which has been significantly supported by the nonprofit organization Riesenkampff Stiftung. The Riesenkampff Stiftung Foundation was established in 2016 by the Riesenkampffs, a Baltic German family, specifically focusing on charitable and philanthropic initiatives in Estonia.
The Food Bank, established in 2010, works hard to fight poverty and encourage solidarity. Through the efforts of the local government and nearly 300 charity organizations, food is being distributed around the country to those in need by saving and redistributing surplus food, most of which would otherwise go to waste. Since the beginning of its food distribution in 2015, the initiative has provided food for an average of 25,000 people per year, with a large portion of them receiving aid twice a year.
Moving Forward
Unlike other European countries, the percentage of those living below absolute poverty in Estonia is measured, which gives an excellent indication of where the statistics truly lie. Since 2014, child poverty has been on a steady decline. At the same time, more effective family benefits systems have been implemented. A monthly child allowance has been the primary one helping children in poverty in Estonia precisely. Because it is not dependent on family income, it ensures opportunities for every child. With the child allowance, every child is eligible for a monthly allowance until age 16, which extends to 19 if they decide to pursue higher education.
Estonia is a small and often off-the-radar country and its plight, especially that of its children, is real. They face poverty, marginalization and uncertain futures. However, despite these real and present hardships, there is encouraging progress being made in terms of overall poverty in the country, as well as specifically addressing the needs of the children in absolute poverty.
– Isaac Songster
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Education, Poverty and UBIs in Liberia
Universal Basic Income (UBI) is a stipend provided to individuals irrespective of their employment status. It aims to bolster the economy across various demographics and sparks contentious debates. A central inquiry revolves around UBI’s long-term economic stimulation, with education emerging as a critical solution. Education and poverty are intricately intertwined. According to Montgomery County, “In general, average achievement scores decrease as the duration of poverty impact increases.” As academic performance declines, the prospects for a high quality of life also diminish. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlights that proficient reading skills alone have the potential to uplift hundreds of millions of individuals living in poverty from their current circumstances. Education serves as a pathway out of poverty. The debate surrounding UBI has persisted for a significant period, with arguments presented by both proponents and opponents. Each side offers compelling reasons to support or oppose UBI initiatives. Nevertheless, GiveDirectly presents persuasive evidence that UBIs are effective, showcasing their ability to reduce poverty in Liberia significantly.
Some Information: How UBIs Lower Poverty in Liberia
UBIs are easy to understand. They are an amount of money distributed to individuals in a society suffering extreme poverty. Poverty in Liberia falls within this guideline. Over half of the country’s population struggles to survive on less than $2 daily.
UBIs do not discriminate based on employment, age or health concerns. GiveDirectly allocates them to an entire demographic of people. They are “Universal.” The idea is that providing a baseline for an economy on which to grow will bolster that economy enough to jumpstart productivity and ensure long-term growth. GiveDirectly’s UBI also allocates more considerable sums instead of dividing them into small payments over time. Even their name suggests their goal. To “Give Directly” the support people need.
GiveDirectly: The Data
GiveDirectly is an organization fighting poverty in Liberia and other places around the globe. Since 2009, GiveDirectly has afforded more than $700 million to impoverished people. It has had initiatives to fight poverty in Liberia and years of meticulous research to back up its efforts.
The Borgen Project consulted Yonah Lieberman, GiveDirectly’s Senior Manager of Communications and Press, to gain insight into how Liberians utilized their monetary allocations. Lieberman responded by presenting a comprehensive breakdown, allowing the figures to speak for themselves.
33% of the funds went to education, 20% for food expenses, 14% for constructing new houses and 9% for home upgrades or structural improvements. Recipients set aside 8% of the funds for purchasing clothes and furnishings to improve comfort and quality of life. The remaining 4% of the funds were invested in agriculture, covering expenses related to seeds and fertilizers. GiveDirectly’s website provides extensive information about research methods and the outcomes of its UBI initiative.
Poverty in Liberia: Education
The numbers were impressive and the first item on Lieberman’s list encouraged the data further, i.e., education. Knowledge is power, an old maxim but a tried and true one. Many of the fears surrounding UBI stem from its longevity and sustainability. Naysayers argue that UBIs in Liberia are short-term fixes, bandaids on a wound that needs direct treatment. Nevertheless, the data from GiveDirectly combats that argument.
Education is among the highest concerns and a statistic continually linked to poverty. Wherever one reads tables and graphs measuring poverty, one also comes across that region’s deficit in educational resources. When it comes to poverty in Liberia, the case is no different. Education contributes more than 25% of the factors governing the country’s overall Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). In layperson’s terms, this means that a significant portion of the general reasons poverty in Liberia rates so high is because of Liberian’s lack of educational resources.
The Good News
On GiveDirectly’s webpage, visitors can discover numerous personal accounts detailing the impact of the organization’s support on education. Jennifer shares her experience of being able to cover her children’s school fees after receiving an initial sum of $111. Sarah recounts how she used $150 to settle school fee debts for her children from previous terms and enable her daughter to obtain certificates, paving the way for her college education. Meanwhile, Masha shares her journey of enrolling in college as a part-time student to pursue a course in masonry.
These stories are regularly updated and showcased in a dynamic feed on GiveDirectly’s website, offering real-time insights into the progress made by individuals. Visitors are encouraged to revisit the site for ongoing updates on GiveDirectly’s UBI initiative and its significant impact on poverty alleviation in Liberia throughout the year.
– Antonio Muhs
Photo: Flickr
The Progress Against Child Poverty in Estonia
Mistreatment
Though the highest rate of those at risk of poverty is consistently older people who live alone, child poverty in Estonia is not absent. The recent at-risk-poverty rate increased the greatest for families with children, specifically those with three or more. As living prices for households continue to rise, particularly in the area of groceries, the at-risk number continues to climb, with the total number of people living in absolute poverty increasing from 18,000 in 2021 to almost 48,000 in 2022.
Many children are placed in state orphanages by the courts and while they may be temporarily placed in foster care, they are often not adopted. The The main reason for this is the significant challenge that foster parents face when caring for a child who has experienced trauma. With such a destabilized and traumatic upbringing, the children are not often given the chances or the tools for proper integration and often turn to delinquency.
Discrimination
On top of this, there is an issue of discrimination when large percentages of the population do not speak Estonian. Much of the population speaks only Russian. Though there are efforts to integrate minorities, they still face struggles in the job market when many professions and employers require that they speak fluent Estonian. This, in turn, creates more hardship for the children of the unemployed and difficulties for their future careers.
The percentage of children living in poverty, whether they are in families or living on their own, may vary over time, but it is a persistent issue that requires attention. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has developed a comprehensive plan to fully realize every child’s rights by 2030. Its data on Estonia indicates that, historically, the efforts employed to address the needs of children who live both in extreme poverty as well as anywhere below the national poverty line have been “average.” For these needs to be met by the 2030 goal, that effort will need to be increased to “very high effort” and “high effort,” respectively.
Encouraging Progress
Despite these hardships, there is still encouraging progress in the fight against child poverty in Estonia. Based on the 2022 Estonian Social Survey, even though the risk of poverty rate has gone up over the last 15 or so years, the absolute poverty rate has rapidly declined along the same timetable, with a spike in 2022 requiring focused effort to flatten out again.
As mentioned, food is one of the most significant factors pushing Estonian families and children into poverty. However, this is being addressed by several efforts to make it more accessible for those in need. One is the Estonian Food Bank, which has been significantly supported by the nonprofit organization Riesenkampff Stiftung. The Riesenkampff Stiftung Foundation was established in 2016 by the Riesenkampffs, a Baltic German family, specifically focusing on charitable and philanthropic initiatives in Estonia.
The Food Bank, established in 2010, works hard to fight poverty and encourage solidarity. Through the efforts of the local government and nearly 300 charity organizations, food is being distributed around the country to those in need by saving and redistributing surplus food, most of which would otherwise go to waste. Since the beginning of its food distribution in 2015, the initiative has provided food for an average of 25,000 people per year, with a large portion of them receiving aid twice a year.
Moving Forward
Unlike other European countries, the percentage of those living below absolute poverty in Estonia is measured, which gives an excellent indication of where the statistics truly lie. Since 2014, child poverty has been on a steady decline. At the same time, more effective family benefits systems have been implemented. A monthly child allowance has been the primary one helping children in poverty in Estonia precisely. Because it is not dependent on family income, it ensures opportunities for every child. With the child allowance, every child is eligible for a monthly allowance until age 16, which extends to 19 if they decide to pursue higher education.
Estonia is a small and often off-the-radar country and its plight, especially that of its children, is real. They face poverty, marginalization and uncertain futures. However, despite these real and present hardships, there is encouraging progress being made in terms of overall poverty in the country, as well as specifically addressing the needs of the children in absolute poverty.
– Isaac Songster
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
SAPA’s Efforts to Enhance Health Care Access in Sudan
Current Events in Sudan
Sudan currently faces a severe civil war that has intensified longstanding poverty challenges, including access to health care, food security and economic stability. These issues have deep roots in Sudan, with significant disparities emerging more than 30 years ago following the creation of the ‘Hamdi Triangle,’ a relatively prosperous area within a day’s travel from Khartoum, amidst widespread poverty.
The effect of this has been to concentrate Sudanese wealth into this relatively small geographical area, with Khartoum receiving as much as 85% of total investment in Sudan in 2007. On top of this, the central government collects 97% of all tax revenue in the country, meaning that states are increasingly reliant on transfers from the central government to maintain the delivery of basic services. The combination of these factors, as well as the civil war, means that living in Sudan is difficult enough, but those far from the capital city suffer especially.
Although SAPA also tackles food insecurity and addresses hygiene deficiencies, this article will focus on how the organization is miraculously increasing health care access in both urban and rural settings, taking targeted action in multiple areas that demand assistance as the war and subsequent humanitarian crisis unfold.
Khartoum
SAPA partnered with Elbuluk Hospital in July 2023 to bolster primary health care and nutrition services for pediatric patients and, ‘as the sole pediatric hospital operating in the region, it has become a lifeline for more than a million people residing, just outside of Khartoum. SAPA’s work attracted UNICEF, which joined the initiative in November 2023, and by December, health care access had already substantially increased, with many children seen for consultations, vaccinations and general checkups.
SAPA also supported the establishment of specialized clinics focusing on diabetic patients and an encompassing approach to pediatric care. These types of initiatives are desperately needed throughout Khartoum, where specialized pediatric and maternal care facilities are increasingly being converted into mass casualty response centers. The Turkish Hospital in southern Khartoum highlighted a significant gap in prenatal, postnatal and vaccination services in late 2023, underscoring the urgent need for such health care provisions.
Northern state
In February 2024, the Sudanese American Physicians Association (SAPA) launched the Provision of Primary Health Care Services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and Host Communities in Northern State – Sudan project, in collaboration with USAID and IOM. Despite Northern State’s low contribution to Sudanese poverty before the conflict, it hosted 403,000 IDPs by February 18, 2024. The influx strains host community health services and raises concerns about increasing food insecurity.
Wad Madani
Another display of forward-thinking by SAPA is the work it is currently undertaking in Wad Madani, Sudan’s second biggest city. The exodus of citizens from Khartoum, as well as other areas of the country, means that there are now nearly 8 million internally displaced individuals. In direct response to the displacement of people from Khartoum to Wad Madani, SAPA established a health center to provide essential care, offering family medicine, pediatric services and gynecology.
With the conflict now raging in the city where the SAPA headquarters are located, the organization finds itself in a challenging position. It is dangerous work for the organization, which remains committed to the health center and several mobile clinics it operates in Wad Madani, even with the possibility of being subject to violence. With at least 60 verified attacks on health care establishments and many humanitarian and health worker deaths during the war, SAPA staff understand the risks of their work.
Looking Ahead
SAPA’s commitment and efforts in Sudan deserve widespread recognition and support. Above all, the organization tirelessly operates across the nation in various capacities, with its staff on the ground facing daily risks to ensure the Sudanese people maintain access to health care.
– Arshiya Eslamdoust
Photo: Unsplash
Positive Updates on SDG 3 in Austria
What Progress Has Austria Made With SDG 3?
SDG 3 is subdivided into smaller health-related objectives tailored to each country’s specific needs, making the broader target more attainable. For Austria, these include decreasing dependency on alcohol and lowering the number of daily smokers. Another aim of SDG 3 is to slow down diagnoses of tuberculosis (TB), an infection of the lungs, on a global scale. In 1989, Austria saw a spike in TB infections, which had to be lowered for better overall health of the country.
Evidence of progress towards reducing TB diagnoses is documented in the Sustainable Development Report, with low disease rates among the population being reported. Additionally, the report notes that this goal will likely be maintained in the future. This is backed up by data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), whose research demonstrates the near eradication of TB, indicating success in improving physical health: a positive update on SDG 3 in Austria.
What Aspects of SDG 3 Require More Improvement?
When reporting updates on SDG 3 in Austria, it is crucial to recognize that there are still some hurdles to overcome. The focus is particularly in the area of addiction. This implies a need for increased efforts to achieve progress within the country’s health sector, specifically in mental health.
More specifically, this manifests as high smoking rates, which, in turn, may lead to further complicated (and long-term) health issues, putting more strain on health care departments. This is also supported by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna, who state that, from 2007 to 2016, “Austria performed poor in implementation of Framework Convention of Tobacco Control,” highlighting the need to lower smoking rates for better health outcomes.
How Can These Areas Be Targeted in the Future?
One nongovernmental organization (NGO), the Austrian Council on Smoking and Health, founded in 1965, does important work promoting anti-smoking projects for the public, such as campaigning for legislation against smoking indoors. This law was then put forward in 2009. The organization is continuing to draw attention to high smoking rates in Austria by targeting younger generations and spreading awareness of the dangers of cigarettes and other popular nicotine products, such as vapes.
Its current approach consists of thinking ahead to create a smoke-free future. Serving as evidence for lowering smoking rates and decreasing the occurrence of nicotine use. The work of this successful independent organization demonstrates that high smoking rates in Austria are likely to decline in the future, thus aligning with the goals of SDG 3.
Final Remark
The updates on SDG 3 in Austria indicate that the country is making positive progress in improving the health and well-being of its population. Moreover, the future of better health in the country looks promising. NGOs are actively addressing current issues in SDG 3. They are accomplishing this by promoting anti-smoking education among the Austrian youth, providing resources to create better health programs and offering motivation schemes to quit smoking.
– Amelie Bunce
Photo: Unsplash
Baby Formula Procurement in Haiti
Breastfeeding can be the difference between life and death for newborn infants in developing countries that suffer from widespread malnutrition. So, when a mother cannot produce milk naturally, it can increase the likelihood of child malnutrition and mortality.
Challenges Obtaining BMS
In countries like Haiti, obtaining essential food can be challenging, let alone breast milk substitutes (BMS). Hence, it is crucial for governments and organizations, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), to ensure the proper allocation of funds for incentives that promote the heightened procurement of essential BMS.
Recently, UNICEF has taken a significant step forward by updating its guidance on the “Procurement and Use of Breast Milk Substitutes in Humanitarian Settings.” This revision has prompted policy changes. It includes a strategic emphasis on supporting infants below 6 in areas with high humanitarian needs.
Haiti
Haiti is a case study that UNICEF has highlighted directly in a recent report on the issues surrounding the importance of baby formula procurement. In 2021, Haiti was struck by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake, resulting in the deaths of 2,200 people and an estimated 650,000 citizens in need of humanitarian assistance.
In relation to a report conducted by the “Haiti Demographic Health Survey'” (DHS) in 2016-17, only 40% of infants aged below 6 months were exclusively breastfed. For comparison, 25% were bottle-fed. Among all children between 6-23 months of age, only 25% received a diet that met the minimum dietary diversity, which means a diet containing all four food groups. Moreover, just 11% of these children received a minimum acceptable diet. It’s important to note that this data was retrieved before the disaster.
After the disaster, many children who were not breastfed were considered at a very high risk. This was mainly due to the damaged water systems. The deaths of many parents left their children particularly vulnerable. In addition, the death of a breastfeeding mother puts significant strain on the nutritional well-being of her child. As a result, there is now greater concern about the increased malnutrition and death rates among these infant demographics.
UNICEF’s Response in Haiti
UNICEF achieved an early response immediately after the earthquake. This was achieved with high levels of cooperation from the Haitian government, detailing a precise nutrition plan a week after the disaster. The organization’s BMS procurement was swift and, due to internal quality checks, allowed for the distribution of high-quality BMS and RUIF (Ready to Use Infant Formula). Extensive training was also provided to health care workers to ensure that mothers, caregivers and infants had the proper support.
However, despite these achievements, some key challenges that UNICEF recognizes need to be addressed. Despite a swift response, some BMS distribution delay was encountered due to shipping constraints. A notable security situation in Port-au-Prince delayed the training of healthcare workers at the national level. UNICEF outlines in its report many of these challenges so that they can be analyzed and solutions implemented. The report not only chronicles the life-saving interventions that UNICEF makes in countries like Haiti, which desperately need humanitarian aid but also highlights the importance of baby formula procurement in Haiti and across the developing world.
– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Wikipedia Commons
Improving Primary School Teaching Deployment in Zambia
The Government of Zambia has made the strengthening of recruitment and placement of teachers a key priority within the Ministry of Education (MoE). As such it has committed to the deployment of tens of thousands of new teachers across the country.
Key findings of the report
UNICEF outlines key findings during its analysis of the current education system of Zambia:
Recommendations for Policymakers
UNICEF has also outlined some key recommendations for dealing with the problems associated with the key findings of its report:
Looking Forward
The Zambian government estimates a need for more than 115,000 more teachers to serve primary-level students adequately. UNICEF hopes its report and recommendations will support the country’s efforts to meet this critical demand for teaching deployment in Zambia.
– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr
Disability and Poverty in Vietnam
Poverty in Vietnam
While Vietnam has dramatically reduced its malnutrition rate since 2004, an unfinished agenda remains. While making strides, the present social protection system reveals inherent gaps in cohesiveness, marked by limited coverage and benefits lacking in progressiveness and child sensitivity. As a result, the system cannot address the multiple disadvantages and vulnerabilities affecting children’s well-being.
Reports on development in Vietnam highlight a noteworthy disparity in poverty rates between the majority of Kinh people, constituting more than 88% of the population and ethnic minorities, comprising less than 15%. The poverty rate among the Kinh population in Vietnam stands at a mere 2.9%, showcasing a relatively favorable economic situation. However, a stark contrast emerges among ethnic minorities, where nearly half grapple with the harsh realities of poverty.
Social Protection
For decades, UNICEF has been steadfast in its mission to advance the rights and well-being of the world’s most marginalized and excluded children. This includes those with disabilities. With a dedicated commitment to securing the full realization of their human rights, UNICEF strives to create environments that uphold quality and inclusiveness. The organization is committed to its pursuit of a world where children, irrespective of disabilities, can thrive, liberated from the shackles of discrimination, stigma, exclusion and violence.
In alignment with this vision, UNICEF actively supports governments, notably in developing child-sensitive social protection systems. This strategic involvement seeks to lay the foundation for a framework that not only safeguards the rights of every child but also addresses the unique needs and challenges faced by those with disabilities.
Children with disabilities are one of the most excluded and marginalized groups. They often face multiple challenges in realizing their human rights. However, UNICEF, through its Disability Inclusion Policy and Strategy (DIPAS) initiative, has committed to “delivering disability-inclusive support and services for children in their communities,” including those in Vietnam. In 2022, the initiative reached 4.5 million children with disabilities across 142 nations, ensuring “every child has the support they need to be healthy, educated, respected and protected.”
Final Remark
Inclusion of all children with disabilities is one of the goals to achieve sustainable development. To achieve this objective, it is imperative to fortify legal, policy and institutional frameworks when embarking on national social protection reforms, using universal and life-cycle approaches. This strategic approach ensures that the diverse needs of children at different stages of life are comprehensively addressed. The work of UNICEF in Vietnam has led to the development of a child protection system that serves the interests of all children, particularly the most vulnerable.
– An Tran
Photo: Unsplash
Aid Organizations in the Middle East
Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD)
Since 1971, more than AED 52.7 billion has been donated to finance projects in Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, Egypt and other Middle Eastern countries by the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD). The headquarters are in Abu Dhabi, and the central focus is to help such countries reach sustainable growth and reduce poverty. ADFD values include cooperativeness, creativity, competency and commitment.
One way the ADFD helps is through renewable energy, it has an allegiance with the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) to promote the widespread use of renewable energy. ADFD is also a provider of sovereign loans that meet the requirements of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
The ADFD Success Story in Egypt
Egypt is one example of a poor nation in the Middle East, and has been a key focus of ADFD since 1974. Its capital Cairo has faced big issues with overpopulation. To curb these struggles, ADFD helped to construct a new city, named Sheikh Zayed City in Egypt in 1995. It provided Egypt with a grant of AED 735 million to facilitate this, and the city now attracts a plethora of tourists from all over the world. More than 70 projects in Egypt including sectors such as agriculture, electricity and water, social and health services, housing, industrial and transportation have been supported by ADFD. Egypt has received a total of AED 4 billion in total aid from ADFD till now.
Project Hope
Since its formation in 1958, Project Hope has worked alongside the Middle East to build skills among citizens and provide humanitarian care for refugees residing in Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Turkey. It works on the front lines by partnering with health care workers and health facilities, as well as working with public health systems to make long-term changes.
Project Hope Success Story in Syria
Syria’s civil war has been one of the world’s most renowned humanitarian crises. More than 12 million people are suffering from food insecurity since 2011, and millions are internally displaced.
In addition to war, climate shocks have contributed to poverty in Syria. In 2023, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck, killing around 6,000 Syrians and wounding many. After mere hours of the earthquake, Project HOPE activated its Emergency Response Team to provide essential items to those affected, despite difficulties due to the aftershock. HOPE has implemented personnel on the grounds to harmonize a long-term humanitarian response in these surrounding regions.
Project HOPE has teamed with local committees to implement shelter, mental health, mobile medical unit (MMU) and WASH programs. It has identified immense MHPSS [Mental health and psychosocial support] needs for survivors dealing with the long-term impacts of trauma. In northwest Syria, Project HOPE is supporting the nonprofit organization Sened Dernegi in efforts to provide MHPSS post-earthquake destruction.
It has also partnered with Syrian Relief and Development. It supports two mobile medical units in Azaz and Daret Azza districts in Syria. Each unit offers consultations to citizens, whether internally displaced or host residents. Services include reproductive and pediatric health care and nonspecialized mental health care integration. 8412 consultations were offered between March and June 2023 to the earthquake survivors.
Looking Ahead
These aid organizations in the Middle East are setting the tone for a brighter future. Investing in the Middle East is important, as geopolitical conflict has affected levels of tourism, which was once heavily relied on by these regions. Even outside of the main crisis states, such as Syria, Libya and Yemen, poverty remains through the aftermath such as sanctions and fewer investments.
– Sepy Akbarian
Photo: Unsplash
Ukraine Promotes Human Welfare
In addition, the German Federal Foreign Office bases its actions on key humanitarian principles: humanity, impartiality, neutrality and independence. These principles emphasize the importance of aiding individuals based on their needs without influence from political, military, economic, or other agendas, ensuring assistance is purely humanitarian.
Engineering the Donation
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), the German Federal Foreign Office and the Grain from Ukraine program all maintain political neutrality in their donation efforts. Above all, its primary goal is saving lives and alleviating suffering through humanitarian aid. These efforts aim to underscore the importance of foreign aid and advocacy from one nation to another, focusing on the critical need for continued support.
Data Determines Need
The IPC is a multi-partner program that works to improve food security and perform nutrition analysis. This program analyzes situations of need, adheres to the Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO) process and shares data. Data from the IPC is then utilized by the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP). The decision-makers like the IPC Acute Food Insecurity (AFI) and HRP use this information to address the situation of food insecurity.
Furthermore, the IPC uses five categories to identify areas of need: minimal/none, stressed, crisis, emergency and catastrophe/famine. The category designation guides decision-makers in prioritizing assistance and intervention efforts on global, regional, or national levels.
Improving Human Welfare
More than 25 million people in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad are facing a severe food security crisis. In Sudan alone, 5 million out of 18 million are experiencing emergency levels of hunger. In addition, the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) reports that a shipment of 7,600 tonnes of wheat flour will provide a month’s sustenance for one million people. Arriving in Port Sudan, this wheat flour, distributed by WFP trucks, is crucial for families, especially during May’s “lean season” when food scarcity intensifies.
Moreover, Eddie Rowe became WFP’s Country Director for Sudan in March 2021, overseeing Emergency and Natural Disaster operations, including in Sudan. Rowe expressed, “This donation will enable WFP to support people whose lives have been completely upended. We are deeply grateful to Ukraine and Germany for supporting the Sudanese people in their greatest hour of need.”
Looking Forward
The Grain from Ukraine initiative, backed by the German Federal Foreign Office, is a beacon of hope for millions facing food insecurity in Sudan, South Sudan and Chad. Through collaborative international efforts, this program not only provides essential sustenance but also embodies the spirit of human welfare and solidarity across borders. The commitment to neutrality and impartiality ensures that aid reaches those most in need, free from external agendas.
Above all, as these endeavors progress, they highlight the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in addressing global hunger crises. The partnership between nations like Ukraine and Germany, alongside organizations such as the WFP, sets a precedent for future humanitarian collaborations. Looking ahead, the continued support and generosity of the international community remain vital in combating hunger and building a more secure, nourished world.
– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Flickr
Maternal Mortality in Burundi
Maternal Mortality in Burundi: Risks and Barriers
Out of 1,000 girls ages 15-19, only 54 of those girls gave birth in Burundi in 2021. Girls who give birth between 15-19 are at a much greater risk for postpartum hemorrhaging, poor fetal growth, eclampsia, severe preeclampsia and fetal distress. Moreover, some reasons girls get pregnant young are because of poor communities, adolescent illiteracy, early marriage and lack of knowledge of any contraceptive methods. Unfortunately, the high number of girls ages 15-19 giving birth in Burundi contributes to the high number of maternal deaths.
Furthermore, pregnant women who are infected with HIV are at an increased risk for stillbirths, preterm labor, bacterial pneumonia, abortion, low birth weight babies and urinary tract infections, all of which can lead to a high rate of maternal mortality in Burundi. Moreover, women do not have access to adequate birth and health centers, here are three main reasons why mothers lack access:
In addition, it can be very hard for mothers to get the care they need if they cannot afford it, cannot travel to it, or if health centers do not have trained health care workers. This leads to a higher maternal mortality rate in the nation.
3 Organizations Reducing Maternal Mortality in Burundi
Looking Forward
Burundi is making strides toward improving maternal health, thanks to the concerted efforts of organizations like UNICEF, Concern Worldwide USA and Pathfinder. Moreover, these groups are not only enhancing access to quality health care but are also empowering communities with the knowledge and resources to tackle maternal mortality head-on. Above all, as these initiatives continue to expand and evolve, there is a growing sense of optimism that Burundi can further reduce maternal mortality rates, paving the way for healthier futures for mothers and their children.
– Abby Trussell
Photo: Unsplash