In developed countries, it can be easy to forget how invaluable a tool the internet can be in improving the everyday lives of people. In Georgia, revolutionary online programs are changing the ways that many people learn, earn and live. Almost 40% of Georgians live in rural areas, of which 27.5% are estimated to be living below the poverty line. For many of these people, unreliable access to transport, unpredictable weather and distance from urban areas make access to many services near-impossible. Internet-based innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia are proving to be beneficial in many different ways.
Education
Digital tools provide access to education for many Georgians, including both school children and adults. In rural areas, the rate of children completing high school is around 50%, significantly lower than that of children in urban areas (74%). This education gap is even more significant between the wealthy and poor, with the completion rate for the richest being more than double that of the poorest.
Educare Georgia is an initiative which aims to provide free access to global educational resources for Georgians. By translating more than 4,000 lessons from Khan Academy – a free source for lessons in subjects such as mathematics and science – Educare Georgia has helped connect many Georgian children to a more expansive way of learning.
Giveinternet.org is another initiative that Educare Georgia started. This service aims to provide internet access and devices to children in underserved communities and settlements for Internally Displaced Persons. What began as a project to help Georgian children has expanded to help children in other poverty-ridden countries, such as Malawi and Uganda. At present, 2,899 children in remote and marginalized areas have been provided with reliable access to the internet, ensuring equal educational opportunities.
Real-Time Jobs for Youth is another online educational project in Georgia, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UNICEF. It aims to provide young people from state care or marginalized backgrounds with free education on coding, digital marketing and design, as well as online freelance work. This has helped to greatly improve job opportunities for many young people. These programs are crucial innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, allowing children of all backgrounds to receive a proper education.
Health and Social Care
Internet connectivity has had a major impact on health care accessibility in Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of Georgia’s rural population found themselves unable to access proper health care. Many people live in mountainous regions where reliable transport is scarce and the weather can be extremely unpredictable. The vast majority of doctors in Georgia are based in Tbilisi and other urban areas, while most urban regions are critically underserved. This is especially true when it comes to the distribution of specialists, such as obstetricians and pediatricians.
A huge telemedicine initiative sought to provide improved health care to these remote areas, and the project has continued expanding since the end of the pandemic. In Georgia, approximately 93% of deaths are the result of non-communicable diseases. By providing video consultations, remote diagnostics and improving the communication methods between local doctors and specialists, many people now have access to health care and expertise which was formerly out-of-reach. One example of this improved healthcare is the more than 3,000 women now registered for cervical, breast and thyroid cancer screenings, hopefully resulting in the prevention of many deaths.
GeorgiaUnify
This expansion in online services and tools has also expanded into social care. GeorgiaUnify, a social care integration platform, developed by the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), enables better communication between health care providers and social services. As stated above, much of Georgia’s rural population are unable to access or do not have transport in order to use many services. As a result, medical referrals for social care services do not always receive attention, and peoples’ situations do not improve. GeorgiaUnify notifies all parties involved of the referral, ensuring a better service. Data is also shared with local Community-Based Organizations, providing more information on housing stability, food security and transportation in order for people to access any services as easily as possible.
Agriculture
Agriculture employs around 38% of Georgia’s workforce, yet only makes up around 6-8% of Georgia’s GDP, demonstrating that many farms are underperforming or otherwise making little money. Platforms such as AgroMap, which Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture developed, offer satellite imaging, crop analysis and weather forecasting. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions, improving yields and reducing costs. AgroMap also helps farmers access other business contacts and other support services.
The agriculture extension is another digital platform for farmers, enabling them to access online training and an electronic library of information. Farmers are now able to educate themselves on up-to-date techniques and have a better understanding of the market.
Digital tools also help with land management, irrigation planning and pest control. As a result, agricultural productivity has increased in regions where internet access is reliable, helping with the food security and economic stability of many rural communities. These support systems and data platforms are examples of practical innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, granting a significant source of employment the chance to thrive.
Expanding Georgia’s Internet Access
The cornerstone of these advancements is the expansion of internet infrastructure. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) is a $1.3 billion grant to expand internet access to reach all regions of Georgia. The program prioritizes communities that are currently unserved or underserved, promoting economic growth, improved education and training and access to services such as the ones listed above.
The initiative to expand access to the internet in Georgia is about much more than simply getting a 4G signal – it expands the opportunities and helps to improve the health, wealth and education of many communities. Many of Georgia’s most poverty-stricken are now able to get the tools needed to build a brighter future for themselves.
– Reuben Avis-Anciano
Reuben is based in Oxfordshire, UK and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
How Internet Access Is Driving Poverty Eradication in Georgia
Education
Digital tools provide access to education for many Georgians, including both school children and adults. In rural areas, the rate of children completing high school is around 50%, significantly lower than that of children in urban areas (74%). This education gap is even more significant between the wealthy and poor, with the completion rate for the richest being more than double that of the poorest.
Educare Georgia is an initiative which aims to provide free access to global educational resources for Georgians. By translating more than 4,000 lessons from Khan Academy – a free source for lessons in subjects such as mathematics and science – Educare Georgia has helped connect many Georgian children to a more expansive way of learning.
Giveinternet.org is another initiative that Educare Georgia started. This service aims to provide internet access and devices to children in underserved communities and settlements for Internally Displaced Persons. What began as a project to help Georgian children has expanded to help children in other poverty-ridden countries, such as Malawi and Uganda. At present, 2,899 children in remote and marginalized areas have been provided with reliable access to the internet, ensuring equal educational opportunities.
Real-Time Jobs for Youth is another online educational project in Georgia, supported by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and UNICEF. It aims to provide young people from state care or marginalized backgrounds with free education on coding, digital marketing and design, as well as online freelance work. This has helped to greatly improve job opportunities for many young people. These programs are crucial innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, allowing children of all backgrounds to receive a proper education.
Health and Social Care
Internet connectivity has had a major impact on health care accessibility in Georgia. During the COVID-19 pandemic, much of Georgia’s rural population found themselves unable to access proper health care. Many people live in mountainous regions where reliable transport is scarce and the weather can be extremely unpredictable. The vast majority of doctors in Georgia are based in Tbilisi and other urban areas, while most urban regions are critically underserved. This is especially true when it comes to the distribution of specialists, such as obstetricians and pediatricians.
A huge telemedicine initiative sought to provide improved health care to these remote areas, and the project has continued expanding since the end of the pandemic. In Georgia, approximately 93% of deaths are the result of non-communicable diseases. By providing video consultations, remote diagnostics and improving the communication methods between local doctors and specialists, many people now have access to health care and expertise which was formerly out-of-reach. One example of this improved healthcare is the more than 3,000 women now registered for cervical, breast and thyroid cancer screenings, hopefully resulting in the prevention of many deaths.
GeorgiaUnify
This expansion in online services and tools has also expanded into social care. GeorgiaUnify, a social care integration platform, developed by the Georgia Health Information Network (GaHIN), enables better communication between health care providers and social services. As stated above, much of Georgia’s rural population are unable to access or do not have transport in order to use many services. As a result, medical referrals for social care services do not always receive attention, and peoples’ situations do not improve. GeorgiaUnify notifies all parties involved of the referral, ensuring a better service. Data is also shared with local Community-Based Organizations, providing more information on housing stability, food security and transportation in order for people to access any services as easily as possible.
Agriculture
Agriculture employs around 38% of Georgia’s workforce, yet only makes up around 6-8% of Georgia’s GDP, demonstrating that many farms are underperforming or otherwise making little money. Platforms such as AgroMap, which Georgia’s Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture developed, offer satellite imaging, crop analysis and weather forecasting. This data helps farmers make more informed decisions, improving yields and reducing costs. AgroMap also helps farmers access other business contacts and other support services.
The agriculture extension is another digital platform for farmers, enabling them to access online training and an electronic library of information. Farmers are now able to educate themselves on up-to-date techniques and have a better understanding of the market.
Digital tools also help with land management, irrigation planning and pest control. As a result, agricultural productivity has increased in regions where internet access is reliable, helping with the food security and economic stability of many rural communities. These support systems and data platforms are examples of practical innovations in poverty eradication in Georgia, granting a significant source of employment the chance to thrive.
Expanding Georgia’s Internet Access
The cornerstone of these advancements is the expansion of internet infrastructure. The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) is a $1.3 billion grant to expand internet access to reach all regions of Georgia. The program prioritizes communities that are currently unserved or underserved, promoting economic growth, improved education and training and access to services such as the ones listed above.
The initiative to expand access to the internet in Georgia is about much more than simply getting a 4G signal – it expands the opportunities and helps to improve the health, wealth and education of many communities. Many of Georgia’s most poverty-stricken are now able to get the tools needed to build a brighter future for themselves.
– Reuben Avis-Anciano
Photo: Unsplash
Tackling Poverty: Entrepreneurs in Djibouti
Djibouti thus remains one of France’s last military strongholds on the continent, following the recent withdrawals from Mali and Burkina Faso in 2022 and 2023, respectively. Beyond the military influence that France still exerts, a reliance on imports into Djibouti raises issues of autonomy. The World Food Program (WFP) reports that Djibouti imports 90% of its food, leaving the country vulnerable to fluctuations in global prices, which can significantly affect a Djiboutian’s food purchasing power.
Entrepreneurs in Djibouti
Although starting a new business is not a rapid solution to a problem as critical as food insecurity, it allows entrepreneurs in Djibouti to take control of their future and offers a level of dignity that is not always possible in countries that face difficult circumstances.
As of 2021, the World Bank’s portfolio in Djibouti came to the sum of $248 million, which went towards urban poverty reduction through community development as well as social safety nets and private sector development.
The Regional Director for the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in East Africa, Jumoke Jagun-Dokunmu, stated that the private sector is a key driver for reducing poverty in Djibouti and the IFC, together with the World Ban,k is exploring “opportunities to support reforms that will improve Djibouti’s business environment and investment climate.”
People and Projects in Djibouti
As of 2023, the Djibouti Social Development Agency and Centre for Leadership and Entrepreneurship – part of a World Bank-financed initiative – has launched the Youth Entrepreneurship Training Program (FORJE), which aims to alleviate poverty and create a ripple effect in communities with high unemployment. In 2023, estimates suggested that 79% of youth in Djibouti were without work, and for women, that figure was at 74%; hence, the need for income generation within communities that are on the periphery of government support.
The FORJE program provides 2,300 microbusinesses access to developmental services like accounting, marketing and capital. For Mouna Yacin Abdillahi, from Dikhil in South-Western Djibouti, her small restaurant business has transformed her family’s life: “The FORJE program gave me an opportunity, a reason to get up every morning, and for that I thank the creators of the program. I feel useful to the community.”
For recipients of the FORJE grants and services, the benefits go far beyond a material improvement in daily life. For Mouna, the program has empowered her and given her a sense of purpose in a community where her job prospects would have been few otherwise.
The Future
Hopefully, more programs financed by international organizations such as the World Bank will start to appear in other parts of Africa that face high levels of unemployment and poverty. Although entrepreneurship is not always the quickest solution to alleviating poverty, a combination of humanitarian aid packages and commercial training programs provides a strong base to economically regenerate communities as well as grant autonomy and dignity to beneficiaries.
– Alfie Williams-Hughes
Photo: Flickr
Everything to Know About Poverty in Ukraine
Ukraine is actively building and laying the foundation for a better future. International organizations, local NGOs, as well as government efforts are proving that even in the darkest of times, change is feasible. When exploring everything you need to know about poverty in Ukraine, it becomes clear that despite ongoing adversity, progress is taking root in multiple areas of Ukrainian society.
Understanding Poverty in Ukraine
As of 2023, more than 29%% of Ukraine’s population, about 9 million people, lived in poverty. This number rose drastically amid the war with Russia. Since 2020, an additional 1.8 million Ukrainians have fallen into poverty due to widespread job losses and a collapsing economy. One in five adults who had employment before the invasion are now without work, and nearly a quarter of households reported struggling to afford food in June 2023. Conditions would be far worse without international aid. Especially for the United States, which has helped fund critical public services like pensions and salaries for teachers and doctors. The war has deepened economic instability, pushing many working-class families closer to the margins of survival.
Poverty in Ukraine hits families with children the hardest, especially those with four or more children. These families face poverty rates of more than 80% and children are more likely than adults to live in poor conditions. This puts their education and development at risk. Still, the Ukrainian government has kept most health clinics open and helped nearly 89% of students keep learning, often online. Social support, like steady pension payments, has helped many families survive and avoid even worse hardship.
Global Aid Drives Impact
In late 2024, the World Bank approved more than $2 billion in financial support for Ukraine. This initiative aims to stabilize the economy and fund essential public services. It introduces key reforms that improve transparency, expand the use of renewable energy and strengthen agricultural production, which is a considerable resolve for Ukraine.
Under the THRIVE project, to boost Ukraine’s health system, a separate $454 million package is being used. The initiative aims to improve efficiency and quality of public health care spending by strengthening national health services and expanding access for underserved communities.
Humanitarian Efforts to Address Poverty in Ukraine
In addition to major international funding, the civil society of Ukraine is playing a critical role in local recovery efforts. Razom, a U.S.-based nonprofit founded by Ukrainian immigrants, continues to make a significant impact. In 2023, the organization awarded more than $3 million in grants, reaching more than 330,000 people with support for food, shelter, education and attention to mental and trauma care.
Meanwhile, a leading example of trauma recovery emerges as the Superhumans Center located in Lviv is observed. Since its launch in April 2023, the facility has treated more than 1,000 amputees, a majority being treated for war injuries, being provided with prosthetics, reconstructive surgery and physiological care. It stands as a symbol of resilience and hope, making it more than a medical center.
Understanding poverty in Ukraine means recognizing how both global and local actions are addressing not just economic hardship, but also the human and emotional costs of conflict. These combined efforts are helping restore lives and rebuild communities.
While poverty remains a reality for many Ukrainians, structural progress is underway. In 2024, grain and oilseed exports increased by 20%, and more than 75% of export operations resumed though Black Sea ports, an essential lifeline for the nation’s economy.
The government continues to improve digital infrastructure, expanding access to online services. For the fourth consecutive year, more government websites have met accessibility standards, allowing a greater number of Ukrainians, including those with disabilities, to access essential information and services.
Looking Ahead
Addressing poverty in Ukraine involves more than statistics. It is about the strength of people and institutions forging a path forward. While poverty remains a pressing issue, Ukraine’s path forward is progressively defined by recovery and renewal rather than survival. Efforts to rebuild a strong and inclusive society are in progress, supported by steady advantage in health care, education and economic infrastructure. Although these developments may unfold indistinctly, they are consistent and measurable. From a noticeable increase in clinics to rising export numbers, the country is making true advancements. For many Ukrainians, that gradual progress signals a shift towards stability and hope.
– Vasara Mikulevicius
Photo: Unsplash
TB in India: Fighting a Poverty-Driven Epidemic
How Poverty Fuels Tuberculosis
India’s long-standing struggle with TB is closely tied to socioeconomic conditions. Families living in poverty often lack access to education, health services and basic sanitation. These ongoing challenges heighten the risk of infection and limit recovery. In recent decades, diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS and COVID-19 have similarly exposed how poverty worsens public health outcomes. Although conditions have not improved overnight, recent data shows progress. Between 2017 and 2022, India’s life expectancy and public health infrastructure improved steadily. The government and international partners have worked to strengthen the country’s TB response through increased funding and better community outreach.
Building Resilience Through Partnerships
Multiple global and domestic organizations have joined India’s fight against TB. These include the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP), the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and SHARE INDIA. Together, they launched targeted programs such as TB Mukt Bharat (TB-Free India) to improve diagnosis, prevention and treatment. The CDC’s Expand ELEVATE (E2) Project, for example, trained more than 3,000 data analysts in India. These professionals help health authorities track TB outbreaks and respond quickly. The project’s reach now includes more than 600 million people and plays a vital role in India’s health system resilience.
Innovation Driving Change
India has adopted new technologies to diagnose TB faster and monitor cases more effectively. These improvements allow health care workers to detect infections earlier, especially among HIV-positive patients, who face a higher risk and deliver treatment before complications arise. At the 2018 End TB Summit in Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi committed to eliminating TB in India by 2025, five years ahead of the global goal at the time. Since then, the Indian government has increased investments in health care infrastructure and accelerated the rollout of new medical technologies.
Looking Forward
India’s TB response now serves as a model for other countries. The World Health Organization’s Global Tuberculosis Report predicts a 90–95% drop in TB mortality by 2035. Ongoing efforts to test, treat and prevent TB continue to save lives and reduce economic strain on vulnerable communities. By aligning policy, technology and community outreach, India shows that ending TB is within reach. With continued support from both national and international partners, the country moves closer to its goal of a TB-free future—one where poverty no longer determines health outcomes.
– Melody Aminian
Photo: Flickr
The Impact of Global Health Equity on Poverty in Kenya
Progress Through Global Health Initiatives
Kenya, with a rapidly growing population, is currently home to more than 57 million people. There are still significant social disparities between the rural and urban areas, as 85% of all poor people live in rural areas, while the majority of the urban poor live in slums. Achieving global health equity requires expanding access to clinics, life-saving medicines and trained health professionals.
Over the past two decades, various global health equity initiatives have improved the health landscape in Kenya. The government, supported by international organizations, has focused on preventing and treating infectious diseases like HIV/AIDS. Programs such as PEPFAR (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief), USAID and the World Health Organization (WHO) expanded access to clinics, medicines and trained professionals. These ongoing efforts have significantly improved health outcomes for citizens, leading to a reduction in poverty in Kenya.
Health Access and Economic Growth
Increased access to health care directly correlates with economic growth. Currently, the Kenyan economy is dominated by agriculture and informal micro-enterprises, which do not provide workers with any health coverage. Workers who cannot afford or access medical care often lose valuable workdays due to illness. Inadequate health care services exacerbate the effects of the epidemic diseases plaguing the nation. The inability to treat these diseases early on leads to increased medical costs. People suffer needlessly, children are too sick to go to school and the nation’s overall well-being and economy are affected, creating a vicious cycle of poverty in Kenya that cannot be stopped without health interventions.
HIV/AIDS: Evolution of Global Health Equity
Kenya’s efforts against HIV/AIDS offer an example of how targeted global health interventions can transform a nation’s future. In the late 1990s, HIV prevalence in Kenya was at an all-time high. By 1997, about 37% of men and 45% of women with a sexually transmitted infection also tested positive for HIV. Societal stigma and the high cost of ART limited access to treatment, while the country’s health care system struggled to manage the growing number of cases. This resulted in high mortality rates and large numbers of orphaned children.
To combat the crisis, international organizations began funding HIV relief efforts in Kenya. Groups such as PEPFAR, the Global Fund and USAID increased access to HIV testing, distributed ART and launched education campaigns. As of 2023, around 1.3 million Kenyans were receiving life-saving antiretroviral therapy.
Productivity Gains and Innovations in HIV Treatment
Modern ART has led to improvements in health and productivity for people living with HIV. A significant benefit has been an increase in the country’s productivity. In two studies focusing on agricultural workers in Kenya, researchers found that workers on ART doubled the number of days they could work each month. Participants also showed a 20% increase in labor force participation and a 35% increase in hours worked. These findings demonstrate the economic value of accessible health interventions.
Dr. Ann Kurth, an epidemiologist and leader in global health systems, spoke with The Borgen Project about Kenya’s progress. “Antiretrovirals came to sub-Saharan Africa and made transformative difference,” she said. “Health system strengthening by PEPFAR funding got you 26 million lives saved. Workforce training helped community health workers screen and test people for HIV in people’s homes with oral tests. We did a lot of self-testing in Kenya. These are innovations that were not the norm, but it helped people identify if they had HIV and get treated earlier.”
Equity and Inclusion in Health Care
Despite many advancements in global health equity in Kenya, significant challenges persist. Rural areas continue to struggle with shortages of medical professionals, transportation barriers and inadequate health care infrastructure. Shifting donor priorities can also affect long-term funding. Dr. Kurth emphasized the need for gender equity in care and research. Historically, clinical trials have underrepresented women and ignored key differences in how diseases and treatments affect them. “Women have not always been represented in clinical trials. A lot of assumptions about clinical practice are based on an assumption of it being a male body. There needs to be more gender representation in research and clinical services and not think of women as just about childbearing.”
Looking Ahead
Kenya’s commitment to improving health care access offers a model for other countries facing poverty. Strategic partnerships with international organizations have saved lives, built community resilience and contributed to reducing poverty in Kenya. Continued investment in health infrastructure, gender-inclusive research and rural outreach could be essential. As Dr. Kurth concluded, “We’ve been able to see major investments in the last couple of decades… That led to incredible child survival, maternal mortality improvements, increases in income and some advances in gender equality.”
– Rafe Photopoulos
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Togo
Renewable Energy in Togo
Togo commenced its largest solar PV Plant in the country, a 50 megawatt facility, aiming to help around 158,000 families by helping them overcome poverty. This special landmark initiative was developed under the support of AMEA Togo Solar, with crucial financial backing from both the African Development Bank and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development. The Solar PV tracks solar energy, boosting the flow of solar panels aimed at tracking the sun’s course. The plant receives most of its energy from Togo’s neighboring countries, Ghana and Nigeria. Their goal was to expand renewable energy to about 8 million people in the country.
A joint partnership between the African Development Bank and the European Union funded Solar Irrigation Systems, aiming to improve the quality of life in 500 impoverished rural regions. Together, both raised a considerable amount of $11.68 million for this vital project. Because of this, in September 2023, the companies implemented 122 solar water heaters and 153 surface pumps for farmers.
The irrigation pumps progress agricultural sustenance with the accessibility of water to grow plants and maintain harvest fields. Irrigation pumps advance agricultural sustenance by providing essential water for plant growth and crop maintenance. These are vital tools which allow farmers to produce food for communities in Togo. Their role highlights the link through technological innovation and global food scarcity.
Cultivating Change
Communaute Electrique du Benin created the Nangbeto Hydropower Plant Project in Plateaux, Togo. The 65.5 million watt hydraulic plant was inaugurated in 1984. Its main purpose was to keep track of 170,000 or more global power plants. It still performs an active role today and is undergoing modernized improvements, like refurbished turbines and upgraded cooling systems. This is to help continue its progress for another 30 years. This will primarily distribute electricity throughout the region and expand its power supply.
Togo is carefully working to advance its strategic investments in renewable energy. Projects like the Solar PV, solar irrigation systems, and the Nangbeto Hydropower Plant scores Togo’s commitment to expanding its electricity access. These initiatives highlight Togo’s steady approach to renewable energy development. Togo appears to be moving in a positive direction for its future.
– Janae Bayford
Photo: Flickr
Addressing HIV/AIDS in Morocco
The Prevalence of HIV/AIDS in Morocco
As of 2024, the number of people living with HIV in Morocco stands at 23,000. About 5.9% of HIV/AIDS cases are men who engage in sexual relationships with other men (MSM), 7.1% are drug users and 2.3% are sex workers. The socio-political climate of Morocco still subjects these populations to extreme levels of discrimination, which often prevents them from seeking treatment. Additionally, 9% of Morocco’s population live currently in poverty. These difficult conditions, alongside the prevalence of sex tourism and human trafficking, mean there are an estimated 4.3 million sex workers living in Morocco, 2.3% of whom (knowingly) suffer from HIV.
The prevalence of drug users is also intertwined with national poverty, with economic stress forcing many to turn to substance abuse as a form of relief. The country’s lack of free health care also stands as a barrier to impoverished individuals accessing diagnoses and treatment, further increasing the risk of infection for those affected. Offering schemes to help alleviate the pressure of national poverty may prevent those it affects from turning to high-risk modes of employment and dangerous drug use, while making treatment accessible to those unable to afford healthcare bills.
Breaking Down the Stigma
In comparison to other Middle Eastern and North African countries, the rate of HIV/AIDS among the population is relatively low. This is due to Morocco’s unmatched ability in implementing testing, diagnoses and treatment programs within its vulnerable communities.
Thanks to the introduction of self-testing methods, the population now have access to a more discreet method of diagnosis. However, hospitals must still confirm tests offering positive results, limiting their anonymity and leading to a relatively low use rate.
Morocco’s ban on homosexuality, sex work and injection drugs, alongside general societal disapproval, means that many people who engage in these activities do not attempt to seek treatment for HIV/AIDS.
In 2024 at the Taragalte Festival, Moroccan artist OUM announced that she would be ascending to the role of National Goodwill Ambassador in Morocco for UNAIDS. As a popular artist and social influencer, OUM’s work in spreading awareness and encouraging education about HIV prevention will be vital in breaking down the intense stigma surrounding the illness. UNAIDS foresaw that OUM’s efforts in erasing negative narratives via her public influence would improve access to HIV/AIDS preventative knowledge, diagnoses and treatment, particularly among high-risk communities in Morocco.
The US’s Impact
The U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), a campaign aimed at controlling the international HIV/AIDS epidemic, does not currently practice in Morocco. This means the country does not have access to U.S. funded resources that could have a significant impact on HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment and, due to the nation’s lower economic status, could not be financed by only their government. PEPFAR supports communities most vulnerable to the illness and with high-risk populations making up the majority of diagnoses in Morocco, the U.S. Department of State’s assistance could offer profound assistance in curbing the epidemic where it is most rife.
HIV/AIDS in Morocco is preventable. Governmental strategies to combat the disease and its often poverty-rooted causes are already having a profound impact on decreasing its prevalence in the country. However, the epidemic requires further action to achieve total eradication. Reducing societal stigma is an important aspect of making treatment more accessible, but assisting those in poverty, through Moroccan and U.S. funded support, to obtain affordable healthcare schemes and engage in lower-risk lifestyles is by far the most crucial method of ending HIV/AIDS in Morocco for good.
– Amabel Smith
Photo: Unsplash
Malnutrition in Guatemala
The Current Situation of Hunger in Guatemala
Since 1960, Guatemala has struggled with high levels of food insecurity. At that time, 60% of children under 5 suffered from stunting. By 2023, that figure dropped to 46.5%, an improvement of just 0.21 percentage points per year over six decades. This slow progress reflects deep-rooted challenges. Malnutrition severely limits brain development in children, reducing educational outcomes and increasing vulnerability to illness. According to Seeds for a Future, malnourished parents often pass on these disadvantages to their children, reinforcing the cycle of poverty across generations.
More than 2.9 million Guatemalans face crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity. Migrant flows also strain resources, with 223,000 people passing through the country between January and September 2024. Many of these individuals require food assistance, emergency nutrition and protection during their transit. Without swift humanitarian support, vulnerable populations face rising health risks. Aid groups urge donors to fund safe transit points and deliver nutritional support to prevent widespread health consequences.
Understanding the Root Causes
Systemic poverty continues to drive hunger in Guatemala. Environmental shocks, especially in the Dry Corridor, worsen the crisis. Many families rely on agriculture to survive, but droughts and erratic weather often destroy crops and slash incomes. As food prices rise and yields drop, households face greater difficulty feeding their children. In October 2024 alone, the Food Security and Nutrition Secretariat recorded 25,000 cases of acute malnutrition among children under 5.
Short-term food distributions can save lives but rarely lead to lasting change. Many programs unintentionally create dependency by failing to build skills or resilience. Long-term strategies that focus on education, sustainable farming and economic empowerment provide communities with the tools to escape malnutrition permanently.
Organizations Supporting Guatemala
Looking Ahead
In 2025, humanitarian agencies plan to scale up operations in 60 of Guatemala’s 81 most food-insecure municipalities, including Alta Verapaz and Huehuetenango. These regions experience the highest rates of crop failure and child malnutrition and are in desperate need of food security interventions. Despite the high number of malnutrition cases in Guatemala, efforts are being implemented to improve the community’s resilience and health stability. The most vulnerable are receiving the necessary resources and support with the hopes of eliminating all forms of food insecurity by 2030.
– Sarina Francis
Photo: Flickr
Rebuilding Khartoum
The Civil War
On April 15, 2023, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched an attack on the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) in Khartoum. The RSF maintained control of the city until March 2025, displacing more than 13 million people in the process. While the current conflict is devastating, it is not unprecedented—Sudan has a long and painful history of violence. The Second Sudanese Civil War, which began in 1983, resulted in the deaths of more than 2 million people. The Darfur conflict, which started in 2003, claimed 300,000 lives and displaced approximately 2.7 million.
The ongoing civil war has caused more than 61,000 direct deaths, but the true toll is far higher. More than 150,000 people have died due to war-related effects such as famine and disease. The RSF has been accused of committing acts that may amount to genocide, echoing the violence seen in Darfur during the early 2000s. Reports of ethnically targeted attacks and mass displacement have raised serious concerns among human rights groups and international observers. This humanitarian crisis underscores the urgent need for both national reconciliation and sustained international support.
Khartoum in Ruin
The effects of the war and genocide have been catastrophic. Rebuilding Khartoum will undoubtedly pose a significant challenge, with Sudanese authorities estimating the process will cost around $300 billion. Natural disasters have only worsened the crisis, as rains and flooding have displaced thousands and contributed to a resurgence of cholera. Amid ongoing conflict, the Sudanese government is unable to adequately support displaced or sick individuals. Even before the war, Sudan faced a humanitarian crisis, with 15.8 million people in need of assistance; today, that number has more than doubled.
The famine in Sudan is now the worst the country has experienced in decades, and one of the most severe globally, according to Science. More Sudanese people are suffering from extreme hunger than in any other country in the world combined, marking a staggering humanitarian crisis. While food insecurity was already a major concern before the current conflict, the war has intensified the situation dramatically. Continuous bombing, indiscriminate shelling and the looting of markets and supply chains have devastated both rural and urban food systems.
The conflict has disrupted agricultural activity on a massive scale, as farmers have to flee their land. As a result, the production of staple crops has plummeted. Sorghum and millet have declined by 42% and 64% since 2023. In many regions, food is either unavailable or unaffordable, pushing millions closer to starvation. The crisis has reached a tipping point, with aid agencies warning that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further mass loss of life.
The Road to Recovery
The process of rebuilding Khartoum could take an extensive amount of time. Recovery efforts will involve clearing unexploded ordnance, reconstructing critical infrastructure and restoring essential services such as health care, water and electricity.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has emphasized the importance of placing civilian well-being at the center of all recovery and peacebuilding efforts. The organization advocates for a unified diplomatic approach to ensure coordinated and effective action. Recognizing the many challenges ahead, the IRC continues to push for policies that address both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term stability.
IRC has been providing aid to Sudan since 1981 through fundraising efforts and humanitarian initiatives. Its work spans several critical areas, including clean water programs, health services, and support for survivors of gender-based violence. Through these efforts, the IRC remains committed to improving the lives of Sudanese people amid the ongoing crisis.
Mercy Corps, another organization actively working to support Sudan, provides cash assistance to displaced individuals and those in urgent need. The organization has distributed financial aid to over 12,000 families, enabling them to purchase essential items such as food, water, and medicine. In addition to emergency relief, Mercy Corps supports long-term recovery by supplying seeds and farming tools to smallholder farmers; an especially vital effort, as the majority of Sudan’s population relies on agriculture for their livelihood. Like the IRC, Mercy Corps has been delivering critical aid in Sudan for more than two decades.
The Future
Rebuilding Khartoum marks the start of a long road to recovery. With widespread destruction, famine, and displacement, Sudan’s future depends on sustained humanitarian support, coordinated diplomacy, and a lasting commitment to peace.
– Abegail Buchan
Photo: Flickr
Poverty in Tajikistan: The Impact of Remittances
Remittances and Poverty in Tajikistan
Remittances—monetary transfers made by migrants working abroad—play a central role in Tajikistan’s economy. In 2024, remittances accounted for nearly half of the country’s GDP, with most funds sent by Tajik citizens working in Russia. These transfers help cover essential needs and drive domestic consumption. Tajikistan experienced an economic growth rate that averaged above 7% over the last decade, reducing the number of people living in poverty from 32% of the population in 2009 to around 9% in 2024. While estimates from 2023 suggested that more than 20% of Tajiks were still living in poverty, the decline in 2024 was particularly stark.
Although remittances have been effective in reducing poverty by bolstering private consumption and imports. The country’s reliance on economic success in other nations leaves its fragile economy vulnerable to disturbances and crises. As a result, endurable systemic changes within the country are critical to ensuring improved conditions for those experiencing poverty in Tajikistan.
Sustainable Development Strategies
In its National Development Strategy, the Government of Tajikistan set a goal to double or triple domestic incomes between 2016 and 2030; however, reaching this target will require a changed economic growth model centered around a dynamic private sector. Tajikistan maintains strong potential for economic growth due to a younger, growing population and the country’s potential for success in profitable sectors, such as agriculture, food processing, water, hydropower and tourism. In addition, the country is abundant in valuable natural resources and minerals like petroleum and natural gas, aluminum, gold, silver and limestone. The Tajik Aluminium Company (TALCO), one of Central Asia’s largest producers, is a major contributor to the national economy.
Despite this, weak institutions and limited business infrastructure continue to hinder growth. Labor force utilization remains the lowest in the region at just 44%, suggesting that many citizens are underemployed or unable to access productive jobs. To address these challenges, investments in education, transportation and digital infrastructure are key. Improving access to finance, strengthening energy sector efficiency and promoting inclusive economic competition can also support job creation and long-term poverty alleviation.
Looking Ahead
For 2025, the World Bank projects 6.5% GDP growth and an 8.2% decline in the poverty rate. While these numbers are promising, rising global uncertainty poses risks to economic improvement in the region. Officials can potentially expedite reforms in the private and public sectors to support job growth and remedy longstanding poverty in Tajikistan. Strengthening institutions, improving economic resilience and expanding access to opportunity could help ensure that recent gains in poverty reduction are not only maintained but expanded.
– Erin Hellhake
Photo: Flickr