From 1991 to 2002, Sierra Leone faced a devastating civil war that left the economy, government, and infrastructure in shambles. The country has made substantial progress in rebuilding itself and has seen significant economic growth within the last few years, but the effects of the civil war and health outbreaks such as Ebola, COVID-19 and Mpox have kept it a low-income country in need of health care assistance.
About Mpox
Mpox is a viral disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus family, first discovered in 1958 with an outbreak of infected monkeys in an animal facility in Denmark. In 1970, the first known human case of mpox was a 9-month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since then, countries worldwide have reported mpox, majority being in Africa.
Mpox causes painful skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes and high fever. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal. In fact, 1-10% of cases result in death, a large percentage of which are young adults and children.
Mpox can cause further health complications when not properly treated, such as infected lesions, pneumonia, corneal infection with loss of vision, and even sepsis. In cases of pregnancy, mpox can reach the fetus and lead to birth complications.
The virus spreads from person to person primarily through sexual activity. However, it can be contracted when close to a person with mpox, through infectious respiratory particles. It is considered contagious until all lesions have healed and are covered by a new layer of skin. However, not all infected individuals develop symptoms, which can make the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone difficult to trace. There is only a 0.001% chance that a person will contract mpox for a second time. Further, for the rare few who do get mpox again, the symptoms are much milder than the first time.
Mpox in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has seen an influx of mpox infections within the last two years. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared its highest level of alert regarding the rise in cases. The situation has only worsened, with 2025 alone accounting for 1,140 cases of mpox and nine mpox-related deaths in Sierra Leone.
Resulting from its low-income status, Sierra Leone faces many difficulties in providing health care services to those infected because of a lack of supplies and a limited number of health care workers and medical facilities. However, as foreign assistance and health care agencies have stepped in to help Sierra Leone tackle the current mpox outbreak, there is hope that cases will become manageable.
Assistance in Mpox Prevention and Care
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working with Sierra Leone to implement mpox preventive measures such as promoting hand washing and the use of facemasks. The National Public Health Agency, along with the WHO, is also assisting the country by increasing disease surveillance protocols to detect the virus faster, allowing for early-stage treatment and quarantine to lessen the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone.
The WHO is also supporting Sierra Leone in the education of health care workers, providing 160 individuals with training in infection prevention, laboratory protocols, and community risk awareness. The organization provided the country $38,000 worth of laboratory supplies, such as testing kits and safety equipment, including medical gloves, gowns, biohazard waste bags and infrared thermometers, according to its website.
Mpox Vaccine
At the beginning of April, Sierra Leone received 61,300 doses of the mpox vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Republic of Ireland, as well as immunization assistance from the HO, the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF, Gavi reports.
The country has begun the process of nationwide vaccination, beginning with exposed health care workers, those at higher risk of infection and children 12 and up, according to Barron’s. It requires two doses, the second administered four weeks after the first. As of May 8, 2025, 24,000 people have received full vaccination for mpox in Sierra Leone.
With the mpox vaccine and aid from health agencies such as the WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sierra Leone has the resources it needs to curtail the rising number of mpox cases.
– Amelia Dutch Player
Amelia is based in Savannah, GA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Food Crisis: Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru
Background
Peru suffers not only from malnutrition but overnutrition as well. To combat these issues, there are policies put that only address one issue or the other, leading to an imbalance in the progress towards both malnutrition and overnutrition.
Another leading cause for malnutrition in Peru is inaccessible health care due to the lack of professional health care providers and limited government funding for public health in Peru. In 2022, for every 10,000 people, there were only 12.2 physicians and 12.8 nurses. Rural areas face the most trouble when it comes to accessing healthcare, with only 17.6 health care professionals for every 10,000 people.
A large majority of Peru’s population suffers from food insecurity. While Peru is known for its agricultural biodiversity, a lot of necessary nutritious food is expensive and inaccessible to lower income families and especially those in poverty, leading to malnutrition.
The Effects of Malnutrition
Nutrients are a human necessity. building up the body, muscles, bones, nerves, skin, immune system and keeping the blood circulating. It also gives the brain the energy it needs to keep the body going and is an important factor in cognitive thinking.
Without proper nutrition, the body faces many consequences. Malnutrition leads to a weakened immune system, making the body more susceptible to infection, illness and disease. It also hinders recovery, making it exceedingly more difficult to heal from illnesses already present.
A lack of nutrients has not only an effect on the health of the body, but the health of the mind as well. Those suffering from malnutrition have an increased risk of depression and anxiety. It also obstructs cognition, making it difficult to make decisions, problem-solve and regulate emotions.
Malnutrition and Poverty in Peru
Children under the age of 5 are one of the biggest victims of malnutrition, particularly indigenous children. Approximately two out of 10 children suffer from malnutrition in Peru, 38% of indigenous children and 24% of children in rural areas are malnourished, compared to 20% of non-indigenous and 7% of urban children who lack nutrients.
Due to the negative effect malnourishment has on the mind and body, it impacts people’s health and productivity, making work more strenuous, not only leading people to poverty, but also making it significantly more difficult to escape it. This pattern makes it challenging to reduce poverty in Peru.
It also influences the economy. Without decreased productivity from workers due to malnutrition, economic growth decreases and health care costs increase. Not only does this affect the economy, but it also highly impacts the already vicious cycle of poverty and malnutrition. Without proper economic flow, the country cannot provide enough resources or help to those suffering from low income and food insecurity, and therefore, the issues only increase.
Current Solutions for Malnutrition in Peru
Without proper finances, it is difficult to access healthcare, especially as a parent with responsibility over one or multiple children. However, with help, it is possible. That is what the World Bank’s Juntos program provides. To combat malnutrition and poverty in Peru, it provides financial support to families, particularly aimed towards mothers in poverty and low-income households, in exchange for taking their children to regular health care check-ups.
There are also many organizations that fight against poverty, one of them being Action Against Hunger. It partners up with local governments to strengthen the health care system, improve food security and access to clean water, provide hygiene supplies as well as give women opportunities to make their own income.
Nutrients are an important factor in human life. They are necessary to perform any task, no matter how big or small. Without them, the human body would cease to function. To improve productivity, health and poverty in Peru, every person must have access to nutritious food. The happier and healthier the people, the more a country will thrive.
– Sevyn Whatley
Photo: Flickr
Uneven Growth: Guatemala’s Poverty
The Human Face of Economic Disparity
Guatemala’s poverty shows up in the highest rate of childhood malnutrition in Latin America, limited access to clean water and unequal access to education. Conditions are especially severe for Indigenous communities, particularly descendants of the Maya. According to data from the United Nations (U.N.), approximately 80% of Guatemala’s indigenous people live in some form of poverty; in other words, four out of five people.
In rural villages, residents often lack sanitation, infrastructure and health care. In 44% of rural municipalities, at least three-quarters of residents live below the poverty line. These areas have historically received fewer services than cities like Guatemala City. Structural barriers—such as limited access to skilled jobs or land ownership—have made upward mobility difficult.
Very few of those in extreme poverty have access to sewage systems. Around half of Guatemala’s children are malnourished. In rural areas, the poverty rate stands at 66.3%, compared to about one-third in urban areas. These numbers point to a generational crisis where children grow up without the nutrition or resources to escape poverty.
Disasters and the Cost of Inaction
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricanes Eta and Iota destroyed more than 130,000 hectares of crops, pushing 1.8 million more people into food insecurity. Guatemala sits in the Dry Corridor, where erratic rainfall causes frequent crop failures. The U.N. reported in 2020 that more than 80% of families in this region struggled to meet basic food needs, which has led to a reliance on international food relief and an exodus into Mexico. In 2018, Volcán de Fuego, an active stratovolcano 18 km west of the city of Antigua, erupted, killing more than 200 people and destroying villages. About 43% of farmers in the region lost use of their land.
Corruption and Lack of Investment
Government responses often fall short. Corruption diverts resources away from those in need. Guatemala spends less of its GDP on social services than nearly every other country in the region. Public investment is low and the country has one of the weakest capacities to collect and use revenue for development. A 2014 World Bank report concluded that the country is at the bottom in public spending and ability to mobilize investment.
Faith-Based and International Aid
In many rural areas, churches and nonprofits fill gaps left by the state. Since 2014, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), funded in part by USAID, has distributed more than 40 million school meals through its Aprendizaje para la Vida program. During COVID-19, CRS and Caritas provided meals to 47,000 children in Totonicapán and offered classes to parents on how to prepare nutritious meals. Faith-based organizations also run mobile clinics, build homes and distribute drought-resistant seeds. Programs like Corredor Seco help improve access to clean water and food. NGOs such as Action Against Hunger and Fundación Genesis Empresarial work with the U.N. Food Programme to support local communities.
Looking Ahead
Nearly half the population continues to live in poverty without reliable access to essential services. Guatemala’s path forward depends on systemic reform, stronger governance and continued support from international partners. With collaboration, targeted investment and inclusive policies, there could be a way to break Guatemala’s poverty cycle.
– Max Marcello
Photo: Flickr
Poshan Abhiyaan: India Advances Toward SDG
Closing Gaps in Health Care
Health care coverage remains a core focus in India’s SDG efforts. In April 2025, the country experienced a health care affordability crisis that impacted many low- and middle-income citizens. Rising medical costs led a significant number of individuals to postpone or decline treatment. India conducted a report surveying citizens to call for any insurance reforms that need to be addressed. According to the India Fit Report 2025, one in five citizens reported denying medical care due to high costs. The same report noted a 3.84% gender gap in access, with many Indian women facing greater health challenges, including diabetes, high blood pressure and cholesterol. While 40% of indian men also reported experiencing some of these conditions.
To address these inequalities, the Indian government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) on Sept. 23, 2018. By 2025, the program expanded its reach, offering free health insurance to citizens living in poverty. It focused on supporting women and children by providing diagnostic and treatment services. The policy enrolled more than 120 million people and helped reduce the financial burden of health care. Although the initiative made measurable progress, challenges such as financial protection and full utilization still require attention in underserved areas.
Poshan Abhiyaan
India established the National Nutrition Mission or Poshan Abhiyaan in 2018 to improve nutrition among children under age 6, adolescent girls and expectant or nursing mothers. The program aimed to reduce child malnourishment, low birth weights and anemia. Malnutrition continues to affect around 13% of the population, with an estimated 195 million citizens affected in mid-2024. Children represent a significant portion of this crisis, with 35.5% experiencing stunted growth. To strengthen food access, the government also enacted the National Food Security Act. In 2023–24, the program reached 99% of qualified recipients. Together, these nutrition initiatives support healthier outcomes in high-poverty districts and contribute to long-term development goals.
The Clean India Mission
Efforts to improve clean water access and reduce waste have become a critical part of India’s sustainable development strategy. Improper waste disposal has led to the spread of waterborne illnesses. More than 377 million Indians live in areas where waste, including hazardous, plastic and biomedical materials, remains poorly managed. Projections reveal national waste levels could reach 165 million tonnes by 2030.
The Swachh Bharat (Clean India) Mission, launched in 2014, introduced new sanitation policies. The government constructed toilets in public areas and ran nationwide campaigns encouraging safe hygiene practices. These efforts reduced open defecation, improved women’s access to private sanitation and supported public health improvements.
Looking Ahead
India’s efforts in health care, nutrition and sanitation reflect meaningful progress toward achieving the SDGs. Programs such as AB PM-JAY, Poshan Abhiyaan and Swachh Bharat have addressed core poverty-related challenges. Continued investment and community engagement could help the country reach its 2030 targets and improve the quality of life for its citizens.
– Janae Bayford
Photo: Flickr
Social Safety Net Programs Are Fighting Poverty in Bangladesh
The nation has implemented these initiatives to help low-income Bangladeshis and give vulnerable communities long-term economic stability. With programs that provide food assistance, cash transfers and skills development, Bangladesh’s SSNPs aim to create a pathway for success for many struggling citizens.
The Vulnerable Group Development Program
One of the most impactful initiatives, the Vulnerable Group Development (VGD) program, primarily helps women suffering extreme food insecurity. Due to gender disparities in the country, women often suffer the most when it comes to poverty and hunger. Originally started as the Vulnerable Group Feeding (VGF) program in 1975, it changed to the VGD in 1982, shifting priorities from emergency relief to long-term development. The program distributes nutritious food over a specific period.
However, the program goes beyond that. Through a partnership with BRAC, Bangladesh’s largest nongovernmental organization (NGO), it educates individuals in basic reading, writing and nutrition skills, giving people the tools to lead a healthier and more successful life. By providing both food and education, the program helps vulnerable women break the vicious cycle of poverty as opposed to short-term help.
The Old Age Allowance Program
As the country is experiencing an aging population, the government has acted on the need to protect older citizens, with many lacking retirement savings. Before the program started in 1998, only retired government workers had pensions. The Old Age Allowance provides essential monthly cash transfers of BDT 500 (about $4) to older people.
The program helps nearly four million elderly citizens afford basic human necessities such as food, medicine and shelter, improving their quality of life and fighting poverty in Bangladesh. The program’s financial assistance also eases the burden on young family members who might be struggling financially to support them.
Income Generating for Vulnerable Group Development
The Income Generating for Vulnerable Group Development (IGVGD) program is another initiative that builds on the VGD program. The government designed IGVGD as a two-step poverty-reduction model. It helps low-income women develop from needing food aid through the VGD program to becoming self-sufficient workers earning a stable income.
Women in the program learn essential job skills, such as poultry farming and tailoring, which are crucial for future success. They may also receive small loans or grants to help them start their own businesses. Encouraging self-reliance and assisting women to secure employment empowers them to impact society and contribute to a growing economy. Over time, these efforts give women more control over their lives and strengthen the economy of local communities.
The Impact of the Social Safety Initiatives
These social safety initiatives have proven successful in fighting poverty in Bangladesh. There has been a major national decline in poverty rates in the past two decades. Poverty fell significantly between 2010 and 2016; in urban areas, it declined from 21.3% to 18.9%, while in rural areas it declined from 35.2% to 26.4%. Additionally, helping women develop vocational skills shows the program’s commitment to women’s empowerment in a country that historically offered them limited opportunities.
Recently, the government has decided to expand its social safety initiatives. It is working toward using technology to improve targeting mechanisms. Many international development organizations, such as the World Bank and the United Nations (U.N.), have also supported Bangladesh’s effort to improve the country’s SSNPs.
Final Remarks
Overall, Bangladesh’s Social Safety Net Programs show how time and investment in often overlooked groups of people can have a tremendous impact in reducing long-term poverty. It shows the effectiveness of targeted intervention in reducing poverty and creating long-term economic stability. By supporting at-risk groups, such as women and older people, with food assistance, cash transfers and vocational training skills development, the programs address major societal problems while creating a path for long-term success.
– Rafe Photopoulos
Photo: Pixabay
Vulnerable Communities: Yellow Fever in Peru
About Yellow Fever
Yellow fever is a disease transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes. It is considered a “High-threat disease” by the World Health Organization (WHO). Yellow fever does not have a specific antiviral drug to fight it once the virus is in the body. The best way to fight it is by preventing it with vaccination.
In early April, Peruvian authorities reported an outbreak of yellow fever cases in the regions of Amazonas, San Martín and Loreto. Yellow fever could reach a high 60% mortality rate in these regions because only a few people have been vaccinated in the past years.
The reach of vaccination campaigns shrank and vulnerable populations in less accessible areas like the jungle were affected. Twelve people died by the end of the month, all of them from vulnerable areas and without any records of previous vaccinations.
Effects on Vulnerable Populations in Peru
Mortality rates are higher among vulnerable populations, with 37 people already infected. Further, the U.S. Embassy in Peru and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued health alerts about the yellow fever outbreak, advising people to avoid areas affected by the disease. These warnings could result in reduced tourism, leading to a loss of income for many businesses that rely on it for their livelihood.
One of the biggest challenges preventing the disease is the logistical difficulty of distributing vaccines to remote areas. Vast distances and difficulty maintaining the cold chain in hard-to-reach regions significantly hinder vaccination coverage.
What Is the Government Doing?
The Peruvian government is trying to reactivate its vaccination campaigns, making resources available for people to find the closest vaccination centers. Peru’s Ministry of Health has announced a free vaccination campaign throughout the summer of 2025.
The Ministry of Health also sent 30,000 vaccines to the Amazon region in the past month, while volunteers are going town by town to vaccinate communities far from the few existing vaccination centers. However, Peru is not fighting the outbreak alone.
Since yellow fever also affects neighboring countries like Colombia and Ecuador, the Peruvian Ministry of Health joined forces in late April to launch a joint vaccination campaign along the border to prevent the disease from spreading between countries.
Final Remarks
Even though yellow fever has already claimed some lives in Peru, the government is taking action to prevent further spread and protect more people. Certain regions will inevitably face the consequences of this outbreak and the full economic impact, especially on families and businesses affected by the drop in tourism, remains uncertain until the epidemic is under control.
– Luis Felipe Rios
Photo: Pxhere
Jasiri Gender Bond: Women-Led Businesses in Tanzania
However, a large majority, nearly 99%, are considered micro. Women-led businesses often face several challenges when scaling, including minimal access to funding and capital. FSD Africa’s new Jasiri Gender Bond program aims to help these businesses grow and empower more women to become entrepreneurs.
What Is a Gender Bond?
Gender bonds aim to bridge the funding gap that women-owned businesses face by supporting companies owned by women or employing a significant percentage of women. These bonds are typically issued by private corporations or banks, not governments.
In Tanzania specifically, women earn just $0.73 for every $1 earned by men. urgent need for initiatives like the Jasiri Gender Bond program, which seeks to promote economic equity and empower women entrepreneurs.
These bonds are crucial because many other standard forms of gaining funding for women-led businesses in many countries are either unavailable or rejected based on prejudices.
FSD Africa: Supporting Africa’s Economy
With U.K. aid help, this nonprofit supports all aspects of Africa’s financial markets. FSD Africa has more than 30 different programs spanning the entire continent, with specialized financial experts helping people and businesses navigate these challenging and complex economies. FSD Africa is committed to and focused on inclusion, sustainability and improving gender equality within the financial and entrepreneurial sectors.
In 2021, the organization started its “Finance for a Sustainable Future Strategy.” Since then, it has created more than 10,000 jobs, 34% for women, while reducing more than 4.5 million tonnes of carbon emissions. In 2022, the initiative launched its Jasiri Gender Bond in Tanzania, marking the start of its efforts to support women-led businesses in the country.
The Jasiri Gender Bond
FSD Africa’s Jasiri Gender Bond is the first in sub-Saharan Africa. It targets the growing number of women-led SMEs and SMMEs in Tanzania, where more than half are owned or run by women. Despite their significance, female entrepreneurs in Tanzania still face significant limitations when starting, sustaining or scaling their businesses. One of the biggest challenges is access to funding from traditional sources like banks, as many women lack collateral, such as property.
The Jasiri Gender Bond offers a more inclusive alternative to traditional lenders. It supports established women-led businesses and empowers companies with 30–50% female employees. Gender inclusivity remains central to the initiative’s mission. The bond also provides a lower interest rate (14%) than the current market average (19%), giving these women-led businesses a leg up, allowing for quicker growth and less financial burden.
The bond proceeds don’t just go into the pockets of a bank; they are invested back into NMB Bank’s Women Market Proposition to continue empowering women entrepreneurship.
Long-Term Benefits
The Jasiri Gender Bond will have a lasting effect on the Tanzanian economy. By bolstering the growing number of women-led SMEs and SMMEs, the bond will help bring more women into the workforce. Furthermore, the bond will provide more secure and equal-paying jobs. This will help reduce poverty.
FSD Africa has provided more than 3,200 loans to businesses, 97% of which are women-owned, helping to create jobs and increase female participation in the workforce. With SMEs and SMMEs projected to contribute 27% of Tanzania’s gross domestic product (GDP), women remain central to this growth.
The Gender Bond plays a crucial role in narrowing the wage and employment gap while empowering women-led enterprises.
– Collier Simpson
Photo: Pexels
India’s Food Security Act
The National Food Security Act
India’s Food Security Act introduced a new approach to how the government would support its citizens. First, the government aimed to provide large monthly rations of food grains and essential nutrients. Under the National Food Security Act (NFSA), each individual would receive five kilograms of food grains monthly at subsidized rates.
Second, the Act prioritized reaching mothers and young children, particularly pregnant and lactating women. Recognizing that these groups were among the most deprived in India, the Act ensured they would receive the necessary nutrition to support children’s early development.
Additionally, children between the ages of 6 months and 14 years were prioritized under the Act, recognizing the critical impact that early nutrition has on a child’s overall development. Ensuring proper access to food during these formative years was essential to breaking the cycle of poverty.
Lastly, the Act provided cash benefits to pregnant women and vulnerable individuals. Maternity cash benefits offered financial support to women who were out of work or displaced due to pregnancy, helping to secure a source of income for their families beyond just food assistance.
Impacts
The Food Security Act achieved significant success in reaching its intended goals. The program reached more than 1.8 million children across eight states, reducing child stunting in India. Similarly, between 63% and 75% of the rural population received some form of assistance under the Act. Overall, more than two-thirds of India’s population benefited from the Act’s provisions.
Beyond its success in outreach and the number of recipients, the Act also significantly impacted the country’s food markets and economy. In 2013, the economic burden of widespread malnutrition was estimated to cost India around 2.5% of its GDP — a substantial loss driven by the lack of nutrition affecting nearly half the population. The Food Security Act helped address this issue.
By ensuring a steady supply of subsidized food, the Act also played a crucial role in stabilizing food prices and protecting the economy from inflation shocks. Previously, agricultural markets faced significant distribution challenges that caused frequent price fluctuations. With government-provided food supplies, food inflation was better controlled, making basic nutrition more affordable and food markets more resilient nationwide.
Final Remarks
India’s Food Security Act was undoubtedly a step in the right direction in addressing the widespread issues of child poverty and food insecurity. It reached much of the population in the most indigent provinces, providing essential nutrition that supported citizens’ well-being and the economy’s strength.
Although some reports highlighted distribution challenges and gaps in reliable data, the available evidence points to a significant success in the fight against hunger. More than a decade later, the Food Security Act has benefited millions since its initial success in 2013.
– Joel Raymer
Photo: Pexels
The Rise of Mpox in Sierra Leone: Assistance and Vaccination
About Mpox
Mpox is a viral disease belonging to the Orthopoxvirus genus family, first discovered in 1958 with an outbreak of infected monkeys in an animal facility in Denmark. In 1970, the first known human case of mpox was a 9-month-old baby in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Since then, countries worldwide have reported mpox, majority being in Africa.
Mpox causes painful skin lesions, swollen lymph nodes and high fever. In severe cases, the disease can be fatal. In fact, 1-10% of cases result in death, a large percentage of which are young adults and children.
Mpox can cause further health complications when not properly treated, such as infected lesions, pneumonia, corneal infection with loss of vision, and even sepsis. In cases of pregnancy, mpox can reach the fetus and lead to birth complications.
The virus spreads from person to person primarily through sexual activity. However, it can be contracted when close to a person with mpox, through infectious respiratory particles. It is considered contagious until all lesions have healed and are covered by a new layer of skin. However, not all infected individuals develop symptoms, which can make the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone difficult to trace. There is only a 0.001% chance that a person will contract mpox for a second time. Further, for the rare few who do get mpox again, the symptoms are much milder than the first time.
Mpox in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has seen an influx of mpox infections within the last two years. In 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared its highest level of alert regarding the rise in cases. The situation has only worsened, with 2025 alone accounting for 1,140 cases of mpox and nine mpox-related deaths in Sierra Leone.
Resulting from its low-income status, Sierra Leone faces many difficulties in providing health care services to those infected because of a lack of supplies and a limited number of health care workers and medical facilities. However, as foreign assistance and health care agencies have stepped in to help Sierra Leone tackle the current mpox outbreak, there is hope that cases will become manageable.
Assistance in Mpox Prevention and Care
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is working with Sierra Leone to implement mpox preventive measures such as promoting hand washing and the use of facemasks. The National Public Health Agency, along with the WHO, is also assisting the country by increasing disease surveillance protocols to detect the virus faster, allowing for early-stage treatment and quarantine to lessen the spread of mpox in Sierra Leone.
The WHO is also supporting Sierra Leone in the education of health care workers, providing 160 individuals with training in infection prevention, laboratory protocols, and community risk awareness. The organization provided the country $38,000 worth of laboratory supplies, such as testing kits and safety equipment, including medical gloves, gowns, biohazard waste bags and infrared thermometers, according to its website.
Mpox Vaccine
At the beginning of April, Sierra Leone received 61,300 doses of the mpox vaccine from Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the Republic of Ireland, as well as immunization assistance from the HO, the African Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and UNICEF, Gavi reports.
The country has begun the process of nationwide vaccination, beginning with exposed health care workers, those at higher risk of infection and children 12 and up, according to Barron’s. It requires two doses, the second administered four weeks after the first. As of May 8, 2025, 24,000 people have received full vaccination for mpox in Sierra Leone.
With the mpox vaccine and aid from health agencies such as the WHO and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Sierra Leone has the resources it needs to curtail the rising number of mpox cases.
– Amelia Dutch Player
Photo: Flickr
How AI Upskilling Is Creating Jobs in Africa: The Case of Zindi
However, promising AI startups are rising to address these challenges through innovative solutions. Among them, Zindi stands out with its modern approach and rapid growth by upskilling the AI jobs market in Africa.
Digitalization in Sub-Saharan Africa
According to the World Bank, sub-Saharan Africa faces significant challenges for development due to the lack of affordable digital infrastructure. Additionally, low engagement with community-owned digital access and difficulty using digital platforms hinder progress. This lack of access to digital technologies impacts not only educational and business systems but also prospects for job creation, employment and career growth for local populations.
As digitalization challenges persist, the world’s largest companies are investing heavily in solutions. Over the past 10 years, the World Bank has contributed approximately $731.8 million to 11 Digital Development Projects. It has also committed $2.8 billion across 24 active Digital Development projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
However, large corporations aren’t the only ones tackling Africa’s digital growth challenges. Startups like Zindi are taking a broader approach by focusing on both digital solutions and their impact on education and the economy. They offer rural communities accessible internet and AI innovations. They also drive employment through youth training, AI career development and digital upskilling initiatives, laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.
About Zindi
Zindi, one of Africa’s most impactful AI startups, began its mission to tackle the region’s digital challenges in 2018. Driven by the belief that data can tell stories, drive innovation and improve lives, Celina Lee founded Zindi (a platform where 70,000 data scientists develop AI-driven solutions to pressing challenges) in Cape Town, South Africa. Zindi is committed to bridging gaps in tech access, skills and employment across rural and urban communities.
Zindi Impacts
Final Remarks
As Zindi AI expands across Africa, it prioritizes local talent through its employment and training initiatives. By offering free AI upskilling programs, such as hackathons, it provides underrepresented individuals with affordable, practical learning to solve local challenges and gain hands-on experience.
Despite its niche approach to digital solutions, Zindi’s focus on employment and rural digitalization centers on people and their stories. It empowers not only the technical side of digital transformation but also supports the individuals behind it.
– Liubov Linnyk
Photo: Flickr
Clowns Without Borders: Lifting People Out of Poverty
This substantial economic footprint underscores the potential of entertainment sectors to drive development and alleviate poverty. Moreover, cultural festivals have been shown to boost local economies significantly. For instance, the Adelaide Fringe Festival in Australia contributed $149 million to South Australia’s economy in 2024, supporting thousands of jobs and attracting nearly 60,000 interstate visitors.
Comedy as a Pathway to Opportunity and Healing
Many comedians and content creators have transformed their experiences with poverty into thriving careers on platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Netflix, proving that storytelling and humor can open the door to sustainable livelihoods. Organizations such as Clowns Without Borders use humor to raise awareness and funds while bringing joy to children in crisis zones. Its work highlights how creative expression can uplift communities affected by conflict and hardship. These examples illustrate how comedy and entertainment can serve as catalysts for economic growth and poverty reduction. Below are four ways in which these creative avenues are making a difference:
Stand-Up and Theater Schools
The International Theatre Project is dedicated to expanding access to theater for individuals living in poverty in developing countries. Since its inception in 2005, the organization has supported more than 2,700 students. Its programs aim to help young people present their thoughts confidently, solve problems collaboratively and see the world from new perspectives. Through this process, participants develop their identities, ensuring that poverty no longer defines them. The impact is significant, with more than 90% of students who participate in these programs pursuing higher education at universities.
Digital Platforms and the Television Industry
The French-Senegalese actor Omar Sy, the third of eight children born to immigrant parents, has risen to success through his talent and the television industry. In 2015, he played a role reflecting his roots in the movie “Samba.” Similarly, digital platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for escaping poverty. Kenyan singer Michael Bundi, once on the verge of eviction due to financial struggles, gained significant attention and financial success after posting his songs on TikTok, as his music resonated with viewers.
NGOs Using Comedy to Bring Hope
Clowns Without Borders operates not only in the United Kingdom (U.K.) but in countries affected by conflict or disaster, such as Ukraine and Mozambique. The organization has been spreading laughter and offering moments of respite to more than 100,000 children over the past decade. Clowns Without Borders aims to reach an additional 1 million children over the next 10 years, continuing its mission to bring joy and hope to those who need it most.
Comedy Festivals Boosting Local Economies
The stand-up comedy scene in Kenya is booming, contributing to the local economy. Collectives like the Punchline Comedy Club, founded in 2017, organize open-mic nights, monthly shows and festivals that attract diverse audiences. These events provide platforms for emerging and established comedians, creating jobs in the entertainment industry. Artists such as Anthony “Ty” Ngachira and Eunice Njoki, known as Mammito, have seen their careers flourish through these opportunities, helping to grow the Kenyan comedy industry.
Moving Forward