Colombia is a resource-rich country in the north of South America that is diverse and full of contrasts. Considering their challenging history, the nation has grown to become more resilient in terms of democracy and culture. Colombia is the world’s 55th largest exporter, with about $41 billion in exports to foreign markets. However, diseases impacting Colombia continue to be a serious threat as a whole, mainly due to its tropical climate and low awareness of some diseases which play a role in making the country more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses.
Understanding the difference between communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial to comprehending the illnesses that most commonly impact Colombia. Diabetes and cancer are examples of NCDs, which have a tendency to spread slowly. On the other hand, communicable illnesses such as TB or measles are more contagious and easier to transmit.
NCDs
According to data from 2014, NCDs were responsible for 71% of Colombian deaths, with injuries and other incidents accounting for the remaining 17%. The three primary NCDs in Colombia as of 2014 were diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
In Colombia, 28% of all deaths were from cardiovascular diseases, with men dying at a higher rate than women. Furthermore, a report indicated that 35,000 Colombians lost their lives to cancer in 2014. By 2035, cancer-related mortality may rise by 31%, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Additionally, diabetes claimed the lives of almost 19,000 Colombians in 2015, making up 10% of all fatalities in the nation that year. One million more people in Colombia may have diabetes without a diagnosis, making it one of the most underdiagnosed conditions that are impacting Colombia.
NCDs were responsible for 22% of premature deaths among people under the age of 70. A report stated that Government health spending as a percentage of GDP rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2013, indicating that NCDs have apparently had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Furthermore, individual health expenditure has also increased from $133.59 in 2002 to $569.19 in 2015 as a result of the rise of NCDs within the country.
Communicable Diseases
Due to Colombia’s tropical environment and a lack of awareness about the seriousness of some diseases, communicable diseases impacting Colombia including malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are more common and transmit quickly among people.
According to Reports, in 2022 alone, TB affected 32 out of every 100,000 individuals, with a fatality rate of 2.4 per 100, 000. Within the same year, there were 25 HIV diagnoses for every 100, 000 people, resulting in a total 5.1 deaths per 100,000. However, one should note that in recent years, the HIV rate has dropped by 7.4%. This can be credited to Colombia’s strong and growing health sector. But due to its tropical climate, Colombia, like many other nations, the ever-increasing malaria sickness plagues it. Up until 2019, Colombia recorded between 60,000 to 80,000 cases of malaria annually for almost 10 years.
Despite being more contagious, communicable diseases typically have more treatments and medications available. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia Healthcare sector as the 22nd best in the world, ahead of the United States and Australia. The government allocates 20% of its budget on health care, increasing access to care for individuals from a variety of circumstances.
Unemployment and Poverty in Colombia
Unemployment and the expenditures of health care for both individuals and families are two important elements to take into account when examining how poverty in Colombia contributes to a higher rate of illness infection. One major contributing cause to poverty is unemployment with Colombia’s unemployment rate currently at 9.1% at the moment, but it has remained constant since 2023. Since 9.1% of the population is unemployed, the majority cannot afford the present health care costs, which as of 2022 total $558 per individual.
A report showed that 19 million Colombians lived on just $97,94 a month in that same year. Alongside this is undernourishment, which has been a growing problem in Colombia, especially for women and in 2019, 88% of unemployed people, or 8% of the population, were undernourished. Furthermore, since inadequate nutrition is known to affect or weaken immune systems, more people are vulnerable to illnesses with the bulk of the unemployed population undernourished. Eventually, it leads to high health care costs, which furthers poverty.
The Colombian Government’s Efforts
The Colombian government introduced a national strategy to accomplish the “eradication and elimination” of the most contagious communicable illnesses in May 2024. It is strategy to improve the efficiency of medical care and expand public health services for Colombians. By 2035, the goal is to eradicate 30 additional communicable diseases; the eradication plan includes diseases that are impacting Colombia, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. In order to accomplish its objectives, the Colombian government has established the “One Health” approach, which attempts to close the gap between communities and medicine. The Colombian government intends to pool medical resources in order to fully implement this policy, making it more efficient and providing services that benefit everybody. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection hopes that the one health strategy, which just originated in 2024, will yield benefits soon.
Looking Ahead
The health landscape in Colombia is shaped by both communicable and NCDs, each posing significant challenges to the nation’s well-being. NCDs such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are leading causes of death and economic burden, contributing to premature mortality and escalating healthcare costs. At the same time, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV remain persistent threats, exacerbated by Colombia’s tropical climate and limited awareness in some areas. These diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially those living in poverty and facing unemployment, further straining the healthcare system.
However, the country’s resilient health sector and government initiatives, such as the “One Health” strategy, offer hope for tackling diseases impacting Colombia. By focusing on prevention, treatment, and greater accessibility to health care, Colombia aims to improve health outcomes and eradicate many infectious diseases in the coming decades. As the country continues to navigate these health complexities, effective policy interventions and improved public awareness will be key in reducing the impact of both communicable and NCDs on the Colombian population.
– Zacc Katusiime
Zacc is based in Kampala, Uganda and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Lobito Trading Corridor: Growing Africa’s Economy
The Impact of The Lobito Trading Corridor on Africa
The Lobito Corridor is likely to improve international relationships. In August 2024, the first Lobito Corridor train carrying copper reached Lobito’s export port after its refurbishment. It took just six days to reach the port from the DRC, a journey that by road would usually take over 30 days, according to CNN. Before this, most of Africa’s resources went to Asia. Positive relationships between the U.S. and Africa hope to see increased trading efforts and economic growth for the developing country. Economic growth would allow continued building of Africa’s infrastructures and investment in humanitarian services.
Currently, 30% of Angola’s population lives below the poverty line. The country suffers from high and widespread unemployment, according to CNN. The Lobito Trading Corridor Initiative could bring many jobs to Angola and areas feeding the Lobito Corridor to keep the railway functioning. With more of its citizens in employment, poverty levels could decrease.
The Lobito Corridor could also provide transport assistance to support local businesses, such as agriculture. Businesses along the Lobito Corridor could use the railway to transport their crops and other services to regional communities or further afield. On a larger scale, the Angolan food production company, Carrinho Industry, also has the potential to benefit from this initiative. With initially poor road and communication infrastructure, transportation of food to supply Africa was difficult and expensive. However, with the more efficient Lobito Corridor, essential food supplies can reach those in need much faster, CNN reports.
The Future
Feasibility studies are currently taking place to assess the viability of extending the railway 800 kilometers to service Zambia, another mineral-rich African country. With more than 60% of its population living in poverty, the success of this phase could lead to economic growth and job security. Similarly, another future phase of the initiative is extending the railway to the Indian Ocean through Tanzania. This would allow an even more expansive trading opportunity for Africa.
– Millie Trussler
Photo: Flickr
How Seaweed Biofuel Could Boost Investment in Barbados
Seaweed Power Cars
The process of converting seaweed into fuel combines three key components: wastewater from the rum industry, sheep dung and Sargassum, a type of seaweed commonly found in Barbados. These elements undergo anaerobic digestion, producing a biofuel known as biomethane. This biofuel powers a specially modified Nissan Leaf owned by the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREE). While biofuel is currently limited to a test vehicle, it has the potential to become a mainstream energy source. Rum and Sargassum experts claim a petrol car can be upgraded to run fully on biomethane in just four hours.
Barbados’ Seaweed Challenge
In June 2018, the government declared a national emergency as the invasive plant inundated coastlines, creating significant economic challenges. The sheer volume of seaweed takes a large toll on the tourism industry in Barbados and has plagued its many hotels. According to STR, hotels unaffected by Sargassum experienced a 3% year-over-year increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) in 2018, while those in affected areas saw declines of 4.4% in RevPAR and 4.7% in occupancy. The sheer volume of seaweed has burdened the country’s infrastructure and harmed its reputation as a pristine travel destination. However, if scaled up, the seaweed biofuel concept could offer a dual solution: powering a new generation of vehicles while removing Sargassum from coastlines.
Driving Investment and Economic Growth
Barbados has set an ambitious goal to become a 100% renewable energy and carbon-neutral island state by 2030. Seaweed-based biofuel aligns perfectly with this vision, positioning the country as a global leader in renewable innovation. Achieving this target would not only bring international recognition but also attract foreign investors eager to support sustainable projects. The country’s pioneering efforts could also open doors for international collaboration and funding in the renewable energy sector. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), investments in clean energy are increasing annually and Barbados’s proactive approach may secure a significant share of this funding.
Boosting Tourism with a New Purpose
The benefits of seaweed biofuel extend beyond energy. By creating value for Sargassum, Barbados can transform a long-standing problem into an economic asset. The incentive to clear beaches will increase, allowing the tourism sector to recover and thrive. Hotels that once struggled with declining occupancy due to the unsightly and smelly seaweed will regain their appeal, attracting visitors and boosting local businesses. For a country with a population of fewer than 300,000 people, this innovation places Barbados on the global stage. What began as a challenge with an invasive plant could now position the island as a leader in renewable technology and sustainable development.
Moving Forward
The development of seaweed-based biofuel in Barbados provides a practical solution to two longstanding challenges: renewable energy production and environmental management. By transforming Sargassum seaweed into a valuable resource, Barbados has an opportunity to lead in sustainable innovation. Furthermore, as the country works toward its carbon-neutral goals, this breakthrough could improve local energy independence, attract investment and restore its vital tourism sector, creating a cleaner and more resilient future.
– Andrew Nicoll
Photo: Flickr
Namibia’s Female Rangers: Protecting Wildlife
These women, often from marginalized backgrounds, safeguard endangered species while earning sustainable incomes and building anti-poaching and wildlife monitoring skills. Through community-based conservation programs, they ensure local involvement and channel the benefits of biodiversity protection back into their communities. By fostering gender equality and creating economic communities, Namibia’s female rangers showcase how conservation can be a powerful tool for social and economic development.
Poverty and Poaching
Namibia faces significant poverty challenges, with approximately 17.2% of the population living on less than $2.15 per day. Moreover, Namibia’s Gini coefficient of 59.1% ranks it as one of the world’s most unequal countries, highlighting significant disparities in wealth distribution, particularly between genders. Regarding this, 46% of female-headed households live in multidimensional poverty compared to 41% of male-headed households.
Multidimensional poverty affects 43.3% of the country’s population, with rural areas experiencing much higher rates of 59.3% compared to urban regions of 25.3%. This means that Namibian women in rural areas suffer the most from poverty. This disproportion highlights the intersection of gender and geographic location as key drivers of poverty in Namibia.
Additionally, poaching remains a critical issue in Namibia, significantly threatening the country’s wildlife. In 2015, poachers killed 97 rhinos and 101 elephants in 2016. These mark the deadliest years of poaching in Namibia’s history. Alka Bhatia, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Namibia Resident Representative, identifies increased poaching as one of Namibia’s top three challenges, noting that it “strikes a blow to the tourist industry and the economy.”
As poaching undermines conservation efforts, it also undermines the country’s potential for sustainable economic growth, directly impacting poverty reduction initiatives and the well-being of marginalized communities.
The Role of NGOs and Female Rangers
Several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) in Namibia are addressing the dual challenges of poverty alleviation and wildlife conservation by empowering women through employment. These female rangers are making significant strides not only in wildlife conservation but also in challenging gender stereotypes and supporting their families. The Save the Rhino Trust (SRT) has been a key player in employing female rangers to monitor and protect Namibia’s black rhinos.
This initiative helps preserve endangered species and provide economic opportunities to women in Namibia’s rural Kunene region. Although initially dominated by men, the program now includes six women employed on a salary. Female rangers employed by SRT are taught to recognize rhino footprints, monitor movement patterns and identify potential poaching threats. The ranger’s role is to contribute to conservation efforts and help alleviate poverty for the individual and their family. For Namibian women who are the primary breadwinners, this position enables them to support their dependents financially.
Ultimate Safaris, a leading Namibian tour operator, also works with Huab Under Canvas, a desert camp, to provide unique ecotourism experiences. Through a partnership with conservation programs like SRT, Ultimate Safaris employs female rangers to lead rhino-tracking tours for tourists. Female rangers in this program are paid to guide tourists on rhino-tracking expeditions, which supports both the conservation of rhinos and the sustainable development of the local economy.
Success Rates
Driven by NGOs’ support and women’s unwavering determination, Namibia witnessed a remarkable transformation in gender roles within communal conservancies. No longer limited to traditional roles, women are now stepping into leadership positions across various sectors. The 2018 State of Community Conservation report highlights this shift. The report reveals that women hold 17% of chairperson roles, 41% of treasurer positions, 33% of management committee memberships and 25% of staff roles within these conservancies.
By employing local women in such roles, wildlife conservancies provide them with stable incomes that can improve their economic status. Rural communities have seen substantial benefits, with more than 43.5% of Namibia’s land now managed by conservation. For instance, conservancies have helped communities increase income through wildlife-related ventures like tourism and sustainable game hunting, directly supporting families, including women.
Moreover, poaching figures in Namibia have seen a significant reduction in recent years, reflecting the effectiveness of strengthened conservation efforts. Between 2020 and 2023, rhino killings dropped by more than 50%. This decline is even more striking in the case of elephants, with only eight elephants poached in 2023, a sharp contrast to 101 killed in 2016. These improvements are a testament to the efforts of the Namibian government and conservation organizations being led by women.
Conclusion
Namibia’s female rangers are a beacon of hope, showcasing how conservation and poverty alleviation can go hand in hand. These women empower themselves by protecting wildlife, earning sustainable incomes and uplifting rural communities.
These initiatives combat systemic poverty, advance gender equity and support the United Nations (U.N.) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to life on land (SDG 15) and gender equality (SDG 5). Ultimately, the efforts of Namibia’s female rangers are a powerful reminder that conservation can be a catalyst for global change.
– Nour Mostafa
Photo: Pexels
The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health
The Impact of Poverty on Mental Health
According to research that Yihan Sun of the Department of Science at the University of British Columbia in Canada conducted, “mental illness … increasingly causes severe disability in both wealthy and underdeveloped countries,” and “poverty is one of the factors that affect mental health.” In short, the relationship between mental health and poverty is that of a snowball effect.
Mental health as a result of poverty can make preexisting mental illness worse. More specifically, poverty can worsen symptoms of depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Yihan Sun goes on to mention that depression can result from concerns about “erratic income and spending” related to poverty. For example, anxiety can increase due to people not being able to make bill payments on time. People may also experience PTSD when they live in locations that are “disaster-prone” to such things as “fire incidents, traffic fatalities, environmental hazards and gun-related violence.”
Non-Communicable Diseases and Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a non-communicable disease (NCD), which is a disease that is not transmissible from one person to another and often includes chronic diseases and conditions like diabetes, heart and kidney disease. Mental health disorders have links to various non-communicable diseases. People suffering from diabetes and cardiovascular disease can be more at risk of developing anxiety or depression.
Unfortunately, non-communicable diseases are a significant cause of death for low to middle income countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), for the countries of Angola and the Central African Republic, non-communicable diseases are the broader cause of at least 20% of the deaths of their population in 2021. For the countries of Bangladesh and Cambodia, NCDs are the cause of more than 60% of the deaths of their populations in 2021. These countries are all classified as being low-to-middle income countries according to WHO.
Current Global Poverty Status
Despite the devastating impact of poverty on mental health, particularly in developing countries, there is hope on the horizon. In the past 30 years, poverty has steadily and significantly declined in regions such as Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern and Southern Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Western and Central Africa, with poverty rates decreasing by at least 13% in each region—some by as much as 28%.
East Asia and the Pacific have experienced the most dramatic improvement, with poverty rates plummeting from 65.2% in 1990 to just 0.6% in 2024. Although Latin American and Caribbean countries haven’t seen as much of a decline in poverty as the rest of the world, their poverty rate has still diminished significantly compared to the ’90s.
The MINDS Act
Where there is hope, solutions to persistent problems are often within reach and this holds for those living in poverty in low- and middle-income countries. One such solution is the Mental Health in International Development and Humanitarian Settings (MINDS) Act, which offers a pathway to addressing these challenges.
The MINDS Act aims to enhance investment in mental health care from high-income countries, such as the U.S. and the U.K., to establish or support programs focused on breaking the cycle of poverty worldwide. By doing so, it seeks to address the reciprocal impact of poverty and mental health, helping to disrupt the harmful connection between the two.
Children would benefit significantly, as the rate of their anxiety and depression (due to living in poverty) would lessen. They would also be less susceptible to developing psychiatric disorders in their adulthood.
Solutions in Rwanda
Another solution could be in the form of programs like the ones implemented in Rwanda, after the sovereign state’s genocide of 1994. Findings determined that around 94% of the survivors witnessed traumatic events that would affect them decades later in the form of PTSD, depression and panic disorder. In response to the aftermath of the genocide, the state created a community-based psychotherapy that allows for “healing and peacebuilding for survivors.” Rwanda then proceeded to create the Gacaca Courts through the Government of National Unity, which would provide justice for survivors while emphasizing accountability for the perpetrators. The sovereign state eventually acquired enough stability to be able to provide it’s citizens with universal health coverage for mental health to each citizen for $2 a year.
Through the implementation of these programs, Rwanda has successfully and significantly lessened the state’s suicide rate from 8.84 in 2005 to 5.57 in 2018 as a result of community-based psychotherapy. More than 1.2 million cases were tried in more than 12,000 courts after the creation of the new judicial system of the Gacaca Courts. Life expectancy within the country has since risen from 56 to 70 after the implementation of universal health care and the inclusion of mental health.
Conclusion
Rwanda is proof that mental health care is incredibly important to the health of a community, especially during the aftermath of traumatic and tragic events. With the implementation of programs that changed and incorporated mental health care into Rwanda’s judicial system, universal health care system, and community, the country has, since the genocide of 1994, been able to look forward to its future with much better days ahead. It is possible to provide mental health care and restore hope, and solutions can emerge with humanity at the wheel.
– Sadie Treadwell
Photo: Pexels
UNICEF and Partners Address Water Crisis in Afghanistan
This situation has only worsened with the Taliban’s power resurgence in 2021. However, as of 2024, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF). This collaboration has reduced the water crisis in Afghanistan by supplying sustainable water systems.
Water Crisis in Afghanistan
Clean water is vital; it ensures children are less vulnerable to diseases like diarrhea, which exacerbate malnutrition. However, this resource is difficult to find in remote areas of Afghanistan with very little rainfall. Due to agricultural demands, an over-extraction of groundwater has significantly reduced the water supply from underground aquifers.
Furthermore, changing climatic conditions have depleted available water sources. Afghanistan has held record-breaking droughts for more than two decades. Consequently, only about 42% of Afghans can access safe drinking water.
UNICEF’s Work to Supply Sustainable Water Sources
UNICEF has been working to support Afghanistan for more than 70 years, with increased efforts directed toward water supply in the past few years. It is Afghanistan’s lead provider of water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services. By installing solar-powered pumps, UNICEF has ensured that the power to access clean water is returned to local communities.
One hundred percent of the facilities are small-scale and solar-powered, meaning the communities can run them. UNICEF has collaborated with 30,000 community-elected councils, ensuring management and decisions regarding the resource remain at the local level.
Partnership With the AHTF
UNICEF has partnered with the AHTF to complete the installation of “Climate-Resilient and Sustainable Water Supply Services in Remote Rural Communities.” This has given more than 30,000 people in 18 remote communities with sustainable water supply systems. The community-elected councils led the construction of these systems.
Community mobilizers supported by UNICEF worked to help the locals on essential parts of the water supply projects. Additionally, local mechanics have been equipped and trained to maintain these systems.
Real Life Application – Fauzia
Each day, 10-year-old Fauzia would walk half an hour to the water tap in the Charkh district, a remote part of the Logar province. She would push a wheelbarrow full of jerry cans to fetch water for her family and wait in a queue for more than an hour. The journey back would mean pushing a heavy wheelbarrow full of water. Only after this does she reach for her school backpack.
As a result of UNICEF’s collaboration with the AHTF, Fauzia doesn’t need to miss any more school time. Now, her family has a new water tap. Safe water is available right in their home from a piped system installed in their village. Fauzia states, “The engineers installed the tap in our house, so now we have water all the time. We can cook whenever we want and I am happy.”
In the coming year, the AFTH, in partnership with UNICEF, will set up water supply systems in 32 remote communities in Faryab, Helmand and Farah provinces. This will support more than 64,000 people, resulting in fewer and fewer people having to make the journey, like Fauzia.
– Amelia Short
Photo: Flickr
Education Programs Fighting Period Poverty in Cuba
However, many Latin American states have made significant progress, with value-added tax (VAT) and “pink taxes” being eliminated in countries like Mexico and Colombia. Further, governments in Uruguay and Brazil are distributing menstrual kits and free sanitary products to those in need.
Period Poverty in Cuba
Cuba has no menstrual taxes. However, this does not mean female hygiene products are widely accessible. Period pads or “intimates” as they are called in Cuba, are included in the state rationing program. A monthly allocation of 10 sanitary towels is given to females ages between 10 and 55. This is often insufficient. Period pads tend to be the preferred period product for Cuban women; thus, low national production rates and high import prices on the black-market spell trouble for people who menstruate.
Additionally, access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities in Cuba contributes to this period of poverty. Oftentimes, women and people who menstruate are not able to maintain good levels of personal hygiene during their periods and do not have enough sanitary products. Water shortages and scarcity are common in Cuba, with outdated sanitation systems and corroded pipes causing water losses of 60% of supply. Around 27% of households “only receive water less than four days a week,” while 40% “receive it between four and six days.” Most Cubans do not have access to a reliable water supply in their homes.
In the wake of this acute lack of access and worsening period poverty in Cuba, as well as government silence over the issue, many education programs fighting period poverty have been launched. The focus of this has been on giving participants the skills and advice they need to overcome the barriers they face during their periods and end the shame surrounding menstruation.
Copas Para Cuba Initiative
Copas Para Cuba or Cups for Cuba was set up by La Mina and Tercer Paraíso as part of an international project to promote sustainable development initiatives. This scheme organized menstrual health workshops to combat shame around periods and the lack of knowledge surrounding the use of menstrual cups, highlighting the benefits of using them over more traditional sanitary products. There is also a great emphasis on emotional, physical and reproductive health, with these workshops providing an inclusive and safe environment for women to come together and have an open dialogue.
Free menstrual cups are distributed during these sessions, which help widen access to these costly products in Cuba. Since the launch of Copas Para Cuba in 2021, 37 women have become ambassadors for the initiative, “70 gatherings have been organized and roughly 1,300 cups have been delivered to women and girls.” This will have a significant impact on improving period poverty on the island, with thousands of women now having access to a period product that is reliable, safe and hygienic.
This initiative will also help reduce low school attendance among menstruating girls, as many will now feel secure attending school during their periods. This is an excellent example of an education program addressing period poverty in Cuba. It combines educational workshops, the distribution of period products and female empowerment to create a successful, multifaceted approach to a complex social issue.
Cuba Positive Periods Program
The Cuba Positive Periods Program or Iniciativa Duenas was organized by the Steve Sinnott Foundation and led by Norma Guillard, Naima Guillard and Rosaida Ochoa Soto. This scheme aims to train Cuban women to make their own reusable, long-lasting and sustainable period pads. This initiative was conducted online and women from various political and interest groups participated. It “facilitated a space for conversations about how to make their reusable period pads and menstrual health for young people.”
The project also emphasized the benefits of these products for older adults, especially those recovering from surgery or with bladder issues. Much of this learning took place through WhatsApp, harnessing the power of technology to reach a wider audience. Given the restricted access and fluctuating availability of disposable sanitary towels in Cuba, arming those who menstruate with the skills to be able to make their own is another novel strategy to reduce the impacts of period poverty.
Care International Workshops
Similarly, Care International organizes workshops to answer questions and queries about using menstrual cups, hoping the participants would share this information with thousands of other women after the meetings. It encourages using sustainable, reusable female hygiene products, menstrual cups, period underwear and reusable pads. Great emphasis is placed on respect for women, how all bodies are different and how this influences the suitability of certain period products for some people.
Recently, 100 women leaders and activists met in one of CARE International’s workshops in Matanzas and Pinar del Río provinces. By emphasizing the importance of grassroots organizations, “CARE is helping to increase women’s participation in different social spaces and promote respect for the rights of women and minorities.”
Conclusion
Education programs fighting period poverty are a very effective tool in Cuba, where period products are scarce, rationed and very expensive on the black market. Novel approaches are necessary so that people who menstruate can continue to live as usual while maintaining good personal hygiene. Movements and initiatives like Copas Para Cuba, Iniciativa Duenas and Care International workshops have opened Cubans’ minds to alternative approaches and made more sustainable and reliable products like menstrual cups more accessible.
They have effectively attempted to tape over the gaping holes left by the public health service’s refusal to address the issue of period poverty. However, there is still much left to do. Government-level support could significantly address this issue at a structural level. Such aid could prevent poor school attendance among girls during their periods and improve personal hygiene, especially during water shortages.
– Ciara Howard
Photo: Flickr
Housing Ministry Addresses Lack of Affordable Housing in Oman
Reason For More Affordable Housing
Oman is located in Southwest Asia on the coast of the Arabian Peninsula. Immigrants and expatriates make up approximately 46% of Oman’s population due to the region’s close proximity to numerous countries. Therefore, the country’s financial markets rely heavily on foreign investments.
As of May 2024, Oman’s capital market has seen a 19% increase in foreign investment. This growth is in response to additional policies favoring foreign investments, which the government hopes will decrease the public debt and encourage investments in essential services.
With the increase in foreign investments comes an increase in population. Consequently, Oman’s population is nine times larger than it was in 1964, previously sitting at just half a million people. As the population rises, so does the demand for housing and housing prices. This limits the number of available homes while also pricing out those who previously qualified for housing assistance. These factors directly contribute to the lack of affordable housing in Oman.
The lack of affordable housing in Oman is a longstanding issue and is the reason the Omani Government created Social Housing Policy in 1973 and, more recently, began a housing assistance program.
Steps Taken to Address Housing Insecurity
In 2020, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Planning (MHUP) began its social housing assistance program. The program’s goal is to improve the living standards of those with limited income by providing adequate housing. The program constructs housing units to support modern living, thereby providing essential tools to support these standards.
In 2022, the MHUP spent 35 million Omani Rial, approximately 90.5 million U.S. dollars, on the construction of affordable housing for Omani citizens. The following year, the MHUP spent 40 million Omani Rial and in 2024, it set aside 70 million Omani Rial for affordable housing efforts. From 2022 to 2024, the MHUP delivered 747 homes to Omani citizens and as of September 2024, there were 478 housing units under construction. The MHUP’s latest housing report also details the future construction of 109 housing units across Oman, along with efforts to ensure the equitable distribution of services.
Building Homes of Various Sizes
During this time, the MHUP also reconsidered how it takes diverse family makeups into account during construction. In the future, the MHUP intends to build homes of various sizes. This will allow the MHUP to better aid more families by more strategically distributing funding.
However, the Ministry’s social housing assistance program does more than construct homes. The MHUP also provides grants and loans. Those in need of affordable housing can then qualify for government financial assistance with the help of the MHUP so they can build or repair their homes.
The MHUP strives to address the lack of affordable housing in Oman through each of these components as a part of its program and represents the government’s goal of achieving a secure and successful future for all citizens.
– Nivea Walker
Photo: Unsplash
Renewable Energy in Myanmar
Solar, wind and hydropower investments are transforming lives by increasing electricity access in rural areas and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. The country aims to achieve 100% electrification by 2030, relying heavily on renewable sources to bridge its energy gaps.
Current Renewables
Hydropower dominates Myanmar’s renewable capacity, contributing around 45% to the national grid. The country boasts an estimated potential of more than 100 gigawatts (GW) in hydropower. However, development faces challenges such as environmental impacts and high implementation costs. Additionally, Myanmar encourages private sector involvement by permitting 100% foreign ownership of renewable projects and offering supportive policies. Some of these policies include streamlined power purchase agreements (PPAs) tailored for hydroelectric and other renewable initiatives.
One of the current projects in development is the Minbu Solar Power Plant, located in the Magway Region. This project is Myanmar’s first large-scale solar facility, which began operations in its initial phase and has plans to expand further. It represents a significant step in integrating solar energy into the national grid. Finally, concurrently, China plays a key role in supporting renewable energy initiatives in Myanmar, particularly in wind and solar projects. However, the political situation following the 2021 coup poses challenges to investment and implementation.
Power of Solar
Renewable energy has transformed lives in Hin Ka Pi, a remote village in Myanmar’s mountainous border region. A group of five women, including Naw Yoe Lay, trained in India as solar engineers or “Solar Mamas” through a World Wildlife Fund (WWF) initiative, returned to bring electricity to their communities. With newfound skills, they installed solar-powered systems, creating access to light and energy for the first time. Families now cook, sew and study safely at night without fearing venomous snakes or the unreliability of candles. The project provided light and empowered women like Naw Yoe Lay, earning them respect and pride as changemakers in their villages.
Future Potential
Myanmar is rich in renewable energy resources, from wind to hydropower to holding 20% of the world’s rare earth elements. These resources are key to addressing Myanmar’s electricity challenges and reducing carbon emissions. Myanmar has significant solar and wind energy potential, with estimated capacities of 26.96 GW and 33.83 GW, respectively. Initiatives like solar mini-grids and wind projects are being developed to address electricity shortages, especially in rural areas.
In addition, the government has outlined ambitious goals, such as achieving 53.5% renewable energy in its power mix by 2030 and providing electricity access to 100% of households. Large-scale projects, such as a wind farm in Chaung Thar and solar farms in the dry zones, are currently under development to meet these goals.
– Avery Hazard
Photo: Flickr
Namibian Politics: First Female President Tackles Inequality
Inequality in Namibia
Namibia experiences some of the highest levels of inequality in the world, with a Gini Index of 59.1 in 2015, a measure of wealth distribution across the population. By 2024, Namibia ranked second globally for income inequality, behind only South Africa. This disparity disproportionately affects rural communities, women and children. Addressing these ongoing challenges requires strong and effective political action to drive meaningful change.
Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah
At the time of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s birth in 1952, Namibia was known as South West Africa and was under South African occupation. According to the BBC, during her teenage years, she joined Swapo, a group resisting South Africa’s white-minority rule. While in high school, a crackdown on Swapo activities led to her arrest and prosecution. Following her release, Nandi-Ndaitwah decided to leave South West Africa and joined other Swapo activists in exile. She continued her activism in Zambia and Tanzania before moving to the United Kingdom (U.K.) to study International Relations. After Namibia gained independence in 1988, Nandi-Ndaitwah returned home and joined the then-Swapo-led government. Throughout her political career in Namibian politics, she has been a figurehead for women’s rights in Namibia.
A Vision for Reducing Inequality
Through her efforts, the Combating of Domestic Violence Act passed the National Assembly in 2002. She has steadily advanced in Namibia’s male-dominated political arena and, in February 2024, became the country’s vice president. By December 2024, Nandi-Ndaitwah made history as Namibia’s first female president, securing more than 57% of the vote. Although she has yet to outline specific plans, the president-elect has promised significant change, stating, “We must have radical shifts in addressing the plight of our people.” In her victory speech, according to Reuters, she highlighted the need for a more equitable distribution of wealth and land reforms to address disparities between Namibia’s social groups.
Looking Forward
Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election as Namibia’s first female president marks a historic milestone for Namibian politics and its marginalized communities. Her leadership represents a long-awaited opportunity to tackle systemic poverty and inequality that have persisted since the era of white-minority rule.
As she prepares to take office, expectations are high for land reforms, equitable wealth distribution and improved access to education and health services. Her decades-long advocacy for women and vulnerable populations provides hope for actionable change.
While Nandi-Ndaitwah’s election is cause for celebration, her success will ultimately be measured by her ability to transform promises into policies that address Namibia’s deepest inequalities and ensure that underrepresented groups have the opportunity to thrive.
– William Pickering
Photo: Flickr
Diseases Impacting Colombia
Understanding the difference between communicable and noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is crucial to comprehending the illnesses that most commonly impact Colombia. Diabetes and cancer are examples of NCDs, which have a tendency to spread slowly. On the other hand, communicable illnesses such as TB or measles are more contagious and easier to transmit.
NCDs
According to data from 2014, NCDs were responsible for 71% of Colombian deaths, with injuries and other incidents accounting for the remaining 17%. The three primary NCDs in Colombia as of 2014 were diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses.
In Colombia, 28% of all deaths were from cardiovascular diseases, with men dying at a higher rate than women. Furthermore, a report indicated that 35,000 Colombians lost their lives to cancer in 2014. By 2035, cancer-related mortality may rise by 31%, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Additionally, diabetes claimed the lives of almost 19,000 Colombians in 2015, making up 10% of all fatalities in the nation that year. One million more people in Colombia may have diabetes without a diagnosis, making it one of the most underdiagnosed conditions that are impacting Colombia.
NCDs were responsible for 22% of premature deaths among people under the age of 70. A report stated that Government health spending as a percentage of GDP rose from 5.4% in 2003 to 6.8% in 2013, indicating that NCDs have apparently had a significant economic impact on Colombia. Furthermore, individual health expenditure has also increased from $133.59 in 2002 to $569.19 in 2015 as a result of the rise of NCDs within the country.
Communicable Diseases
Due to Colombia’s tropical environment and a lack of awareness about the seriousness of some diseases, communicable diseases impacting Colombia including malaria, HIV and tuberculosis (TB) are more common and transmit quickly among people.
According to Reports, in 2022 alone, TB affected 32 out of every 100,000 individuals, with a fatality rate of 2.4 per 100, 000. Within the same year, there were 25 HIV diagnoses for every 100, 000 people, resulting in a total 5.1 deaths per 100,000. However, one should note that in recent years, the HIV rate has dropped by 7.4%. This can be credited to Colombia’s strong and growing health sector. But due to its tropical climate, Colombia, like many other nations, the ever-increasing malaria sickness plagues it. Up until 2019, Colombia recorded between 60,000 to 80,000 cases of malaria annually for almost 10 years.
Despite being more contagious, communicable diseases typically have more treatments and medications available. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranks Colombia Healthcare sector as the 22nd best in the world, ahead of the United States and Australia. The government allocates 20% of its budget on health care, increasing access to care for individuals from a variety of circumstances.
Unemployment and Poverty in Colombia
Unemployment and the expenditures of health care for both individuals and families are two important elements to take into account when examining how poverty in Colombia contributes to a higher rate of illness infection. One major contributing cause to poverty is unemployment with Colombia’s unemployment rate currently at 9.1% at the moment, but it has remained constant since 2023. Since 9.1% of the population is unemployed, the majority cannot afford the present health care costs, which as of 2022 total $558 per individual.
A report showed that 19 million Colombians lived on just $97,94 a month in that same year. Alongside this is undernourishment, which has been a growing problem in Colombia, especially for women and in 2019, 88% of unemployed people, or 8% of the population, were undernourished. Furthermore, since inadequate nutrition is known to affect or weaken immune systems, more people are vulnerable to illnesses with the bulk of the unemployed population undernourished. Eventually, it leads to high health care costs, which furthers poverty.
The Colombian Government’s Efforts
The Colombian government introduced a national strategy to accomplish the “eradication and elimination” of the most contagious communicable illnesses in May 2024. It is strategy to improve the efficiency of medical care and expand public health services for Colombians. By 2035, the goal is to eradicate 30 additional communicable diseases; the eradication plan includes diseases that are impacting Colombia, such as HIV, malaria and tuberculosis. In order to accomplish its objectives, the Colombian government has established the “One Health” approach, which attempts to close the gap between communities and medicine. The Colombian government intends to pool medical resources in order to fully implement this policy, making it more efficient and providing services that benefit everybody. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection hopes that the one health strategy, which just originated in 2024, will yield benefits soon.
Looking Ahead
The health landscape in Colombia is shaped by both communicable and NCDs, each posing significant challenges to the nation’s well-being. NCDs such as diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular illnesses are leading causes of death and economic burden, contributing to premature mortality and escalating healthcare costs. At the same time, communicable diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV remain persistent threats, exacerbated by Colombia’s tropical climate and limited awareness in some areas. These diseases disproportionately impact vulnerable populations, especially those living in poverty and facing unemployment, further straining the healthcare system.
However, the country’s resilient health sector and government initiatives, such as the “One Health” strategy, offer hope for tackling diseases impacting Colombia. By focusing on prevention, treatment, and greater accessibility to health care, Colombia aims to improve health outcomes and eradicate many infectious diseases in the coming decades. As the country continues to navigate these health complexities, effective policy interventions and improved public awareness will be key in reducing the impact of both communicable and NCDs on the Colombian population.
– Zacc Katusiime
Photo: Flickr