Custos Care Foundation (CCF), a nongovernmental organization based in Enugu State, Nigeria, aims to promote social justice and reduce poverty and inequality by empowering underprivileged groups through skills development, health care, well-being and basic education. By working closely with local communities and partners, CCF seeks to drive sustainable change in Enugu State and beyond.
The Mama Care Initiative
According to a publication by PubMed, data from the obstetric unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu, Nigeria, shows that between January 2003 and December 2005, there were 49 maternal deaths, 2,131 deliveries and 2,044 live births. This results in a maternal mortality ratio of 2,397.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during the study period. In response, CCF recently launched the “Mama Care Initiative,” a significant milestone in providing one-year health insurance premiums for 1,701 pregnant women across Enugu State’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with approximately 100 per LGA in the pilot phase.
A notable case involved a baby from the Oji River LGA who was born prematurely at a primary health care facility. The family was unable to secure the funds necessary to transfer the infant to a secondary facility equipped with an incubator. However, with the assistance of CCF, the baby was successfully transferred to the UNTH, where she received the necessary care and support needed for her health and survival.
Child Abuse Awareness and Sensitization
CCF is currently organizing sensitization programs in primary schools across the 17 LGAs in Enugu State to raise awareness about child abuse. This initiative is anchored in two key program areas: social protection and basic education for all. The objective is to educate school pupils in Enugu State about child abuse, including its identification and prevention. So far, CCF has visited 13 schools, reaching approximately 6,000 pupils directly and more than 5,000 indirectly through media campaigns, including social media outreach.
Skills Acquisition Training for Women and Youth
The issue of poverty, exacerbated by unemployment and a shortage of skills, has significantly impacted the living standards of the population. While the current government in the state has made commendable efforts to build workforce capacity, the organization is also dedicated to bridging the capacity gap.
Through the CCF’s “Craft UP Initiative,” the foundation has trained 68 women and youth in the state in vocational skills related to leather work, including shoemaking, bag making and belt production. To further support their endeavors, it established a skills acquisition center focused on tailoring and leatherworking.
This center provides these individuals with the opportunity to utilize our state-of-the-art industrial machines at no cost, enabling them to produce high-quality goods in larger quantities.
Youth Aspire Boot Camp 2024
In 2024, CCF hosted a four-day youth boot camp for 100 young people from Enugu State, consisting of both male and female participants, alongside more than 30 volunteers and resource persons. Participants aged 15 to 20 were selected from various locations across the state, with a commitment to inclusivity that ensured equitable representation across gender, social status and abilities.
The youths acquired a diverse range of skills, including information and communication technology (ICT) competencies such as coding and the creation of 3D and 2D animations. They also developed vocational skills in areas like weaving, tailoring, bead-making, social media marketing and content creation.
Final Remark
By engaging with local partners and communities, Custos Care Foundation not only provides essential services but also cultivates a culture of empowerment and resilience. As it continues to bridge gaps in health, education and vocational training, CCF stands as a beacon of hope for underprivileged groups in Enugu State, driving meaningful progress and inspiring a brighter future.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
Variant Poliovirus Outbreaks and Vaccination rates in Yemen
Global Health in Yemen
According to USAID, 19.7 million people in Yemen do not have access to basic health services. In Yemen, only 52% of health facilities are fully functional and most of these lack equipment, essential medicines and specialist physicians—a slight improvement from 2014, when only 46% of health facilities were partially functional. The mortality rate for children under 5 stands at 41.3 deaths per 1,000 births. The deteriorating state of the health care system has facilitated the re-emergence of preventable diseases like polio. UNICEF and WHO are actively collaborating with the country’s health systems to improve these conditions. Furthermore, more than 17 million people in Yemen struggle with food insecurity and 4.5 million are internally displaced due to ongoing violence, economic crises and recurring outbreaks of disease exacerbated by climate events, contributing to the near collapse of the country’s health care infrastructure.
UNICEF Vaccinations
UNICEF announced a second round of oral polio vaccines for 1.3 million children under the age of 5 from July 15 to July 17, 2024, following a successful first round in Feb. that reached 1.2 million children. In collaboration with WHO and Yemen’s Ministry of Public Health and Population, the organization also distributed vitamin A supplements to boost children’s natural immunity against diseases. The immunization campaign targets 12 southern governorates and 120 districts, with approximately 9,000 health workers trained for house-to-house vaccination. This effort is a response to a polio outbreak that left 257 children paralyzed.
Health Initiatives
Peter Hawkins, the UNICEF representative to Yemen, stated that eradication of diseases is achievable if every child receives vaccinations against poliovirus and other preventable diseases. In collaboration with various partners and organizations, UNICEF is pushing forward the Big Catch-up initiative, aiming to restore and accelerate routine vaccines and immunization services missed during COVID-19. Additionally, health partners and authorities have initiated the Health Emergency Expansion Resource (HEER) initiative to extend integrated primary health care services, including vaccinations, to address polio and measles outbreaks.
Looking Ahead
Collaborative efforts by global health organizations are essential to restoring Yemen’s health care system and halting the spread of preventable diseases. Recent campaigns and health initiatives demonstrate a concerted push to increase vaccination rates in Yemen and enhance primary care access for millions. As these initiatives progress, they offer renewed hope for improving the resilience of Yemen’s health care infrastructure and protecting vulnerable populations, especially young children, from further outbreaks.
– Indira Smith
Photo: Flickr
Everything to Know About Elderly Poverty in Antigua and Barbuda
Antigua and Barbuda is a Caribbean country consisting of the two main islands and several smaller islands with 97% of the country’s population located in Antigua. The British colonized the country in the 17th century and transported a large population of enslaved Africans to work on sugar and tobacco plantations. After the emancipation of slavery in 1834, the economy struggled due to the heavy reliance on sugar production. In 1981, the country gained full independence from the U.K. and opted to remain in the Commonwealth. The country’s legacy of colonialism still affects the current economic state.
Economic Effect on Elders
People aged 60 years and older have a higher likelihood of suffering from extreme poverty at 4.2% than the rest of the population at 3.7%. Poverty is more prevalent in rural areas due to limited access to services, transportation and economic opportunities. Access to affordable health care is also a major issue caused by elderly poverty in Antigua and Barbuda. The costs of medical care, including medications and treatments for chronic conditions strain the limited resources of those who experience elderly poverty in Antigua and Barbuda.
Many charitable and nonprofit organizations provide health care services in Antigua and Barbuda. St. John’s Hospice is a charity that provides hospice care to the terminally ill. The organization provides both in-home and inpatient care through the proceeds from a shop run by the charity located in Antigua, as well as fundraising and donations.
The Environment and Tourism
Caribbean countries are more vulnerable to extreme weather events and natural disasters. Environmental devastation affects the ability to conduct tourism and the economy since the tourism industry makes up more than 50% of the country’s GDP and is responsible for more than 46% of the national employment.
Elderly poverty in Antigua and Barbuda is disproportionately affected by hits to the labor market. According to a 2018 Labour Force Survey Report, the employment-to-population ratio is lowest in seniors 65 and older. Both environmental issues and the tourism industry affect housing. Environmental disasters destroy buildings. The tourism industry pushes locals away from coastal land and into areas with fewer resources. Jamaica Kincaid describes tourism as a neo-colonial structure that exploits the land and local population and is responsible for the economy.
USAID/OFDA provided disaster relief services for Antigua and Barbuda, including getting resources to more than 400 hurricane-affected households in 2018. Since 2010, it has provided $95 million to support disaster risk reduction programs in Latin America and the Caribbean.
Conclusion
Despite challenges from Antigua and Barbuda’s colonial past and a heavy reliance on tourism, the country is home to a vibrant community working towards a brighter future. With continued efforts from local and international groups, there is hope for sustainable development and a better quality of life for all citizens, especially those affected by elderly poverty in Antigua and Barbuda.
– Nina Bujewski
Photo: Pexels
The Impact of Custos Care Foundation
The Mama Care Initiative
According to a publication by PubMed, data from the obstetric unit of the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH) in Enugu, Nigeria, shows that between January 2003 and December 2005, there were 49 maternal deaths, 2,131 deliveries and 2,044 live births. This results in a maternal mortality ratio of 2,397.3 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births during the study period. In response, CCF recently launched the “Mama Care Initiative,” a significant milestone in providing one-year health insurance premiums for 1,701 pregnant women across Enugu State’s 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs), with approximately 100 per LGA in the pilot phase.
A notable case involved a baby from the Oji River LGA who was born prematurely at a primary health care facility. The family was unable to secure the funds necessary to transfer the infant to a secondary facility equipped with an incubator. However, with the assistance of CCF, the baby was successfully transferred to the UNTH, where she received the necessary care and support needed for her health and survival.
Child Abuse Awareness and Sensitization
CCF is currently organizing sensitization programs in primary schools across the 17 LGAs in Enugu State to raise awareness about child abuse. This initiative is anchored in two key program areas: social protection and basic education for all. The objective is to educate school pupils in Enugu State about child abuse, including its identification and prevention. So far, CCF has visited 13 schools, reaching approximately 6,000 pupils directly and more than 5,000 indirectly through media campaigns, including social media outreach.
Skills Acquisition Training for Women and Youth
The issue of poverty, exacerbated by unemployment and a shortage of skills, has significantly impacted the living standards of the population. While the current government in the state has made commendable efforts to build workforce capacity, the organization is also dedicated to bridging the capacity gap.
Through the CCF’s “Craft UP Initiative,” the foundation has trained 68 women and youth in the state in vocational skills related to leather work, including shoemaking, bag making and belt production. To further support their endeavors, it established a skills acquisition center focused on tailoring and leatherworking.
This center provides these individuals with the opportunity to utilize our state-of-the-art industrial machines at no cost, enabling them to produce high-quality goods in larger quantities.
Youth Aspire Boot Camp 2024
In 2024, CCF hosted a four-day youth boot camp for 100 young people from Enugu State, consisting of both male and female participants, alongside more than 30 volunteers and resource persons. Participants aged 15 to 20 were selected from various locations across the state, with a commitment to inclusivity that ensured equitable representation across gender, social status and abilities.
The youths acquired a diverse range of skills, including information and communication technology (ICT) competencies such as coding and the creation of 3D and 2D animations. They also developed vocational skills in areas like weaving, tailoring, bead-making, social media marketing and content creation.
Final Remark
By engaging with local partners and communities, Custos Care Foundation not only provides essential services but also cultivates a culture of empowerment and resilience. As it continues to bridge gaps in health, education and vocational training, CCF stands as a beacon of hope for underprivileged groups in Enugu State, driving meaningful progress and inspiring a brighter future.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
The Wellcome Trust Tackles Neglected Tropical Diseases in Nigeria
Addressing Lassa Fever
Lassa Fever, endemic to multiple African countries, hit Nigeria hard in 2018 with the country’s largest outbreak. More than 20% of cases were fatal. The disease infects blood vessels, attacking the organs. Only about 20% of cases show recognizable symptoms, complicating diagnosis and containment efforts. Currently, no vaccines exist for this potentially fatal disease, making research into diagnosis and treatment a critical priority.
The Wellcome Trust, a major supporter of infectious disease research, funds the Centre for Infectious Disease and Research Policy (CIDRAP), which has developed a plan to address Lassa Fever in Nigeria. This Research and Development (R&D) plan aims to advance vaccine research for various strains of the disease, identify gaps in current research and prioritize filling these gaps.
Working closely with the United Kingdom (U.K.) Department for International Development, these organizations have funded about £500,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the African Coalition for Epidemic Research, Response and Training (ALERRT) to support Nigeria. This funding boosts projects that enhance research, expand access to laboratory work and benefit local clinics and health centers.
Addressing MPOX
Mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) is endemic in most African countries. A significant increase in cases occurred in Nigeria in 2017, prompting the WHO to enhance regulations to contain the disease. Like Lassa fever, Mpox presents various strains across different countries. Most cases arise in rural areas, often causing up to a two-week delay between symptom onset and treatment due to challenging access. To tackle this, the Wellcome Trust plans to collaborate with FIND, an organization developing a point-of-care rapid test to accelerate the diagnosis process on-site before verifying the data in a lab. Through this approach, the organization aims to reduce fatalities and decrease the stigma associated with this visibly impacting disease.
Addressing Dengue in Nigeria
Dengue, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes, is most prevalent in tropical climates. Diagnosed individuals suffer from high fevers, headaches and muscle and joint pains. The innovative research tool E-DENGUE enables local governments to prepare for outbreaks months in advance. According to the WHO, half of the world’s population is at risk of contracting dengue. E-DENGUE, currently a desktop platform, integrates data from various sources instead of relying solely on case studies. Researchers are working to develop this tool into a mobile app to enhance accessibility.
Urbanization, climate challenges and limited health care access complicate efforts to contain dengue, which is endemic in every state in Nigeria and ranks among the most fatally misdiagnosed diseases in Africa. The concern over dengue is often underestimated as health professionals struggle to accurately identify the disease. They lack consistent treatment methods due to insufficient tools and research.
Strategic Health Initiatives and Funding
The Trust has succeeded through research and community health programs that enhance awareness, prevention and treatment of diseases. Addressing these issues not only improves health and quality of life but also boosts economic benefits by increasing work productivity and reducing poverty. As of 2022, the Wellcome Trust plans to invest £16 billion in health research by 2032, focusing on discovery research, climate and health, infectious disease and mental health. It advances these areas by prioritizing research funding, advocating for global policy changes and fostering innovative research environments.
Looking to the Future
Since 2018, the Wellcome Trust and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) have engaged in a productive collaboration through the Joint Initiative on Research in Epidemic Preparedness and Response (JIREP). This initiative funds research and medical support worldwide. The collaboration aims to tackle well-known diseases, assist countries in preparing for outbreaks and integrate social sciences and policy development in responding to global epidemics.
The Wellcome Trust’s strategies have significantly improved access to treatment and quality of life by enhancing research and funding for neglected tropical diseases in Nigeria. Furthermore, advances in technology have shortened diagnosis times, leading to quicker recoveries and fewer deaths. Indeed, this efficiency helps individuals resume work and daily activities, supporting their families and breaking the vicious cycle of poverty and disease.
– Lauren Sellman
Photo: Flickr
Ekwere Akpan Foundation: Giving Hope
Additionally, it focuses on caring for orphans by providing them access to education through scholarships and skills acquisition programs. Beyond addressing the needs of older widows, widowers and orphans, the organization is dedicated to tackling the challenges faced by people living in the rural parts of Nigeria, particularly those in Akwa Ibom, a state in the southern part of Nigeria.
Challenges Faced by Rural Communities in Akwa Ibom
What Is Being Done
In December 2023, the NGO donated foodstuffs to older widows in the rural community of Ikot Akpafuk, located in the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area (LGA) of Akwa Ibom. Furthermore, in partnership with the International Center for Leadership Development Nigeria (ICLDNG), the Foundation has educated more than 500 students and youths on safe internet practices, aiming to empower them with the knowledge to navigate the digital world securely and responsibly.
As an organization dedicated not only to eradicating poverty but also to improving the overall well-being of individuals, the Foundation has partnered with the Nigeria Youth Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) to raise awareness about the “Coalition Against Synthetic Drug Threat.” This initiative aims to enlighten the general public about the dangers of synthetic drugs and promote healthier choices within the community.
Additionally, the Foundation has advocated for donations to support community members suffering from bilateral visually significant cataracts, including an elderly widow who has become visually impaired due to this illness. The organization has also sought assistance for individuals whose homes have collapsed due to excessive rainfall and inadequate building structures.
Final Note
The Ekwere Akpan Foundation is making significant strides in addressing poverty and improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. Through its multifaceted approach, the organization empowers youth with essential skills and advocates for health awareness. It provides immediate relief to those in need. With its commitment to the well-being of marginalized groups, the Foundation exemplifies the transformative impact of grassroots initiatives in creating sustainable change.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Pexels
Humanitarian Visit to North Korea Signals Hope for Future Aid
As a result of North Korea’s rigid border policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a mass exodus of aid workers from the country in 2020. By spring 2021, the last remaining humanitarian officials had left, as North Korean authorities refused almost all attempts by aid organizations to reenter. This occurred despite the pandemic’s disproportionate impact on food and health security among the most impoverished populations. The government’s stringent measures included strict border closures, increased surveillance and severe restrictions on freedom of movement and access to information.
Break in Isolation Amid Heightened Repression
Qu Dongyu’s visit is significant not only because of its timing but also due to its potential implications for reactivating humanitarian efforts. The FAO described the trip as a “milestone” demonstrating mutual trust and respect, opening new avenues for engagement to tackle food security and nutrition challenges post-pandemic. During his visit, Qu met with North Korean officials and toured key agricultural sites, including the Kangdong Greenhouse Complex and the Kangdong Central Institute for Vegetables.
He commended the “great achievements made by [the] DPRK people in agriculture development, food security and the Pyongyang city” under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. However, independent experts remain cautious. The FAO’s Global Information and Early Warning System reported that “the food security situation is expected to remain fragile amid persistent weak economic growth.”
Expert Opinions and Skepticism
Analysts have expressed skepticism about the improvements in North Korea’s food security. A former CIA analyst, William Brown, suggested that Qu’s flattering remarks might be a strategic move to maintain access to North Korea. “So many people in North Korea are going hungry even as we speak,” Brown said. Bradley Babson, a former World Bank adviser, interpreted the excessive compliments as a means to “reestablish a relationship,” emphasizing that the FAO’s return would be beneficial. The government’s reluctance to accept international assistance has been a longstanding issue. In 2021, North Korea rejected several offers to provide millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccines, including offers from COVAX, South Korea and Russia. The health care system, already fragile due to underfunding and lack of resources, has deteriorated further, with access to medicines and medical supplies severely limited.
Humanitarian Impact of the Pandemic
The pandemic has worsened North Korea’s chronic food insecurity. The U.N. reports that since 2017, more than 10 million people—more than 40% of the country’s official population of 25 million—face food insecurity. Reports have emerged of food shortages even among Pyongyang’s elite, with incidents of starvation across various regions. With minimal external aid, issues of widespread malnutrition and deteriorating children’s health persist. Humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF and the World Food Program (WFP) are prepared to resume operations but have been without access for nearly four years.
Regional Engagements and Geopolitical Dynamics
Qu’s visit to North Korea followed an official visit to Mongolia from July 10 to 12, 2024, where he discussed sustainable agrifood systems transformation. These regional engagements underscore the FAO’s commitment to supporting sustainable agriculture in developing countries. Analysts also note geopolitical undercurrents, such as China’s possible interest in counterbalancing Russia’s growing ties with North Korea. Qu, who is Chinese, met with Chinese Ambassador Wang Yajun in Pyongyang, highlighting China’s longstanding support for North Korea.
Moving Forward
The recent visit by the FAO Director-General to North Korea marks a crucial step in resuming humanitarian efforts after years of restricted access. While challenges remain, this engagement could lead to renewed cooperation on food security and agricultural development. Qu Dongyu, in particular, emphasized the importance of innovation, digitalization and green development in transforming the agricultural sector. He encouraged the North Korean government to explore new opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization to support the most vulnerable populations. The outcome of these ongoing efforts potentially depends on sustained collaboration between North Korea and international organizations.
– Sophia Lee
Photo: Flickr
PHAAE: Mission for Clean Water and Sanitation in Rural Nigeria
Public Health Aid Awareness & Education (PHAAE), a nongovernmental organization (NGO), focuses on addressing the critical lack of access to clean water and sanitation facilities in rural communities across Nigeria. PHAAE’s work is vital in bridging this gap by providing water systems and sanitation facilities, starting with schools and extending to entire communities. By improving hygiene infrastructure, PHAAE enhances educational environments, reduces disease risks and promotes long-term community health.
Public Health Aid Awareness & Education
PHAAE adopts a community-centered and sustainable approach to addressing rural Nigerian communities’ water and sanitation crisis. Starting with a thorough needs assessment in collaboration with local leaders and school administrators, PHAAE tailors interventions to meet each community’s unique requirements. Schools serve as central hubs for education and social progress, so by installing clean water systems and sanitation facilities there, PHAAE enhances learning environments and extends these essential resources to the broader community. Each water facility positively impacts thousands of residents beyond the school, creating lasting community-wide benefits.
Transforming Lives
Through partnerships with sponsors like the U.S. Embassy and global philanthropists, PHAAE has transformed thousands of lives, affirming that clean water and sanitation are essential rights for every child and community. PHAAE’s initiatives have significantly enhanced the health, education and overall well-being of the communities it serves. By equipping rural schools with clean water and sanitation facilities, the organization has greatly improved the quality of life for students and extended these benefits to surrounding communities.
In Kunyami, Abuja, a PHAAE water project initially designed for 1,500 students now benefits more than 5,000 community members, significantly reducing waterborne diseases and promoting better hygiene practices. Before PHAAE’s intervention, children like Sater had to trek long distances to the Toge River for water, sometimes going days without bathing. Today, with clean water accessible directly at school, they can prioritize their education and personal well-being, marking a transformative change in their daily lives.
PHAAE’s projects have broad societal impacts, including increased school attendance, especially for girls who can now attend during menstruation thanks to proper sanitation facilities. In Takushara, during the COVID-19 pandemic, PHAAE provided water and sanitation for 1,300 students and delivered hygiene education, equipping the entire community to navigate the health crisis more effectively. Altogether, these initiatives have positively impacted more than 9,000 people.
Closing Remark
PHAAE’s work is far from over. It is driven by a vision of a world where no child is denied access to clean water and proper sanitation simply because of their birthplace. PHAAE continues to work in rural communities across Nigeria, expanding its reach and deepening its impact.
– Staff Reports
Photo: Flickr
The Shanghai Oasis Green Food Bank in China
Food Waste Problem in China
China discards food valued at approximately 200 billion RMB each year. This waste is a significant loss that affects the economic stability of food supply chain participants. Furthermore, it challenges the livelihoods of hundreds of millions of Chinese smallholder farmers. This substantial waste not only signifies a loss of economic potential but also squanders essential resources like water, seed and labor, all scarce in China. Moreover, these conditions have made China the world’s largest importer of food. Despite this, urban disposable income in China saw a substantial increase, rising to more than 30,000 RMB in 2015. For reference, this is nearly five times the amount in 2000, China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported. To address these ongoing issues, Li Bing founded the Shanghai Oasis Green Food Bank in 2015.
6 Initiatives of the Oasis Green Food Bank
Looking Ahead
Through innovative distribution methods and strategic partnerships, Shanghai Oasis Green Food Bank has broadened food access to support vulnerable communities across China. With substantial contributions from donors and an emphasis on quality standards, the organization exemplifies a community-driven approach to mitigating food waste and addressing hunger. As China’s first food bank, it sets a significant precedent, enhancing both local and national efforts toward sustainable food security.
– Jimmy Nguyen
Photo: Flickr
Organizations Advancing Menstrual Health Awareness in Pakistan
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 1.5 billion people worldwide are still deprived of access to basic sanitation facilities. Period poverty also arises from the lack of education and proper awareness of one’s menstrual health. Even today, many girls only come to know about menstruation once they experience it. That said, here are three organizations improving menstrual health awareness in Pakistan, as well as equipping them with the tools they need.
HER
HER is a women-headed organization focusing on creating lifelong social change by supporting communities to overcome the menstrual-related obstructions they face. It does this by delivering educational programs such as the “School Puberty Education Program,” which is aimed at educating and providing training to parents and teachers. Hence, they are aware of puberty changes and can create safe spaces for their children.
“Oh my period” is a group run by the organization which allows girls and women to openly talk about everything related to menstruation and provides the opportunity for young people to learn from one another’s experiences. HER also encourages policy change, hoping to end poverty and reduce the stigma around menstruation by advocating for menstrual equity. The organization has served 38,000 periods, impacting more than 110,000 people.
Santex
Santex is a well-known pioneer in the personal hygiene brand. Founded in 1983, it began as a family-led business focusing on providing a healthy lifestyle for everyone, irrespective of their socioeconomic background. It aims to develop innovative and unique sanitary products to serve women from all corners of Pakistan. One of its leading products, “Butterfly” sanitary pads, was the first “stick-on” menstruation product in Pakistan. In Santex’s own words, it is “the only company to introduce breathable sanitary napkins and panty liners in Pakistan that allows women to breeze through puberty and periods.”
The organization aims to remove taboos relating to menstruation and raise awareness about personal hygiene. In 2022, Santex joined hands with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to continue the discussion of period poverty and barriers women face due to a lack of menstrual health awareness. Both organizations have committed to developing innovative research that will provide high-quality and safe menstrual products for women. Santex has served more than one million periods and trained 184,867 women regarding menstrual health.
Aahung
Aahung, a nonprofit organization founded in Karachi in 1995, aims to spread awareness and improve the sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of women, men and youths across Pakistan. The organization focuses on empowering and educating young girls and women about their reproductive health rights. This is achieved by disseminating information and ensuring high-quality access to health care facilities. Aahung collaborates with educational institutions and workplace structures to deliver training to people through its various programs.
In 2022, the organization reached 73,645 people, trained 75 schoolteachers and held 40 training sessions to educate parents about SRHR. When catastrophic floods hit Sindh in 2022, Aahung worked to ensure young girls and women facing menstrual issues during the crisis were not abandoned. The organization distributed 300 menstrual kits containing essential sanitary products, soap and other personal hygiene items. It also held informational sessions where women could openly discuss menstruation-related issues and receive needed support.
Final Thoughts
The stigma around a woman’s period remains widespread and is a primary cause of period poverty in developing nations. However, the organizations mentioned above are making significant progress in reducing the taboo surrounding women’s bodies and health. Their work will continue to improve menstrual health awareness in Pakistan, to the benefit of many women across the country.
– Aleena Shahid
Photo: Flickr
5 Ways Renewable Energy Can Transform Developing Countries
Global Efforts for Sustainable Energy
Moving toward sustainable modern energy will require renewable sources to constitute 60% of power generation by 2030, supporting resilient industry and infrastructure in developing countries. The World Bank, which currently has a $10 billion portfolio in energy projects, supported Nigeria’s electrification program that has transformed the country. Accelerating global electrification will necessitate a fundamental shift in the conception of energy access.
5 Ways Renewable Energy Transforms Developing Countries
Looking Ahead
Renewable energy holds significant transformative potential for developing countries. By adopting solar, wind and hydroelectric power, these nations can drive economic growth. Furthermore, initiatives will create jobs, improve health outcomes, reduce environmental impact and enhance energy security. As these countries seek sustainable solutions for their energy needs, renewable energy emerges as a promising and transformative approach that can potentially lead to a brighter and more sustainable future.
– Maria Urioste
Photo: Flickr