According to a National Library of Medicine study, health care systems in low-income countries remain as fragile as ever. The COVID-19 pandemic put such these systems under immense pressure. An example of this is the health care system in Ethiopia.
COVID-19 and Health Care Infrastructure
The pandemic highlighted many flaws and shortcomings in the health care infrastructure. Global leaders underestimated the need for health care reform and it was only after the pandemic claimed millions of lives that such leaders recognized the need for reorganization and restructuring to ensure adequate procedures and the anticipation of failures.
A 2022 study reviewed measures taken during the pandemic, offering an alternative means of control based on analysis. Researchers provided a more efficient model for managing deadly diseases and outbreaks, reformulating emergency response measures based on management, protection and containment via control and suppression of transmission, information and support.
The Impact on Ethiopia
Deadly diseases significantly impact global health security. Researchers have found that in countries with limited access to health care services, high poverty rates, and prevalent comorbid diseases, the effects of the pandemic intensified. From early March 2020 to July 2022, Ethiopia reported a total of 491,917 COVID-19 cases and 7,568 deaths, figures that are partly attributable to ongoing poverty-related conditions. Additionally, families experienced significant economic impacts, with about 8.4% of households reporting job losses between March and Oct. of 2020.
Ethiopia’s Response
Following the policymakers’ decision in Ethiopia, the government did not implement a pandemic lockdown like many other countries. Instead, it instated pandemic-preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus. While somewhat successful, such an approach posed obstacles in implementing community-based services and initiatives to provide additional support to communities. Researchers proposed scaling up community-based resources and approaches as essential support elements.
Like some other low-income countries, Ethiopia could not initiate a country-wide lockdown. Instead, it immediately implemented measures such as thermal screening, contract tracing and isolation, which proved successful. Authorities tailored these measures specifically to the health care system in Ethiopia, weighing the pros and cons. The government demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the shortage of essential medicines, effectively utilizing resources to produce critical medicine and prioritizing medicinal efforts.
Financing for Health Measures in Ethiopia
Financing is critical to supportive measures enacted to assist countries affected by health crises. It was found that funding for health initiatives and measures in Ethiopia had increased only after the pandemic. Such financial constraints the government of Ethiopia faced during the pandemic led to unprecedented circumstances, such as a shortage of protective equipment.
According to the Institute of Medicine Committee on the United States (U.S.) Commitment to Global Health, low-income country revenues amount to only 18% of their gross domestic product (GDP), which limits their ability to finance health services, proving consequential in the face of severe health crises. Studies have shown that the level of investment needed to deliver extensive care and improve health care systems requires significant and sustained investment by outside agencies and sources. Additional aid from other organizations is therefore essential.
Launch of the Response Project in Ethiopia
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Jan. 2024, the Ethiopian government launched the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project. This extensive project aims to address pandemic-related response measures and preparedness. Such analysis is specific to Ethiopia’s specific socioeconomic landscape. In addition, the project will also examine factors like communication and alerts, enhancing the surveillance of outbreaks in some regions of the country.
Dr. Dlamini Nonhlanhla, WHO’s Ethiopia Representative, discussed the initiatives, noting, “The key components and project activities are aligned with the national plans, including Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute’s Strategic Plan, the Ethiopian National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and the Ethiopian Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan.” Additionally, Nonhlanhla explained that funding would strengthen Ethiopia’s health care systems and other government structures crucial to public health protection. “This fund will enable us to mobilize resources, strengthen health systems and support critical sectors such as agriculture, environment, antimicrobial resistance and animal health, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding public health,” Nonhlanhla added.
Role of Government Leadership and Foreign Aid
Since July 2021, the U.S. has donated 10,095,170 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the citizens of Ethiopia, increasing aid to a severely affected country. In a public health crisis, government leadership, as well as foreign aid, is especially critical in mitigating both the economic, health and social consequences of a deadly viral outbreak, proving essential in assisting countries with poorly structured health care systems.
Looking Ahead
The Ethiopian government, with support from international organizations, has taken significant steps to strengthen the health care system in Ethiopia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project marks a critical move toward improving the country’s ability to manage future health crises. With continued investment in health systems and targeted foreign aid, Ethiopia aims to enhance its pandemic preparedness and safeguard public health.
– Dominic Samaniego
Dominic is based in Fullerton, CA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Basket Weaving and Poverty Alleviation
Kerio Basket Makers’ Self-Help Group
Many members of the present Kerio Basket Makers’ Self-Help Group in Turkana County, Kenya, used to rely on relief supplies to make ends meet. They often struggled to accumulate savings and fund their children’s education. This was until 2018 when Mary Erakai and 19 other women pooled $7.75 each to start a small-scale enterprise for basket weaving.
They astutely turned a stringent ban on plastic carrier bags into an opportunity for them to create a sustainable source of income for themselves. Benefitting from vendors’ increased demand, the group sells baskets worth anywhere between $2.33 and $11.63. With the Hunger Safety Net Program’s assistance, they also weave brooms and mats. Erakai has, over time, transitioned into a successful entrepreneur who trains and employs women across three towns.
Basket Weaving in Ghana
Azunne Asakiboba, from Ghana’s Bongo district, can feed and educate her family of three primary school-going children with the supplementary income of $7 she earns weekly by weaving three baskets. She has also been able to contribute to and benefit from a village savings scheme that allows her to access credit.
As a result of the livelihood-enhancing Complimentary Income Generation Scheme, supported by the Japanese Social Development Fund and the World Bank, she gained the vital vocational skills of straw basket and hat weaving. She also earned a $41.27 fund for her basket weaving set-up.
Moonj Grass Baskets
The art of dexterously weaving together fine blades of sun-dried, cream-colored Moonj grass has been in Fatima Bibi’s family for generations. She grew up watching her mother, Aasma, practice it. She picked it up in no time after she got married and started living with her mother-in-law, Ayesha Begum, a seasoned artisan. Fatima, a resident of Prayagraj district in Uttar Pradesh, India, is now financially independent, earning close to $83.38 monthly. She spends much time locating new buyers and liaising with policymakers to promote the craft. She also heads a local self-help group, which provides women with credit and a sense of community.
Demand for Moonj grass basket weaving had declined before the Uttar Pradesh government launched its One District, One Product scheme in 2013. When Moonj was earmarked as the unique product of Prayagraj, orders started increasing. It became a meaningful and consistent source of employment for craftswomen throughout the district, who benefit from the district’s Zilla Udyog Kendra or local industry center’s training and starting kit-provision services. The craft has also found support in the neighboring state of Bihar, where the Wildlife Trust of India, along with the Indian Institute of Technology and the state’s Forest Department, has trained more than 200 women from 53 rural self-help groups in the weaving and marketing of Moonj grass baskets.
Looking Ahead
Few cost-effective initiatives can simultaneously achieve sustainable development, poverty alleviation and women’s empowerment. One powerful example is the promotion of traditional basket weaving. It has proven to transform lives across diverse regions.
– Shiveka Bakshi
Photo: Flickr
A Look at Malaria in Ghana
As a result, poverty is widespread, affecting approximately 24% of its 33.48 million residents. This translates to around 8 million people living below the poverty line. Many of these individuals face significant hardships, including health challenges. Malaria, in particular, has been a persistent and severe issue for Ghana.
What Is Malaria?
Malaria is a parasitic disease transmitted through the bites of female Anopheles mosquitoes. It is caused by five types of parasites, with Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax being the most severe. While malaria is found in various regions globally, it is most prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa, including Ghana.
In 2022, 94% of malaria cases occurred in sub-Saharan Africa. Although malaria is both preventable and curable, it is a serious and rapidly progressing disease that requires prompt treatment. Ensuring those at risk have continuous access to necessary care is crucial for combating this dangerous illness.
How Does Malaria Impact Ghana?
In 2022, Africa experienced a massive malaria outbreak, with approximately 249 million cases and more than 608,000 deaths reported. Ghana alone recorded 5.3 million cases and 11,557 deaths. Although the outbreak has subsided, Ghana’s vulnerable health care system, which receives only 4% of the country’s GDP in funding, remains at risk for future malaria outbreaks.
With little spending on health care, Ghana’s system is weak, making it challenging for many citizens to access efficient care. Coupled with widespread poverty, affording medications is a struggle for many. Although a national health care insurance program exists, about 48% of the population is not enrolled. The combination of a weak health care system and a significant amount of people in poverty means that the country stands at a higher risk of outbreaks and infections.
What Is Being Done?
The World Health Organization (WHO) has collaborated with Ghana to combat malaria, achieving significant progress. Notably, they facilitated the distribution of the world’s first malaria vaccine to 708,970 children nationwide. Furthermore, WHO introduced the National Malaria Strategic Elimination Plan to eradicate malaria in Ghana.
In addition to WHO, other organizations are actively combating malaria in Ghana. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), in collaboration with the United States (U.S.) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), has made significant contributions. They have distributed insecticides nationwide to protect against mosquito bites, provided malaria chemoprevention to more than one million children and delivered approximately 2.8 million doses of preventive medicine.
Final Note on Malaria in Ghana
Ghana continues to face significant challenges, including persistent poverty and various systemic issues. However, the efforts of WHO and USAID have yielded positive results. The country’s health system is gradually improving and receiving increased government funding. While eradicating poverty in Ghana will be a lengthy process, eliminating malaria will undoubtedly enhance the quality of life for many, especially those living in poverty.
– Tyra Brantly
Photo: Flickr
3 Organizations Providing Education for Children in Malaysia
Dignity for Children Foundation
Founded in 1998, the Dignity for Children Foundation aims to provide quality education to impoverished children. Its mission includes support programs, education initiatives, a farm academy and various enterprises designed to offer a well-rounded education that prepares children for employment.
Through donations, child sponsorships and the efforts of many volunteers, the foundation has significantly impacted the lives of impoverished children. Starting with 20 students in 1998, the foundation now supports 2,300 students aged 2 to 19 as of 2024. In addition to offering free quality education, the foundation also provides meals.
Teach For Malaysia
Established in 2010, Teach For Malaysia aims to reduce educational inequality across the country. The organization recruits and trains individuals to work in under-resourced schools, ensuring that all children have access to quality education regardless of their family’s financial situation. Partnering with the Ministry of Education, Teach For Malaysia addresses impoverished students’ challenges and advocates for systemic change.
Students taught by Teach For Malaysia’s fellows experienced 36% more academic growth than their peers. By training and placing new teachers in schools with high needs, the organization significantly impacts education in Malaysia.
Budimas Education Charity Fund
Founded in 2001, the Budimas Education Charity Fund is dedicated to making education more accessible for all. In Malaysia, where many children would have to travel more than 40 kilometers to reach school, the organization works to bring education closer to those in poverty.
The Budimas Education Charity Fund has established 12 libraries in underprivileged areas, providing thousands of books and spaces for children to complete schoolwork and engage in educational activities. By offering free books and educational resources in regions with limited school access, the organization is committed to enhancing education for less privileged children in Malaysia.
Final Note
While accessing quality education in Malaysia can be extremely challenging for underprivileged children, organizations like the Dignity for Children Foundation, Teach For Malaysia and Budimas Education Charity Fund are making significant strides to address educational inequality. These three organizations have positively impacted many lives by improving access to education and resources. Although the statistics and rankings regarding education in Malaysia may raise concerns, efforts by these organizations offer hope for a brighter future.
– Poppy Duggal
Photo: Flickr
Go Project Hope: Advancing Health and Education in Palestine
Effective and innovative strategies for improving the region’s health care and educational systems are paramount in the face of the conflict. Go Project Hope, a nongovernmental organization (NGO), understands that and works toward advancing health and education in Palestine through innovation and creativity.
Health and Education in Palestine
The decades-long occupation and blockade in Palestinian territories has left the health system in Gaza and the West Bank severely under-resourced. The growing conflict and violence between Israel and Palestine has worsened an already bleak situation. Additionally, the Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has damaged, destroyed or raided 32 out of a total of 36 hospitals, leaving the Palestinian health care system in collapse.
While Palestine has prioritized education and literacy for many years, the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the West Bank has severely impeded the value system. The displacement of nearly two million in the Gaza Strip has made access to education in the region impossible. According to 2024 reports from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), more than 625,000 students and 22,564 teachers cannot access or contribute to the education system in Palestine.
On top of that, with the destruction of more than half of the buildings in Gaza, many educational buildings no longer exist or have been converted into refugee shelters. In consequence, the ongoing occupation and Israeli settlements in the West Bank have placed severe pressure and restrictions on already displaced Palestinians in accessing proper health care and education.
Go Project Hope’s Mission
Go Project Hope aims to improve and advance health and education in refugee camps worldwide. Through innovation and creativity, the organization has created mindful and unique initiatives for refugee camps in developing countries, focusing on improving health and education conditions. For the 1.7 million displaced Palestinians, Go Project Hope has created and funded initiatives considering the complexities of life in refugee camps, thus expanding their overall impact.
Innovations in health and education define progress in the face of crisis. With this prerogative, Go Project Hope has created and funded several programs prioritizing health and education in Palestine and for refugees worldwide.
Camp Care Comic
The Camp Care Comic series was created as an educational resource that addressed many mental and physical health concerns facing Palestinian refugees. The protagonist, Superhero Azhar, solves the problems facing Palestinians and refugees globally through fun and engaging pictures and story-telling. The comic series educates Palestinians on health concerns across the refugee camps, such as lice, scabies and stress, in an engaging and informative manner. The duality of the comic series is demonstrated as it is not only a creation to better education and literacy in refugee camps but to better the mental and physical health of refugees.
Jalazone Refugee Camp Music and Movement Program
Go Project Hope designed and created a movement and mindfulness program at the Jalazone refugee camp in the West Bank, specifically prioritizing the mental and physical health of special needs children and their siblings who would often take care of them.
According to a 2018 study on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in refugees, children and adolescents, psychiatrist J.M. Fergert explains that refugees fleeing from areas of severe danger and violence are significantly more likely to experience PTSD and similar mental disorders. Go Project Hope’s movement and mindfulness initiatives in the West Bank teach students healthy techniques to relax and bring them peace in the face of violence and conflict.
Final Note
With its innovative initiatives like the Camp Care Comic series organizations such as Go Project Hope offer hope in the face of crises that frequently characterize the developing world. The programs developed and funded by the NGO have provided essential support to refugee camps across Palestine, Iraq and Greece. These efforts continue to enhance the lives of thousands of refugees and instill hope worldwide.
– Juliana Granville
Photo: Flickr
Health Care Access: Telemedicine in the Amazon
However, telemedicine has begun to bridge this gap, offering a lifeline to those who would otherwise be left without critical medical care. Telemedicine allows doctors to connect with patients through video calls and online platforms, offering medical care from a distance. This approach is especially beneficial for people in remote areas, allowing them access to health care, receiving diagnoses and managing treatments.
Health Care Vulnerabilities in the Amazon
The Amazon Rainforest is home to diverse Indigenous populations living in remote areas without access to essential health services. The region faces various health issues, including infectious diseases, malnutrition and chronic conditions. Common diseases like malaria and respiratory infections are widespread and the lack of proper health care worsens these conditions.
The infant mortality rate among male Indigenous infants is 27 per 1,000 live births, significantly higher than the urban male average of 13 per 1,000. Most of the data mirrors this one, with a significant difference between the groups, even getting up to double.
Innovative Telemedicine Projects in the Amazon
The Amazon Hope Project is a nonprofit organization that provides essential health care services to remote communities along the Amazon River using mobile clinics. These floating medical units are equipped with telemedicine technology, allowing health care providers to consult with specialists in larger cities.
The project offers various services that may not be available locally, including maternal care, vaccinations and chronic disease management. In addition to addressing immediate health needs, the project emphasizes preventive care through health education and routine check-ups. The Amazon Hope Project collaborates with local churches in Brazil to help deliver these services and resources.
Partnerships
The success of telemedicine in the Amazon depends greatly on technological advancements. Satellite internet is essential for connecting remote areas that lack traditional telecommunications infrastructure. Vivo, the leading telecommunications provider in Brazil, has partnered with the Brazilian government to extend mobile network coverage and boost internet connectivity in remote regions.
This infrastructure development supports telemedicine platforms, enabling remote health consultations and efficient data sharing between local clinics and urban specialists. The combined efforts of these sectors have effectively addressed the challenges of providing health care in isolated areas, illustrating the success of their joint approach in bridging the health care gap.
Economic and Social Impact
The impact of telemedicine on health care access in the Amazon goes beyond medical outcomes. Economically, it reduces the financial burden on patients who would otherwise incur high costs traveling to urban centers for care. Socially, telemedicine improves health literacy and empowers local health workers with the tools and knowledge needed to manage complex cases.
Conclusion
Telemedicine is transforming health care in the remote Amazon Rainforest by overcoming geographical barriers and delivering essential services to isolated communities. With technological advancements and strong partnerships, these initiatives make a tangible difference, improve health outcomes and support sustainable development. The ongoing success of telemedicine projects highlights its critical role in bridging the health care gap. It offers hope for a future where every individual can access quality care regardless of location. As these solutions grow, they support Amazon communities, leading to better health outcomes and a more promising future.
– Danica Lourdu Nelson
Photo: Flickr
Ethiopian Mental Health: Challenges and Progress
Ethiopian Mental Health Issues
Ethiopia has been looking for ways to improve mental health for years. As recently as 2021, it had included mental health services in the health extension package but had not implemented any changes. The lack of any action was due to many factors. Some include “low political commitment, lack of resources, non-functional referral system, lack of interest from private health care organizations,” stigma within the culture and poor reporting, according to Dove Medical Press.
One of the biggest factors is the stigma and discrimination of mental health issues in Ethiopia. A majority of the people in Ethiopia follow Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. Some followers of this form of Christianity believe demonic possession is the cause of mental health issues, which could prevent people from speaking up on these issues. This presents a huge hurdle into addressing Ethiopian mental health.
The Ethiopian government is currently using the media for advocacy of mental health issues. Its strategy is to reach the Federal Ministry of Health, general and mental health physicians, mental health service users and providers and the general population.
The battle against the stigma is just half the battle. Even if the stigma issue was removed, Ethiopia does not have enough physicians to sustain an increased volume of patients. In 2022, Ethiopia had 1.08 physicians per 10,000 people.
Solutions
The Federal Ministry of Health in Ethiopia along with the World Health Organization (WHO), European Union and Foundation d’Harcourt have worked together to implement the Mental Health Gap Action Programme (mhGAP). This program aims to help low and middle-income countries scale up their mental health services.
Dr Tedla Wolde-Giorgis, Mental Health Advisor in the Office of the Minister of the Ethiopian Federal Ministry of Health explains that the program’s goal is “to integrate mental health in the existing primary health-care system by leveraging the existing health delivery platforms. The strategy that we developed emphasizes the training of health staff on mental health issues using the mhGAP programme and making sure that they are provided with close supervision and oversight at the different health centres. To this end, the mhGAP training materials and approach was very helpful to us.”
The program has made some huge progress quickly. As of March 2023, a total of 1,230 general health care workers received training from mhGAP.
The Future
The progress in the Ethiopian mental health landscape illustrates the challenges and opportunities that many low- and middle-income countries face. While there are many obstacles like stigma, resource constraints, and limited healthcare infrastructure, the collaboration between the Ethiopian government, international organizations and local communities shows that meaningful change is possible. By continuing to build on these efforts and fostering a more inclusive and understanding society, Ethiopia can pave the way for a healthier future. Furthermore, this is an example for other nations facing similar struggles. The journey is long, but with sustained commitment and international support, the vision of comprehensive mental health care in Ethiopia can become a reality.
– Matthew Mendives
Photo: Unsplash
CARE: Addressing the Crisis in Venezuela
Economic Decline
Venezuela, home to the world’s largest oil reserves, has become highly dependent on its fossil fuel income since the discovery, evolving into what is known as a petrostate. As the nation’s reliance on oil increased, political power concentrated increasingly in the hands of an elite minority, which weakened political institutions and led to widespread corruption. However, starting in 2014, oil production began to decline due to inadequate investment and maintenance. Between 2014 and 2021, Venezuela’s Gross Domestic Product shrank by three-quarters, leading to severe economic distress.
CARE’s Involvement in Crisis Management
Since 1945, CARE, a nonprofit organization, has been actively working to address the crisis in Venezuela at a local level and build lasting institutions that support Venezuelan citizens and refugees. Operating in 109 countries, CARE has implemented more than 1,600 development projects aimed at fighting poverty. As of 2024, its work has reached 167 million people. CARE focuses on creating and funding long-term development projects that aim to reduce poverty, rather than merely alleviating immediate needs.
CARE focuses on six main issues: crisis, food and water, health, education and work, climate and equality. The organization addresses these issues through advocacy, innovation, women’s economic justice, strengthening social systems and enhancing local partnerships. In crisis response, CARE aims to deliver gender-focused and localized humanitarian assistance to 10% of people affected by major crises by 2030, impacting at least 50 million people. In Venezuela, CARE is actively implementing crisis response programs to support citizens and refugees affected by the humanitarian crisis.
Regional Refugee Support and CARE’s Response
The crisis in Venezuela has forced approximately 20% of the country’s population to become refugees, with CARE heavily focusing on providing aid to these individuals in surrounding countries. Most Venezuelan refugees find themselves in Colombia, Ecuador and Peru. However, Ecuador curtailed its influx of refugees in 2019 by requiring entry visas from Venezuelan citizens, whereas Colombia has welcomed nearly 1.7 million Venezuelan refugees. Since 2018, CARE has expanded its operations in Latin America, specifically in Ecuador, Colombia and southern Venezuela, to respond to this mass exodus.
CARE offers cash vouchers for food and accommodation, transportation tickets, phone SIM cards and sanitary kits for women. In Colombia, new arrivals also receive legal counseling and information services through CARE. Nearly one million Venezuelans have fled to Peru, where CARE provides food and cash assistance and refurbishes shelters and health clinics. Additionally, CARE collaborates with local partners and leverages international support to help refugee host countries promote long-term integration. This includes providing education, health services, social protection, legal advice and entrepreneurship opportunities.
CARE’s Community and Gender-Specific Initiatives
In Venezuela, CARE organizes awareness campaigns and activities to combat gender-based violence and is initiating efforts to address child malnutrition in Caracas. Currently, CARE operates in Caracas and Miranda, collaborating with intervention partners to support vulnerable families, female-headed households, families with children under 5 and the elderly. It provides water, sanitation, hygiene, food and nutrition security, shelter, sexual and reproductive health education and cash voucher assistance. In all its programs, CARE aims to engage 30% of the community to foster social cohesion.
CARE allocates 90% of its expenses to fund programs like those addressing the crisis in Venezuela, but it has only raised 54% of the funds needed to assist everyone currently in crisis. Spreading these funds across all the countries it serves means that many projects cannot reach everyone it aims to help. CARE encourages people not only to donate but also to speak out about these issues. It provides resources where people can help, attend awareness and fundraising events, organize local events and stay connected with the CARE community.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing crisis in Venezuela has resulted in the displacement of millions and severe humanitarian challenges. CARE continues to play a vital role in supporting Venezuelan refugees and citizens, providing essential services like food, shelter and legal assistance across Latin America. Despite limited funding, CARE remains committed to addressing the crisis, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and gender-specific initiatives to foster long-term recovery and stability.
– Anna Thibodeau
Photo: Flickr
WFP Assists Caribbean Communities Affected by Hurricane Beryl
The World Food Program’s Response
A hurricane of this magnitude has never struck the Caribbean so early in the year. As Hurricane Beryl began to form, the World Food Program (WFP) put its rapid response teams on standby, anticipating requests for assistance from multiple nations and states. By collaborating with local governments and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), the WFP successfully delivered food and other aid to the affected regions.
The storm directly hit the islands of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and the WFP reported “total devastation and isolation” due to its impact. In response, the program quickly assembled 5,000 food kits designed to sustain 15,000 people for 10 days while awaiting the arrival of additional shipments. The swift action was crucial in addressing immediate needs and preventing further humanitarian crises after the storm.
The WFP response team encountered blocked roads and power outages in Union Island. However, they took a ferry to deliver government food and are now on the ground providing nonfood assistance to those affected and displaced by the storm. In Jamaica, more than half a million people are without power and many are relocating to shelters as the government and WFP work to provide food and water aid.
The WFP is not only providing food assistance but, through its partnership with CDEMA, has also delivered relief items such as generators, water testing kits, hygiene kits, temporary shelters and trucks and forklifts to aid in the handling and distribution of relief supplies. This comprehensive approach ensures that communities receive essential resources to address immediate and ongoing needs. The collaboration with local agencies enhances the effectiveness of the relief efforts, helping to expedite recovery in the hardest-hit areas.
Final Remark
The WFP will continue to work on the ground in affected areas throughout the Caribbean as they recover from the storm’s impact. It collaborates with local governments and programs to identify ongoing needs for assistance. Since Hurricane Beryl was the first storm of the 2024 hurricane season, the WFP’s response teams in the Caribbean will remain on standby in preparation for potential future storms.
– Nicolas Mezzaucella
Photo: Flickr
A Deep Dive Into the Health Care System in Ethiopia
COVID-19 and Health Care Infrastructure
The pandemic highlighted many flaws and shortcomings in the health care infrastructure. Global leaders underestimated the need for health care reform and it was only after the pandemic claimed millions of lives that such leaders recognized the need for reorganization and restructuring to ensure adequate procedures and the anticipation of failures.
A 2022 study reviewed measures taken during the pandemic, offering an alternative means of control based on analysis. Researchers provided a more efficient model for managing deadly diseases and outbreaks, reformulating emergency response measures based on management, protection and containment via control and suppression of transmission, information and support.
The Impact on Ethiopia
Deadly diseases significantly impact global health security. Researchers have found that in countries with limited access to health care services, high poverty rates, and prevalent comorbid diseases, the effects of the pandemic intensified. From early March 2020 to July 2022, Ethiopia reported a total of 491,917 COVID-19 cases and 7,568 deaths, figures that are partly attributable to ongoing poverty-related conditions. Additionally, families experienced significant economic impacts, with about 8.4% of households reporting job losses between March and Oct. of 2020.
Ethiopia’s Response
Following the policymakers’ decision in Ethiopia, the government did not implement a pandemic lockdown like many other countries. Instead, it instated pandemic-preventive measures to reduce the spread of the virus. While somewhat successful, such an approach posed obstacles in implementing community-based services and initiatives to provide additional support to communities. Researchers proposed scaling up community-based resources and approaches as essential support elements.
Like some other low-income countries, Ethiopia could not initiate a country-wide lockdown. Instead, it immediately implemented measures such as thermal screening, contract tracing and isolation, which proved successful. Authorities tailored these measures specifically to the health care system in Ethiopia, weighing the pros and cons. The government demonstrated a strong commitment to addressing the shortage of essential medicines, effectively utilizing resources to produce critical medicine and prioritizing medicinal efforts.
Financing for Health Measures in Ethiopia
Financing is critical to supportive measures enacted to assist countries affected by health crises. It was found that funding for health initiatives and measures in Ethiopia had increased only after the pandemic. Such financial constraints the government of Ethiopia faced during the pandemic led to unprecedented circumstances, such as a shortage of protective equipment.
According to the Institute of Medicine Committee on the United States (U.S.) Commitment to Global Health, low-income country revenues amount to only 18% of their gross domestic product (GDP), which limits their ability to finance health services, proving consequential in the face of severe health crises. Studies have shown that the level of investment needed to deliver extensive care and improve health care systems requires significant and sustained investment by outside agencies and sources. Additional aid from other organizations is therefore essential.
Launch of the Response Project in Ethiopia
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), as of Jan. 2024, the Ethiopian government launched the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project. This extensive project aims to address pandemic-related response measures and preparedness. Such analysis is specific to Ethiopia’s specific socioeconomic landscape. In addition, the project will also examine factors like communication and alerts, enhancing the surveillance of outbreaks in some regions of the country.
Dr. Dlamini Nonhlanhla, WHO’s Ethiopia Representative, discussed the initiatives, noting, “The key components and project activities are aligned with the national plans, including Ethiopia’s Health Sector Transformation Plan, the Ethiopia Public Health Institute’s Strategic Plan, the Ethiopian National Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan and the Ethiopian Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) National Action Plan.” Additionally, Nonhlanhla explained that funding would strengthen Ethiopia’s health care systems and other government structures crucial to public health protection. “This fund will enable us to mobilize resources, strengthen health systems and support critical sectors such as agriculture, environment, antimicrobial resistance and animal health, ensuring a holistic approach to safeguarding public health,” Nonhlanhla added.
Role of Government Leadership and Foreign Aid
Since July 2021, the U.S. has donated 10,095,170 COVID-19 vaccine doses to the citizens of Ethiopia, increasing aid to a severely affected country. In a public health crisis, government leadership, as well as foreign aid, is especially critical in mitigating both the economic, health and social consequences of a deadly viral outbreak, proving essential in assisting countries with poorly structured health care systems.
Looking Ahead
The Ethiopian government, with support from international organizations, has taken significant steps to strengthen the health care system in Ethiopia in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The launch of the Ethiopian Pandemic Multi-Sectoral Prevention, Preparedness and Response Project marks a critical move toward improving the country’s ability to manage future health crises. With continued investment in health systems and targeted foreign aid, Ethiopia aims to enhance its pandemic preparedness and safeguard public health.
– Dominic Samaniego
Photo: Flickr
Organizations Fighting Inequality in the Philippines
United Nations Industrial Development Organization
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), in addition to surveying the Philippines and identifying developmental hurdles for the nation, has also accomplished a great deal of work of its own in the nation. UNIDO’s new Global Quality and Standards Programme (GQSP) which has been in effect since 2022 is an example of its continued efforts in the nation.
Since 2022 alone, UNIDO spent $428,785 to encourage systematic trade development and strengthen quality infrastructure in the Philippines and countries like Costa Rica and Moldova, with a further $2,366,419 budget for the program, which will last until 2027. Aside from UNIDO’s efforts, however, there are many NGOs with operations based within the Philippines itself, with programs of their own that are fighting inequality in the Philippines by providing for the nation’s Indigenous community
Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples
The Philippine Task Force for Indigenous Peoples (PTFIP) is an NGO primarily basing its operations in the Philippines, with support from Germany’s Protestant Development Service. Formed to advocate for the needs of the Philippine Indigenous Peoples, while spreading awareness and educating others on the knowledge and practices of these peoples, the PTFIP uses many methods to accomplish this goal.
The PTFIP’s work towards preserving the history of indigenous peoples has been recognized, with the organization earning the Heritage Education and Interpretation award of the Philippine Heritage Awards. Covering the stories of indigenous peoples is critical for combating inequality, spreading awareness of the struggles and advocating for the needs of the Philippines’ indigenous population allows not only the general population to know how they can pitch in and help but also political figures and company leaders so that they are aware of the goings on in these communities.
FundLife International
FundLife International is another NGO fighting inequality in the Philippines, founded on a simple mission statement – “no child should be denied quality education and equitable opportunities to reach their fullest potential.” Through many different approaches towards tackling this goal, it has shown utmost dedication towards fulfilling its mission statement, taking on the challenge of combating inequality in different sectors, including efforts focused on Education, Infrastructure, and Gender Equality. In addition to these efforts, it also provides relief aid during natural disasters and organizes charity events within The Philippines to raise awareness and funding towards these causes.
Another key way it accomplishes its goal is through its empowerment initiative. In The Philippines, four in 10 of the nation’s youth work in the informal sector. Informal employment often entails unregulated work, and that pays below minimum wage. This type of work can be entrapping for those living in poverty, often lacking opportunities for career progression. Since 2014, Fundlife has directly helped over 80,000 people in the Philippines, providing them with opportunities to escape inequality and empowering them to find long-term careers.
Closing Thoughts
Although many organizations are working to combat inequality in The Philippines domestically, tackling the nation’s inequality is no small task. The efforts of the NGOs mentioned in this article cannot be understated, but progressing towards eradicating inequality in the Philippines is no small task. Though the work of FundLife, UNIDO, and PTFIP has already impacted the lives of thousands across the Philippines, there are still many within the nation that still require support. Though progress will be gradual, the impact of the efforts of these and many more NGOs is invaluable.
– Malik Vega
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