In Haiti, turmoil punctuates the past and pervades the present. Successive natural disasters and social upheavals have stunted the Caribbean nation’s development and rendered its political landscape a minefield. Chaos exploded in 2019 when an onslaught of armed gangs rose against the acting prime minister. They now occupy around 80% of the country’s capital. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reports the displacement of more than 360,000 people, 93% of whom are fleeing violence and, according to the World Bank, food insecurity has tripled since 2016. Many Haitians seek refuge in the Dominican Republic, Haiti’s comparatively stable neighbor. However, deeply entrenched hostilities, inflamed by this recent surge of immigration, await them across the border. Therefore, many international organizations and local charities have taken action, fervently supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic.
A Population in Crisis
The tensions straining the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti and the Dominican Republic share, can be traced back to its complex colonial past and reached boiling point during the virulently anti-Haitian regime of Rafael Trujillo, a dictator who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930 until 1961. Today, Haitians exist largely on the periphery of Dominican society, according to the Minority Rights Group.
Amid the violence in Haiti, organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) and Amnesty International have expressed their concern over the forced deportation of Haitians from the Dominican Republic, including asylum seekers, pregnant women and unaccompanied children. They have also spoken out against reports of racial profiling and xenophobia on the part of authorities.
Moreover, Dominicans of Haitian descent are often highly vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. A 2013 law revoked the nationality of all Dominicans born to undocumented parents, rendering generations of people stateless overnight. In 2014, the government introduced a citizenship reclamation process. However, an estimated 130,000 people remained barred from legal work, education and property ownership as of 2023.
Haitians and Haitian Dominicans lacking civil status are heavily concentrated in “Bateyes,” isolated rural settlements once erected around sugar plantations to house Haitian migrant workers. These marginalized communities lack basic resources and are paralyzed by chronic insecurity. However, there are numerous nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that support Haitians and Dominican descendants of Haitian migration.
Project Esperanza
Project Esperanza, a charity based in Puerto Plata, a city in the Dominican Republic, facilitates the integration of Haitian refugee and immigrant children into Dominican society through education. Its vision is self-sustaining empowerment for vulnerable Haitian families engulfed in poverty.
The organization operates two schools where teachers from various cultural backgrounds deliver elementary-level education in Haitian Creole and Spanish, giving students a basis for engagement in Dominican life.
Given that many of these young people have not attended school regularly, Project Esperanza operates a specific program for older students, allowing them to access the essential knowledge they have thus far been excluded from. The organization also runs a six-week summer program where students develop their English skills alongside native speakers. Tourism is central to the local economy, so this initiative multiplies their prospects.
ASCALA
ASCALA is another NGO working across the country’s Eastern Region. It advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees by offering legal advice, representation, assistance with obtaining residency or citizenship and preparing necessary documentation. Furthermore, the NGO works with state and civil societies to develop education-based initiatives to equip adults and children with the necessary literary level to participate in Dominican society.
ASCALA also provides social services such as counseling and support navigating health services. Another of ASCALA’s focuses is food insecurity within the country’s borders. It supports food and income-generating family and community gardens. It helps to organize “solidarity markets,” where essential products can be accessed at low prices.
Batey Relief Alliance
Another nonprofit supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic is the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), a U.S. charity established in 1997 to bridge the socioeconomic gulf dividing Dominican Bateyes from the rest of society. It has since expanded into several American countries, aiding 2.5 million people. BRA established its clean water initiative in 2006 to combat the spread of water-borne infections in impoverished rural enclaves lacking sufficient WASH infrastructure. To date, it has installed 19 water systems supplying 70,000 families. Similarly, it has distributed more than 23 million water purifier sachets across three countries, including the Dominican Republic.
In 2006, the charity installed the first modern health center in a Dominican hospital, serving more than 35,000 patients yearly. The charge of the center shifted to the Dominican Ministry of Health in 2017 and it continues to serve vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the “Women Empowerment” program, established in 2018, fosters community development by delivering vocational training and microloans to rural women. So far, the organization has engaged 850 women in agriculture-based economic activity, benefiting 25,000 people in Dominican Bateyes and Haiti’s border regions.
Looking Ahead
As the crisis in Haiti unfolds, binational tensions are keenly felt by those who seek safety in the Dominican Republic. Many organizations are therefore advocating for and supporting Haitians who find themselves impacted. Working from various angles and on differing scales, they are united in their common commitment to peace and compassion.
– Leila Powles
Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health and World News for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Ending Energy Poverty in Cambodia
The Impact of SDG 7
Energy poverty is the “lack of adequate, affordable, reliable, quality, safe and environmentally sound energy services to support development.” Energy poverty and normal poverty are strongly interwoven. Furthermore, inadequate access to energy exacerbates malnutrition, unsanitary living environments and lack of access to jobs and education. Recognizing this, every member of the U.N. came together in 2015 and adopted 17 SDGs to be completed by 2030.
The seventh of these (SDG 7) was directed at ending energy poverty worldwide. This does not only mean providing energy to communities off the grid but also upgrading current grids to increase reliability and reduce cost. Indeed, implementing green energy into the mix and improving the rate of energy efficiency, are also part of the goal. From 2010 to 2021, the global number of people without electricity declined from more than a billion to around 675 million. Asia saw the greatest change, with 425 million people gaining access to power.
The Fastest Electrifying Country
Cambodia’s progress has been remarkable. Since the creation of SDG 7, the Kingdom has increased energy access by 30%, bringing electricity to more than five million people. Between 2010 and 2017, “Cambodia electrified at a rate of 8.3% annually,” making it one of the fastest in the world. The U.N. has worked closely with communities, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector to end energy poverty in Cambodia.
Additionally, in cities, 97% of this power comes from the national grid instead of imported electricity from neighboring countries or independent mini-grids. In rural areas, 67% comes from the national grid. In hard-to-reach areas that cannot be connected to the main grid, the U.N. implemented solar-powered mini-grids. The grids are self-sustaining and easy to maintain.
The Final Mile
As of 2022, the Electric Authority of Cambodia reported that 350 Cambodian villages are still without power. The government plans to bring electricity to 170 of them before the 2030 SDG deadline. Reaching the remaining 180 towns and eradicating energy poverty is the most difficult task. Many of these communities are beyond distribution networks’ reach, lack roads, are in flood zones or are floating in the sea. Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of homes connected to the grid experience power outages.
In response, the Japanese government pledged to support the fight to end energy poverty in Cambodia. Through the U.N., it has committed to providing power to 1,300 households (some 6,000 people) by establishing solar-powered mini-grids. It is also set to strengthen and expand the local community-owned corporations that oversee the electric systems. Recently, the U.N. enlisted the International Cooperation of Cambodia, a local NGO, to build community trust and accelerate the implementation process. While many challenges remain, the U.N. and those involved with SDG 7 are working diligently to help Cambodia achieve 100% electrification.
– Mason Borden
Photo: Flickr
Slum Art Form: Rap in Dharavi, Mumbai
Dharavi’s Living Conditions
Dharavi is situated in front of Mumbai’s upscale and prosperous central business district, the Bandra-Kurla Complex. However, its material conditions render it nearly unlivable. The cramped quarters of its estimated 1 million residents line its dim, narrow alleyways, some of the most densely populated in the world. Close to 3,000 people share every single toilet here. The open sewers drain into the heavily polluted Mahim Creek adjacent to the slum. This creates fertile grounds for the rampant spread of contagious diseases.
Rap as Dharavi’s Slum Art Form
Hip-hop and rap music come from the streets or “gullies” – starting from The Bronx in New York City in the ’70s, it is the creation of people whose everyday struggles are not reflected in mainstream art forms. And indeed, far away from the romantic balladry and opulent consumerism of nearby Bollywood lies the heart of Dharavi’s music, its slum art form. Every beat brings catharsis and individual expression to its people.
Dharavi is dotted with many such musicians, from individual acts to crews. Such artists have been around for very long – but they were smaller in number, scattered and lacked access to streaming and production platforms. Rap culture truly took off around 2010, when some artists started releasing music albums independently, thanks to YouTube.
It has also created local employment. The acclaimed group SlumGods, for example, quickly expanded from two to 40-50 core members in four years. It also regularly organizes tours of Dharavi that highlight the resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of its people, thus bringing recognition to the community.
The songs, written in peculiar Mumbai slang, potently combine frustration at piercing social realities with hope for a better tomorrow. DIVINE’s 38 million views-strong collaborative track “Mere Gully Mein” (In My Gully) highlights widespread political corruption and hypocrisy. However, it also focuses on Dharavi’s secular attitude and its residents’ generosity and sense of community. Bombay Lokal sings about the “darkness” of deprivation but also the “sunshine” experienced by those who take the risk of “standing beneath the clouds” and fighting for change.
Artists like these two are immensely popular now, performing in metropolitan venues across the country. However, what they still have in common with Dharavi’s smaller up-and-coming acts is a strong attachment to their grassroots identities and willingness to speak up about socioeconomic woes.
Taking the Slum’s Art Form to Its Children
Many nonprofits also encourage skill development and recreation among Dharavi’s children by teaching them the art of rap and breakdance. These safe spaces help them deal with their immediate circumstances and find their voices. Dharavi Rocks is a percussion band operated by the ACORN Foundation, aiming to enhance waste collection and management. Its 20 young members, all drawn from Dharavi, make music out of junk and clutter, earning the appreciation of India’s most well-known production companies. Additionally, the Dharavi Dream Project, established in 2014, offers free after-school hip-hop classes to more than 150 students and has trained more than 1,500 children in total.
– Shiveka Bakshi
Photo: Pexels
How BOMA Is Building Climate Resilience in Africa’s Drylands
This is just one example of the work BOMA is doing to combat both environmental degradation and extreme poverty in Africa’s drylands. By combining education with access to capital, BOMA has sought to help vulnerable people escape the trap of climate-induced poverty by improving climate resilience. Refugees, in particular, have formed a primary target group, with sub-Saharan Africa hosting more than a quarter of the world’s refugee population.
The Rural Entrepreneur Access Project
The organization’s Rural Entrepreneur Access Project (REAP) strategy has been key to helping vulnerable populations in this way. Through this strategy, BOMA maps the key barriers to overcoming extreme poverty for pastoral families before implementing a series of interventions, including conditional cash transfers and financial training, for two years. However, due to the unique challenges facing Africa’s drylands, a more specialized “Green REAP” strategy is now used to tackle the twin crises of environmental collapse and extreme poverty.
The Green Reap Project
While environmental issues may appear of secondary concern to those facing extreme poverty, the sustainable management of scarce resources and fragile ecosystems can, in fact, considerably reduce poverty levels. Improving communities’ resilience to the impacts of changing climatic conditions, flood control, water filtration and other issues is crucial for sustainable development. Thus, BOMA, alongside its partners, provides funding and training to help people set up small, environmentally-friendly enterprises, which also help to conserve local ecosystems, such as the tree nursery discussed earlier.
One example of this Green REAP approach in action is the LIFT project in Northern Kenya, established in 2023. The project aims to improve opportunities for 15,600 women, young people and refugees by helping these people build and sustain 3,650 small enterprises. Of these 15,600 LIFT participants, approximately 30% of them come from in and around the Kakuma Refugee Camp and Kalobeyei Refugee Settlement, thus underlining BOMA’s commitment to refugees.
Impact
A 2016 study found that BOMA’s model resulted in a 147% increase in income for participants, alongside a 14,000% increase in savings and a 63% decrease in the number of children going to bed hungry. The Green REAP pilot scheme similarly indicated that 60% of participants shifted away from destructive practices such as charcoal harvesting, demonstrating Green REAP’s impact on climate resilience.
Final Remark
Ultimately, BOMA’s estimates indicate that more than 93,000 people in Kenya will benefit directly or indirectly from the LIFT project in the next two years. However, as the earth’s average temperature continues to ravage the drylands of Africa and trap many in positions of extreme poverty, the need for programs like this remains as high as ever. Thus, only through the incredible work of charities like BOMA can extreme poverty truly be eliminated from the African continent.
– Ben Evans
Photo: Flickr
Indian Premier League Improving the Economy
Poverty in India
India, home to approximately 1.4 billion people, faces significant wealth inequality, with 63 million individuals living in poverty. According to Oxfam, chronic under-investment is leading to difficulties accessing substantial education and health care. Despite this, India has one of the fastest-growing economies, with 77% of the world’s total national wealth being present in the top 10% of the Indian population.
Despite these reports of massive wealth inequality, poverty rates in India have been slashed. The University of Oxford conducted a report that found that the multidimensional poverty index (MPI) in India decreased hugely from 55% to 16% in the span of 15 years.
Indian Premier League
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is the world’s largest T20 cricket tournament. The tournament is still in its early years, starting as a franchise in 2008 and has built a strong global fan base. In 2024, the IPL consisted of 10 teams playing a total of 74 matches. A report by the Mastercard Economics Institute found that not only has the sport and tournament unified people in India and globally, it has had a ripple effect on local economies.
The report found that Mastercard transactions increased by 25% on match days. This was attributed to an increase in spending in bars and restaurants during the game. In addition to this, Mastercard saw a higher spend in cities where matches were taking place. The IPL is driving huge amounts of tourism into and around the nation, including increased investments in hotels and hospitality. In 2019, the Indian Premier League generated $68 million in the hospitality industry.
The Economist reported that the tournament drove $6.2 billion in 2022. The game has led to India being branded as the “dominant economic power in cricket” by the Economist. Additionally, it has opened up tourist experiences and jobs for residents. Similarly, other tournaments have been observed to alleviate poverty through various sports. The 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa had a significant impact on the country’s economy. According to a study by the South African government, the tournament created 415,000 jobs. Additionally, it contributed approximately $3 billion to South Africa’s economy.
ICC Men’s T20 World Cup
The International Cricket Council Men’s T20 World Cup wrapped in June 2024. The World Cup was hosted by the West Indies and the United States of America teams. Due to this, games were held in six venues in the West Indies, in nations such as Guyana and Saint Lucia.
Guyana currently has one of the highest poverty rates in the Caribbean, with poverty rates of 48.4% in 2019, according to the World Bank. This includes issues regarding limited access to basic services in the nation for those living in poverty. However, due to the T20 World Cup, we may see an alleviation of this, following in the footsteps of the IPL.
– Ella Turner
Photo: Flickr
3 Solutions to Elderly Poverty in Japan
Many seniors rely on national pensions for necessities like food and medical expenses. However, a 2019 survey found that approximately $10,000 is needed annually to cover these daily necessities. In contrast, individuals above 65 receive an annual basic pension of only about $6,000, falling significantly short of the required amount. The pension system is also heavily patriarchal, as single, divorced and widowed women are at a heavy disadvantage. For example, around 44.1% of elderly, single Japanese women live in poverty and that rate is much lower for men (30%).
One reason for this could be from the post-war era when women were socially expected to raise children. At the same time, their husbands would work and earn money for the family. The pension system was therefore built to support men and families, not single women. To address this issue of elderly poverty, Japan has offered solutions that include the continuation of employment, improving health care and city accessibility.
Encouraging Lifelong Work
By encouraging lifelong work, older people can continue to earn money and support themselves. Almost 40% of Japanese companies keep elderly employees and these companies have started programs that aim to keep elderly employees with specialized skills. And company jobs aren’t the only source of work.
More than “70% of the temporary or part-time workers at convenience stores and supermarkets, security guards, custodial workers, care providers, workers at call centers and so on” are above 65. Taxi firms are also increasingly hiring elderly drivers. In addition to these job markets, each municipality in Japan has a “Silver Work” center that helps older adults find jobs.
Improving Health Care
Improving health care can help older individuals stay healthy and remain in the workforce, reducing their reliance on pensions. Better health also decreases the costs associated with medical care and medication, thereby mitigating elderly poverty. One foundation, in particular, has made it its mission to achieve this goal.
The Nippon Foundation and MetLife Foundation initiated the “Better Life Better Place” for the Elderly and Children Program. The program aims to develop 12 care facilities for older people and children by the end of the year. These care facilities will operate like hospice care homes for older people, with volunteers from MetLife Japan employees helping run the homes.
Making Cities More Elderly-Friendly
Creating more elderly-friendly cities can support active lifestyles among seniors, leading to improved health, reduced health care costs and decreased elderly poverty, ultimately fostering happier lives. Some Japanese cities have begun implementing such changes. For instance, Akita has launched initiatives to encourage social engagement among older adults, including a one-coin bus service that provides affordable transportation for seniors.
Conclusion
These three solutions aim to ensure that the elderly remain healthy, enabling them to earn income and lead fulfilling lives. Since health care costs are a significant driver of elderly poverty, improving health and reducing these costs can greatly alleviate financial burdens. By fostering better health, seniors’ overall cost of living could decrease significantly.
– Hannah Chang
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Organizations Supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic
A Population in Crisis
The tensions straining the island of Hispaniola, which Haiti and the Dominican Republic share, can be traced back to its complex colonial past and reached boiling point during the virulently anti-Haitian regime of Rafael Trujillo, a dictator who ruled the Dominican Republic from 1930 until 1961. Today, Haitians exist largely on the periphery of Dominican society, according to the Minority Rights Group.
Amid the violence in Haiti, organizations such as the United Nations (U.N.) and Amnesty International have expressed their concern over the forced deportation of Haitians from the Dominican Republic, including asylum seekers, pregnant women and unaccompanied children. They have also spoken out against reports of racial profiling and xenophobia on the part of authorities.
Moreover, Dominicans of Haitian descent are often highly vulnerable to poverty and exploitation. A 2013 law revoked the nationality of all Dominicans born to undocumented parents, rendering generations of people stateless overnight. In 2014, the government introduced a citizenship reclamation process. However, an estimated 130,000 people remained barred from legal work, education and property ownership as of 2023.
Haitians and Haitian Dominicans lacking civil status are heavily concentrated in “Bateyes,” isolated rural settlements once erected around sugar plantations to house Haitian migrant workers. These marginalized communities lack basic resources and are paralyzed by chronic insecurity. However, there are numerous nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that support Haitians and Dominican descendants of Haitian migration.
Project Esperanza
Project Esperanza, a charity based in Puerto Plata, a city in the Dominican Republic, facilitates the integration of Haitian refugee and immigrant children into Dominican society through education. Its vision is self-sustaining empowerment for vulnerable Haitian families engulfed in poverty.
The organization operates two schools where teachers from various cultural backgrounds deliver elementary-level education in Haitian Creole and Spanish, giving students a basis for engagement in Dominican life.
Given that many of these young people have not attended school regularly, Project Esperanza operates a specific program for older students, allowing them to access the essential knowledge they have thus far been excluded from. The organization also runs a six-week summer program where students develop their English skills alongside native speakers. Tourism is central to the local economy, so this initiative multiplies their prospects.
ASCALA
ASCALA is another NGO working across the country’s Eastern Region. It advocates for the rights of immigrants and refugees by offering legal advice, representation, assistance with obtaining residency or citizenship and preparing necessary documentation. Furthermore, the NGO works with state and civil societies to develop education-based initiatives to equip adults and children with the necessary literary level to participate in Dominican society.
ASCALA also provides social services such as counseling and support navigating health services. Another of ASCALA’s focuses is food insecurity within the country’s borders. It supports food and income-generating family and community gardens. It helps to organize “solidarity markets,” where essential products can be accessed at low prices.
Batey Relief Alliance
Another nonprofit supporting Haitians in the Dominican Republic is the Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), a U.S. charity established in 1997 to bridge the socioeconomic gulf dividing Dominican Bateyes from the rest of society. It has since expanded into several American countries, aiding 2.5 million people. BRA established its clean water initiative in 2006 to combat the spread of water-borne infections in impoverished rural enclaves lacking sufficient WASH infrastructure. To date, it has installed 19 water systems supplying 70,000 families. Similarly, it has distributed more than 23 million water purifier sachets across three countries, including the Dominican Republic.
In 2006, the charity installed the first modern health center in a Dominican hospital, serving more than 35,000 patients yearly. The charge of the center shifted to the Dominican Ministry of Health in 2017 and it continues to serve vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the “Women Empowerment” program, established in 2018, fosters community development by delivering vocational training and microloans to rural women. So far, the organization has engaged 850 women in agriculture-based economic activity, benefiting 25,000 people in Dominican Bateyes and Haiti’s border regions.
Looking Ahead
As the crisis in Haiti unfolds, binational tensions are keenly felt by those who seek safety in the Dominican Republic. Many organizations are therefore advocating for and supporting Haitians who find themselves impacted. Working from various angles and on differing scales, they are united in their common commitment to peace and compassion.
– Leila Powles
Photo: Flickr
Singapore’s Social Safety Net: A Blueprint for Reducing Poverty
Meanwhile, the services sector encompasses finance, insurance, tourism and, more recently, data hosting and digital services. The sector has made Singapore a hub for innovation and business. This diversity is a critical factor in Singapore’s resilience. Additionally, it has enabled the country to weather global economic fluctuations and adapt to new trends, such as digital transformation and green technologies. The government’s strategic investments in education, research and infrastructure have further bolstered the economy’s adaptability, ensuring sustainable growth and job creation.
Singapore’s Social Safety Net
Singapore’s approach to social welfare is built on a unique social compact designed to provide opportunities for all citizens, regardless of background. This compact is underpinned by five pillars: asset building, education, health care, housing and employment. These pillars form a robust safety net that protects vulnerable groups, promoting social mobility and financial security.
The Many Helping Hands Approach
In addition to government-led initiatives, the Many Helping Hands (MHH) approach supports Singapore’s social safety net. This community-based framework involves government bodies, donors, grantmakers, enablers, volunteers and Voluntary Welfare Organizations (VWOs).
The MHH system ensures that social assistance reaches the most vulnerable members of society, providing comprehensive support beyond just financial aid. One notable program under this framework is ComCare, which was launched in 2005. ComCare consolidates various welfare projects to offer more streamlined and effective support for those in need. It provides financial assistance, medical support and social services, catering to the diverse needs of low-income families, elderly citizens and individuals facing health care challenges.
Looking Forward
Singapore’s success in achieving a high-income and financially secure population is largely due to its diverse economy and comprehensive social safety net. Additionally, the government’s forward-looking policies in education, health care, housing and employment, combined with community-based support through the MHH approach, have created a resilient and inclusive society. This model aims for all citizens to lead fulfilling lives, regardless of socioeconomic background. As Singapore continues to evolve alongside global challenges, its commitment to social equity remains a guiding principle for sustained prosperity and social harmony.
– Asiya Siddiqui
Photo: Flickr
Maternal and Child Health in Sierra Leone
Changing Approach: Skilled Antenatal Support
Zainab Turay, a 28-year-old mother, says the birth of her second child was successful because she regularly attended the free antenatal sessions at Freetown’s George Brook Community Health Centre. In the rural areas of Sierra Leone, Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) continue to advise women despite not being trained to deal with the many complications that can arise in pregnancy, such as bleeding after childbirth. Antenatal classes help prepare women for childbirth. Between 2013 and 2017, the number of births delivered by skilled attendants increased by 32%.
Integrating Technology to Improve Maternal Care
In March 2023, the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office published its International Women and Girls Strategy 2023 to 2030. The strategy is centered around the rights of women to basic freedoms. The Saving Lives in Sierra Leone program is one example of how reproductive rights are being prioritized. Over one year, 1284 midwives received training. Alongside this, the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care scheme mentored 260 health care workers. This additional training and mentoring has strengthened the number of people trained to deal with issues that arise during pregnancy and after childbirth.
In Sierra Leone, 41% of emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities lack access to one or two basic EmONC signal functions. Therefore, the Saving Lives in Sierra Leone scheme aims to provide these facilities to create quality care. The country trained 949 midwives at the end of 2019, but estimates suggest that 3,000 are needed to adequately care for women. This significant increase in trained midwives reflects the achievement of the Saving Lives program.
Sierra Leone launched the Pregnancy Registration and Service Tracking application (PReSTrack) on July 2, 2024. This application enables real-time tracking of pregnancies and flags high-risk conditions. Moreover, PReSTrack is part of Sierra Leone’s mission to decrease the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to below 300 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2025. The use of this technology aims to make health care more efficient.
Project HOPE’s Effect
Project HOPE is a global health and humanitarian NGO making significant strides in improving maternal health in Sierra Leone. The organization offers courses such as Helping Babies Breathe and Helping Mothers Survive, training health workers to manage complications. It also established the country’s first Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) units. With a scarcity of incubators in Sierra Leone, KMC, which involves wrapping premature babies skin-to-skin with their mothers, is vital for saving lives. Given that there are only 0.7 doctors available per 10,000 people, the work of Project HOPE is crucial.
In December 2021, the World Bank approved $60 million to enhance maternal and child health services in Sierra Leone. This will be achieved through the Sierra Leone Quality Essential Health Services and Systems Support Project. The initiative supported two million people. Of the total funds, $10 million targeted the consequences of the global pandemic, providing COVID-19 tools and ensuring that the most vulnerable received the essential health services they needed.
The Future of Maternal and Child Health
The future of maternal and child health in Sierra Leone looks optimistic, due to the efforts of NGOs and other groups. Initiatives like Saving Lives in Sierra Leone and applications such as PReSTrack are enabling more people to access vital health care, thereby improving maternal and infant mortality rates.
– Amy Fox
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Somalia
Background
Political violence and the collapse of the Somali government led to the destruction of crucial energy infrastructure in Somalia in the 1990s. As a result, Somalia has no national power grid and relies mostly on privately owned energy sources. Diesel generators are the main source of electricity in Somalia, however, these are often outdated and inefficient.
Currently, renewable energy sources only make up 12.2% of Somalia’s total energy production. Despite this, Somalia has high renewable energy potential. The International Trade Administration (ITA) suggest Somalia could generate up to 45,000 MW through onshore wind power alone.
A Clean Energy Future
The Government of Somalia aims to improve access to electricity in the country by implementing the SESRP, for which the World Bank has provided funding. This project aims to unlock the high potential of renewable energy in Somalia, utilizing hybridization technologies and creating off-grid solar farms to power public institutions. The government suggests that this project will provide electricity to 1.1 million households, 205 health facilities and 380 schools.
Through the project, the government has begun to install solar photovoltaic systems within educational facilities, marking a clear step toward the country’s clean energy transition. The installation of these systems will provide a more reliable power supply in schools, meeting the educational needs of children as well as creating numerous jobs.
Key Challenges
Solar energy systems have significant potential as a source of electricity and power in Somalia. The country’s geographical location, climate and high solar radiation levels make the introduction of photovoltaic panels a highly suitable alternative to fossil fuels, according to the Energy Strategy Reviews.
That said, the development of renewable energy in Somalia also faces numerous challenges. A lack of trained specialists, continued instability, and inadequate energy infrastructure are creating reluctance within the private sector to invest in Somalia’s renewable energy projects, Energy Strategy Reviews reports. Significant investment is necessary in skills training and in developing existing infrastructure to attract the necessary investment to utilize Somalia’s renewable energy potential fully.
Energy Strategy Reviews show that heat and high amounts of dust in the region also hinder the efficiency of solar photovoltaic systems. To mitigate the impact of dust and heat, these systems need to be regularly cleaned and covered.
Encouraging Future Investment
Ensuring that renewable energy projects in Somalia are fully implemented is crucial. Not only could this benefit rural communities, but expanding electricity access to public institutions through solar PV systems could help improve health and educational facilities in the country. Encouraging further investment in skills training and energy infrastructure could also stimulate private sector interest in Somalia for its enormous renewable energy potential, boosting economic growth in the country and lifting more people out of poverty.
– Joshua Marriott
Photo: Flickr
The Poverty Reduction Scheme in Liberia
How Does the AAID Poverty Reduction Scheme in Liberia Work?
Final Remark
This poverty reduction scheme established by Boakai will enable the development of Liberia. Additionally, this will allow for the reduction of poverty among Liberian citizens, removing the economic divide that currently exists between those in urban and rural areas of the country.
– Freyja Stone
Photo: Flickr