Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading cause of death in Bangladesh. In 2019, NCDs, including cancers, diabetes, cardiovascular and chronic respiratory diseases, accounted for 70% of mortality in the country. NCDs derive from genetic, environmental and behavioral factors, meaning a person’s lifestyle impacts their likelihood of diagnosis.
Air pollution in Bangladesh contributes to the rise of cardiovascular illnesses and chronic respiratory diseases, where heart disease, strokes and asthma impact individuals’ physical health. Unhealthy lifestyles, diet and physical inactivity are also causes of NCDs like cancer and diabetes. These ongoing causes and burdens have mobilized the government to work toward controlling NCDs in Bangladesh.
Health Discrimination
Health surveys from 2011 to 2018 have shown that socioeconomic disparities are connected to the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and overweight and obesity. For example, those who work in manual labor in Bangladesh are more exposed to air pollution, increasing the incidence of hypertension and obesity. Conversely, economic growth has led to more processed, readily available and low-cost foods available to poor people. Unhealthy diets also contribute to high NCD prevalence in poorer communities in the country.
Moreover, NCD services are costly and access to proper care is far less attainable for people experiencing poverty. These chronic conditions require long-term care and jeopardize patients’ financial stability with medical expenditures. In 2021, the country allocated 2.36% of its gross domestic product to health expenditure. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for a 68.5% share of health expenditure. Dependence on out-of-pocket spending causes financial distress, especially among vulnerable families.
The Plan
Bangladesh’s Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2018-2025 commits to address these diseases and improve the health care system. The operation plan’s success requires four courses of action that are conducive to controlling noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh.
- Action area 1: Advocacy, leadership and partnerships.
- Action area 2: Promotion and risk reduction.
- Action area 3: Health systems strengthening for early detection and management of NCDs and their risk factors.
- Action Area 4: Surveillance, monitoring and research.
Successes since 2018
Through partnerships, the country has made significant progress in creating a strong foundation for NCD prevention and control. The collaboration between 30 ministries and agencies was one notable success. In the 2022 first National NCDs Conference in Bangladesh, national and international stakeholders assembled to discuss NCD prevention and control strategies and established the Dhaka Declaration, 32 steps to combat NCDs. This declaration furthered the Multisectoral plan’s goal of controlling tobacco, alcohol and indoor air pollution and promoting physical activity and healthy diets.
NCD Corners in health complexes have also been developed across the country, increasing access to care. These corners facilitate early detection and management of common NCDs, even in rural areas. By October 2022, 6,231 patients were treated for high blood pressure and 1,386 for diabetes through these corners. The National Heart Foundation Bangladesh has also reported an increase in hypertension control across the country’s administrative districts. For instance, in Kualara, from May 2022 to October 2022, the number of patients with controlled hypertension rose by 15%, from 55%, with the assistance of NCD corners. These corners are located in community health centers and primary health care facilities, providing easy access for all population groups.
Furthermore, progress has been made in developing policies to control shared risk factors of NCDs. To promote healthy diets, the country has imposed taxation on domestically produced sugar-sweetened beverages. First, there is a 15% value-added tax and then a 25% supplementary duty for carbonated drinks and 35% for energy drinks. Taxes on unhealthy items help reduce consumption and the prevalence of obesity and other NCDs can decrease.
Ongoing Efforts
There is still more to be done. Taxation is effective in controlling Bangladesh’s tobacco problem. In the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the government strives for a 66% increase in the tax rate on cigarettes and tobacco products. This change factors in indoor pollution control as tobacco smoke inside homes exposes nonsmokers to smoking and poor air quality.
The plan further addresses health financing and expenditure. In the fiscal year 2024, the country increased its federal budget allocation for health by 9%. However, this improvement had little effect on the country’s health care quality. Bangladesh’s Multisectoral plan proposes financial risk protection through:
- Accessing NCD services without upfront costs.
- Integrating essential services at district and lower levels, including an annual NCD voucher system with minimal costs.
- Adjusting the fee structure if other strategies cannot be implemented.
By prioritizing these strategies, Bangladesh can look toward a healthier future for all its citizens, ensuring equitable access to quality health care.
Conclusion
Noncommunicable diseases continue to impact mortality and quality of life in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh’s Multisectoral plan has successfully coordinated efforts across various sectors to control NCDs. Collaboration, policies, regulations and initiatives for enhancing accessibility remain conducive to these goals.
– Caroline Albright
Caroline is based in Milton, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Pexels
Controlling Noncommunicable Diseases in Bangladesh
Air pollution in Bangladesh contributes to the rise of cardiovascular illnesses and chronic respiratory diseases, where heart disease, strokes and asthma impact individuals’ physical health. Unhealthy lifestyles, diet and physical inactivity are also causes of NCDs like cancer and diabetes. These ongoing causes and burdens have mobilized the government to work toward controlling NCDs in Bangladesh.
Health Discrimination
Health surveys from 2011 to 2018 have shown that socioeconomic disparities are connected to the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and overweight and obesity. For example, those who work in manual labor in Bangladesh are more exposed to air pollution, increasing the incidence of hypertension and obesity. Conversely, economic growth has led to more processed, readily available and low-cost foods available to poor people. Unhealthy diets also contribute to high NCD prevalence in poorer communities in the country.
Moreover, NCD services are costly and access to proper care is far less attainable for people experiencing poverty. These chronic conditions require long-term care and jeopardize patients’ financial stability with medical expenditures. In 2021, the country allocated 2.36% of its gross domestic product to health expenditure. Out-of-pocket spending accounts for a 68.5% share of health expenditure. Dependence on out-of-pocket spending causes financial distress, especially among vulnerable families.
The Plan
Bangladesh’s Multisectoral Action Plan for the Prevention and Control of NCDs 2018-2025 commits to address these diseases and improve the health care system. The operation plan’s success requires four courses of action that are conducive to controlling noncommunicable diseases in Bangladesh.
Successes since 2018
Through partnerships, the country has made significant progress in creating a strong foundation for NCD prevention and control. The collaboration between 30 ministries and agencies was one notable success. In the 2022 first National NCDs Conference in Bangladesh, national and international stakeholders assembled to discuss NCD prevention and control strategies and established the Dhaka Declaration, 32 steps to combat NCDs. This declaration furthered the Multisectoral plan’s goal of controlling tobacco, alcohol and indoor air pollution and promoting physical activity and healthy diets.
NCD Corners in health complexes have also been developed across the country, increasing access to care. These corners facilitate early detection and management of common NCDs, even in rural areas. By October 2022, 6,231 patients were treated for high blood pressure and 1,386 for diabetes through these corners. The National Heart Foundation Bangladesh has also reported an increase in hypertension control across the country’s administrative districts. For instance, in Kualara, from May 2022 to October 2022, the number of patients with controlled hypertension rose by 15%, from 55%, with the assistance of NCD corners. These corners are located in community health centers and primary health care facilities, providing easy access for all population groups.
Furthermore, progress has been made in developing policies to control shared risk factors of NCDs. To promote healthy diets, the country has imposed taxation on domestically produced sugar-sweetened beverages. First, there is a 15% value-added tax and then a 25% supplementary duty for carbonated drinks and 35% for energy drinks. Taxes on unhealthy items help reduce consumption and the prevalence of obesity and other NCDs can decrease.
Ongoing Efforts
There is still more to be done. Taxation is effective in controlling Bangladesh’s tobacco problem. In the fiscal years 2024 and 2025, the government strives for a 66% increase in the tax rate on cigarettes and tobacco products. This change factors in indoor pollution control as tobacco smoke inside homes exposes nonsmokers to smoking and poor air quality.
The plan further addresses health financing and expenditure. In the fiscal year 2024, the country increased its federal budget allocation for health by 9%. However, this improvement had little effect on the country’s health care quality. Bangladesh’s Multisectoral plan proposes financial risk protection through:
By prioritizing these strategies, Bangladesh can look toward a healthier future for all its citizens, ensuring equitable access to quality health care.
Conclusion
Noncommunicable diseases continue to impact mortality and quality of life in Bangladesh. However, Bangladesh’s Multisectoral plan has successfully coordinated efforts across various sectors to control NCDs. Collaboration, policies, regulations and initiatives for enhancing accessibility remain conducive to these goals.
– Caroline Albright
Photo: Pexels
Mali’s Sugu Yiriwa Market
Sugu Yiriwa Market
The Sugu Yiriwa Market, launched in 2021 with CARE Mali and other organizations, serves 12 districts across 80 communities. This initiative focuses on three primary objectives: enhancing the quality of products, boosting income and expanding access to nutrient-rich goods. The market aims to foster a network of interconnected markets and businesses to ensure a more reliable supply of quality, necessary products and to enhance overall market access for the community.
The Sugu Yiriwa Market introduces quality products that provide essential nutrition to communities traditionally lacking access to such resources. This availability is crucial for addressing malnutrition and ensuring safer consumption options. The market also supports local farmers by offering efficient production methods and introducing new technologies that assist with pricing and weather forecasting. Additionally, these technology advancements aim to reduce post-harvest labor and enhance overall agricultural productivity.
Its Impacts
In 2023, the Sugu Yiriwa Market achieved $20 million in total annual sales, with women comprising about half of its participants, aligning with the market’s focus on empowering this demographic. The market also targeted children’s nutritional needs, successfully delivering interventions to more than 2,000 children that year. Additionally, more than 100 traders and suppliers received training in sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing food security and boosting sales.
Mali businessman, Sidiki Badian, who profits from cereal and grains, navigated a crisis when the Mali government banned cereal exports, leaving him with surplus stock. Through the Sugu Yiriwa Market, Badian engaged with ministers to facilitate a government purchase of his remaining millet. This support mechanism has bolstered local farmers and businessmen like Badian, enhancing their revenue and providing essential economic support.
Looking Ahead
The Sugu Yiriwa Market has become a vital part of Mali’s efforts to combat poverty and malnutrition. The initiative plans to expand its reach, incorporating more advanced agricultural techniques and supporting additional communities. Efforts could focus on creating more training programs for farmers and traders, to ensure sustainable growth and stability. Through ongoing initiatives, Mali can potentially make strides in improving food security and supporting local economies amid ongoing challenges.
– Dorothy Howard
Photo: Flickr
ARIDA: Tackling Childhood Pneumonia
Typical Barriers to Treating Pneumonia
Pneumonia is often misdiagnosed as a disease like malaria or tuberculosis, complicating early detection efforts. The WHO reports that in remote areas with limited health facilities, health workers rely on manual counts of respiratory rates (RR) to diagnose pneumonia. However, manually counting a child’s breaths is challenging and subjective, with variations in what different health workers consider a single breath. This inconsistency makes it difficult to obtain an accurate RR, hindering effective diagnosis.
ARIDA
In 2014, UNICEF launched the Acute Respiratory Infection Diagnostic Aid (ARIDA) program to develop technology that would enable health workers to diagnose pneumonia more accurately. This initiative introduced two new devices: the Philips ChARM, which stands for Children’s Automatic Respiratory Monitor and the Masimo Rad G, both designed to improve the assessment of respiratory rates in children.
The Philips ChARM, priced at $44 per unit, automatically counts a child’s respiratory rate when strapped around the torso, designed for use while the child lies horizontally. The Masimo Rad G, costing $250 per unit, uses a clip-like monitor attached to the child’s finger to calculate respiratory rate and simultaneously measure blood oxygen levels. Using devices to calculate respiratory rates has enabled health workers to adhere more closely to WHO guidelines for diagnosing pneumonia quickly and accurately. More than one million children gained access to life-saving antibiotic treatments due to the ARIDA devices and an additional 300,000 received enhanced care services.
The Future of ARIDA
The trials of the ARIDA devices took place in Bolivia, Nepal and Ethiopia from 2017 to 2019, significantly advancing Ethiopia’s health goals for women and children. These ongoing efforts are part of a broader commitment to the Global Action Plan for Pneumonia and Diarrhoea, aiming to eliminate all treatable pneumonia and diarrhea-related deaths by 2025. The plan includes expanding the range of ARIDA products available for government purchase. However, the scaling of ARIDA products faces challenges such as unit costs, though countries may offset these costs through funding from UNICEF’s development partners. This initiative also supports the United Nations (U.N.) goal to end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five by 2030.
Looking Ahead
The ARIDA initiative has made significant strides in diagnosing and treating pneumonia, particularly in remote areas. Trials in Bolivia, Nepal and Ethiopia have already enabled more than a million children to access life-saving treatments. Despite cost challenges, the expansion of ARIDA products aligns with global health goals, aiming to reduce child mortality rates and improve health care outcomes by 2030.
– Naomi Finapiri
Photo: Flickr
The Traditional Midwives of Ecuador
Geographical and Economic Challenges
The geographic isolation of rural areas in Ecuador often makes it difficult for residents to access hospitals. Approximately 36% of Ecuadorians, more than 6 million people, reside in these rural regions where 43% live below the poverty line. These areas are notably underserved, with 86% of public and 96% of private medical practices located in urban areas. Consequently, many pregnant women in these rural areas lack access to formal medical assistance during pregnancy.
The Role of Traditional Midwives in Prenatal Care
Traditional midwives in Ecuador, notably the Kichwa women in the Archidona region, are crucial for prenatal care and childbirth. Many inhabitants of the Ecuadorian Amazon lack formal education, with a 6% illiteracy rate among the rural population, which may limit their awareness of modern medical practices. By integrating traditional and modern medical approaches, this strategy can potentially alleviate skepticism about vital care and encourage more Ecuadorians to seek formal medical services, ultimately aiming to lower maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Empowering Midwives through AMUKAPIN
Despite the cultural significance of their services, Ecuador’s traditional midwives have observed a lack of recognition and inequality in the formal health care system. To address these ongoing challenges, these women established the Association of Kichwa Midwives of the Upper Napo (AMUKAPIN). Mamma Ofelia, the association’s president, has stated that they are often dismissed as “silly women” rather than acknowledged as legitimate caregivers. In the Archidona region of the Amazon, where 30% of deliveries occur at home, the necessity of these midwives is evident, as many women lack hospital access. The establishment of AMUKAPIN has started to garner recognition for its essential role in providing health care in rural Ecuadorian communities.
Training and Recognition by Health Organizations
Since 2021, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has been enhancing the skills of Ecuador’s traditional midwives to boost prenatal care in the country’s most remote areas. Recognizing that midwives understand the risk factors for birth complications, PAHO has supplemented their traditional methods with medical knowledge and equipment. This initiative equips them with tools like stethoscopes and precise measuring tapes, enhancing their ability to monitor pregnancies while respecting cultural practices. Bremen De Mucio, PAHO’s Regional Advisor on Maternal Health, emphasizes the importance of trust and the integration of modern medical practices with traditional methods, which has proven successful in bridging the gap between traditional and modern health care in Ecuador.
Emergency Response and Cultural Integration
The women of AMUKAPIN, an organization of Amazonian midwives, have embraced cooperation with formal medical institutions. In cases of emergency or severe pregnancy complications, these midwives now organize ambulance services to transport mothers to hospitals. This improved response stems from their enhanced medical knowledge and a recognition of the importance of professional care in critical situations.
The integration of traditional and modern medical practices has brought numerous advantages to Ecuador’s rural communities. Previously, the contentious relationship between these two approaches often left patients confused and skeptical, sometimes deterring them from seeking necessary hospital care. The blending of these practices has lessened these issues, particularly for those in remote areas, fostering greater trust in the nation’s medical services. In Otovalo, traditional midwives can now accompany mothers into delivery rooms, enhancing their comfort and encouraging more hospital births, which could lead to lower maternal and infant mortality rates in Ecuador.
Looking Ahead
The integration of traditional and modern medical practices in Ecuador’s Amazonian regions has significantly improved prenatal care. This collaboration not only enhances the skills of traditional midwives but also fosters greater trust in formal medical services among rural residents. With continued support and training, these ongoing initiatives aim to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring better health care outcomes for Ecuador’s remote communities.
– Ben Kane
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Social Safety in Madagascar
The World Food Bank has committed more than $250 million to enhance social safety nets in Madagascar. This funding supports the Safety Nets and Resilience Project, designed to shield impoverished families from unforeseen hardships by providing a financial buffer. The project includes cash transfers and entrepreneurial training aimed at fostering self-sufficiency, with the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating dependency on external aid.
Goals of the Safety Nets and Resilience Project
The Safety Nets and Resilience Project collaborates with Madagascar’s government to create robust social safety nets in Madagascar for vulnerable and impoverished populations. These mechanisms are designed to help the community and government swiftly recover from environmental, economic and other external disruptions. For instance, if a flood strikes a region of Madagascar, the established safety nets aim to quickly restore people’s financial stability, ensure rapid infrastructure repair and maintain accessible food supplies.
Operational Framework of the Project
The Safety Nets and Resilience Project, inspired by successful interventions in other countries, aims to significantly reduce poverty by implementing effective safety nets. These safety nets not only decrease poverty but also enhance financial stability and improve education and nutrition outcomes for affected populations. The project includes four main components, each designed to address specific aspects of humanitarian assistance:
Looking Ahead
Madagascar continues to battle extreme poverty and high rates of malnutrition. With initiatives like the Safety Nets and Resilience Project playing a crucial role in addressing these ongoing issues. This project, backed by significant funding from the World Food Bank, focuses on providing financial support and entrepreneurial training to enhance self-sufficiency among the most vulnerable populations. Strengthening social safety nets and improving crisis response could be essential for fostering economic stability. With this will come an improvement in the quality of life for many Malagasy citizens.
– Paige Tamasi
Photo: Unsplash
Alleviating Poverty in Guatemala City Garbage Dump
Life in Landfill
A country of rolling mountain ranges and lush tropical forests, Guatemala is known as the Land of Eternal Spring. The Guatemala City garbage dump is an open-air landfill. An estimated 60,000 people live in extreme poverty along the periphery of the 40-acre landfill. According to a recent article by the environmental magazine Mongabay, underdeveloped infrastructure allows for build-ups of methane gas that ignites deadly fires, for waste to amass into mountains that shift underfoot. The surrounding neighborhood is rife with dangers and devoid of opportunity. Many inhabitants survive by scavenging through hazardous mounds of waste in search of materials for resale.
How Safe Passage Is Clearing Pathways Out of the Dump
Safe Passage is a nongovernmental organization (NGO) that helps families in this community free themselves from cyclical poverty. With the average adult resident having yet to progress beyond the fourth grade, the organization works towards long-term development. This is achieved by providing children with free quality education.
Within its full-day school, Safe Passage employs an experimental methodology called “Expeditionary Learning,” which integrates off-site activities into an immersive curriculum focusing on life skills and citizenship as well as traditional academic disciplines. Creating experiences away from the dump shows students how the knowledge they gather at school can be applied to real life. With this approach designed for maximum engagement, 90% of the organization’s students graduate in the ninth grade. In contrast, the national retention rate between the sixth and 10th grades is estimated at 42%.
Students navigating the transition between school and adult life can access vocational guidance, support with university and job applications, and training and employment opportunities with Safe Passage’s partner organizations through the “Próximo Paso” program. In 2023 alone, 32 students started vocational training and 14 began the university enrolment process. Furthermore, with Guatemalan schools opening for just four hours a day. The “Oportunidades” program offers students from other institutions the opportunity to participate in various extracurricular activities. This, in turn, provides a refuge from the chaos of life in the neighborhood and from the grip of its gangs.
Forging Futures with Creamos
Creamos was established in 2008 as an entrepreneurial initiative when a group of women began selling jewelry made from upcycled materials and were able to leave a life of scavenging in the dump behind them. It has since evolved into an NGO that helps others surmount the systemic barriers facing the community. Although its services extend to all in need of them, Creamos focuses especially on the neighborhood’s women. The women are subject to the converging forces of poverty and gender-based inequalities and violence. On a national level, Guatemala’s female labor force participation rate is the lowest in Latin America and the Caribbean at just 32% as of 2018. Similarly, the femicide rate is among the highest in the world, with 1.6 deaths per 100,000 women in 2021.
In 2020, Creamos introduced its Accelerated Education Program. It steers adult learners, many of whom were forced out of school and into work at the dump by a lack of resources, through a compressed academic curriculum and toward a high-school diploma. It also offers flexible scheduling and free childcare. As of 2022, an incredible 434 individuals had re-enrolled in education with Creamos. Furthermore, in 2022, the organization implemented its Workforce Development Program, through which students can access vocational training courses and internships with numerous partner organizations. They can specialize in various sectors, all selected to match current labor trends. In 2022 alone, the program served 250 people.
Holistic Approaches
In alignment with their shared mission of personal and community development, Safe Passage and Creamos provide various health care services. Safe Passage operates an on-site infirmary that treats health complaints and fosters long-term community well-being through education. It also has a social services team and offers pastoral care and a support program for at-risk families.
Epidemic levels of gender-based violence plague the community surrounding the Guatemala City garbage dump. To help address this, Creamos seeks to create safe spaces for vulnerable women. This includes providing a range of emotional care services operated by licensed psychologists, such as specialized support groups and a program designed to fortify family dynamics.
Looking Ahead
Guatemala has a human capital index of 0.46. This indicates that children born there today are projected to attain just 46% of their lifetime potential. However, organizations like Safe Passage and Creamos are working determinedly to equalize access to resources. Safe Passage is guiding children from the fringes of society inward.
Creamos, meaning “we create” in Spanish, began as a jewelry-making initiative but now strives to provide marginalized people with the tools they need to manufacture a life for themselves. Both organizations are creators at their cores: creators of safe spaces, opportunities and hope for a future where all of its people can feel Guatemala’s vitality.
– Leila Powles
Photo: Flickr
Economic Partnership between the Gulf States and Africa
An example of the growing economic partnership between the Gulf states and Africa is when, in 2023, companies within the GCC announced 73 foreign direct investment projects in various African countries worth more than $53 billion. Businesses and nations in the GCC look to Africa as an economic partnership expected to grow in value, mainly due to the new Africa Continental Free Trade Area signed in 2018.
The African Continental Free Trade Area
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement is one of the largest free trade areas in the world, as measured by the number of participating countries. The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries, with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at $3.4 trillion.
AfCFTA entices investment from the GCC because its free trade gives greater access to the African market, which has the potential to develop into a more lucrative market. This investment further ties countries in the GCC and Africa to an economic partnership driven by a mutual interest in diversification. For countries in the GCC, diversification is essential as these investments are ways to diversify their economy away from oil and other hydrocarbon exports into something more sustainable.
Examples of Investment Projects
Some of the GCC’s high-profile initiatives involve countries across the continent. One example is ACWA Power, based in Saudi Arabia, which has agreed to develop a green hydrogen project in Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone and committed more than $4 billion. The first phase aims to produce 600,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually.
Similarly, AMEA Power, a different company based in Dubai, is planning to build a hydrogen project in Kenya, along with the Abu Dhabi National Energy Company, which has invested $1.6 billion in renewable energy projects in Morocco. These are not small investments and highlight the importance that companies and countries from the GCC give these projects in Africa.
What Does This Mean for the West?
This increasing investment into Africa from the GCC comes as many countries in the West have fallen behind in their commitment to invest in sustainable projects to help develop the continent. With countries in the West and even China generally decreasing their investment in Africa, countries in the GCC see an opening in the continent to increase their influence in these countries and benefit from any development into a fast-growing economy. An expanding middle class in Africa is desirable for investors and entrepreneurs as it could mean millions of new customers for products and services from the Middle East.
Building economic ties in Africa is easier logistically for countries in the GCC as they can capitalize on their geostrategic location to access Africa through ship and land trade routes. Expanding their economic influence in African states has provided GCC states with an essential source of leverage to advance their regional security and diplomatic goals, increasing their power projection worldwide. This means that countries in the West, especially the U.S. and countries in the GCC will have more significant influence across the continent. They may act more independently in ways that might not align with the interests of the U.S. or other Western countries in the region.
While nothing suggests that countries in the GCC will soon want to adjust the way the U.S. has approached the region or directly challenge U.S. interests, the fact is that the U.S. is currently ceding its influence, positive relations, opportunities for economic investment and diplomatic relationships in Africa to other powers like the countries in the GCC and China.
– Mathieu Pare
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Baseball in the Dominican Republic
Historical Context and Global Influence
Cuban visitors introduced baseball to the Dominican Republic at the end of the 19th century, establishing a rich tradition that thrives presently. The Dominican Winter League, renowned as one of the toughest in Latin America, reveals the nation’s deep connection to the sport. The Dominican Republic’s prominence was highlighted globally when it won the 2013 World Baseball Classic, with Yankees second baseman Robinson Cano earning the MVP title. President Luis Abinader has emphasized baseball’s integral role in the Dominican culture and economy, estimating its economic impact at about $400 million annually.
The Role of Baseball Academies
Baseball significantly boosts the Dominican Republic’s economy through academy investments, player salaries and job creation. The Dodgers pioneered this impact by establishing the first MLB academy in the country in 1987, offering children a structured environment to learn the game. Beyond skill development, these academies provide critical basic needs, such as consistent meals—luxuries not guaranteed at home. Players earn a decent living, with first-year players making $600 monthly and second-year players $700, significantly more than the $100 monthly factory job wage. While the academy system greatly aids those who never advance to major leagues, providing them with a sustainable income, it is not without its criticisms and challenges.
Educational Challenges and Opportunities
Only one in 40 players at baseball academies in the Dominican Republic reaches the major leagues. The rigorous training demands often sideline academic pursuits, leading critics to argue that these programs hinder complete educational attainment. Most academies focus on American and English studies, leaving players with limited knowledge about their own country. Among MLB teams, only the Diamondbacks provide opportunities for players to complete their education. It’s crucial to note that many of these youths might not have pursued schooling otherwise, potentially working in local industries like sugar cane fields, hotels or garment manufacturing. Despite these realities, there is a pressing need for MLB to enhance educational and career support for all academy players, ensuring a secure future whether or not they succeed in professional baseball.
Success Stories and Future Prospects
Juan Soto, a baseball superstar, signed a $1.5 million contract with the Nationals at just 16 years old and joined their Dominican Republic camp. There, he not only honed his baseball skills but also learned English, which Soto acknowledged could provide career opportunities beyond MLB. He later revisited this camp after being traded to the Yankees, reflecting on his journey and the impact of such training programs. Baseball has a profound connection to the Dominican Republic’s culture and economy, with its roots traced back to the late 19th century when introduced by Cuban visitors. Currently, the sport is celebrated nationally and supported by MLB academies that offer young players better living conditions and opportunities compared to other local employment, emphasizing baseball’s integral role in the country’s development.
Looking Ahead
Baseball’s role in the Dominican Republic extends beyond the game itself, deeply impacting the nation’s economy and culture. While MLB academies provide valuable opportunities for young athletes, there is a need to enhance educational support to ensure broader career prospects. By focusing on education alongside athletic training, the future of these young players can potentially be more secure, regardless of their success in professional baseball.
– Matthew Mendives
Photo: Flickr
Understanding GBV in Uganda
GBV Uganda Projects
GBV Uganda Projects, an organization that provides funding in the form of loans, supports projects and small businesses that pay back their loans upon becoming profitable. These ongoing initiatives often focus on sustainability and include practical training for individuals to start their businesses. A key partner, SUP Community Initiatives Africa, began as a Community-Based Organization in 2013, targeting vulnerable individuals and communities in rural and slum areas. It registered as a Nongovernmental Organization (NGO) in 2022, with a mission to empower individuals and communities to address their vulnerabilities effectively.
Empowerment Through Tailoring Projects
GBV Uganda Projects has established a tailoring training initiative that includes building a training center and offering year-long courses in fashion design for 20 women and girls who had to leave school due to abuse. As of June 2024, these participants are taking exams, with a new group set to start in July 2024 and continue until December. This project underscores the organization’s belief that tailoring could be a viable path out of poverty, which often intersects with gender-based violence.
Youth Sport Uganda offers a six-month tailoring program that includes internships, helping 71 participants so far to launch their businesses and support their families. Similarly, The Followings Foundation runs the BEC Tailoring program, equipping individuals with not only tailoring skills but also essential business skills like machine maintenance, record-keeping and financial management, further enhancing their ability to be self-sufficient.
The Importance of Funding
GBV Projects Uganda successfully launched its tailoring initiative, funded by a £14,000 grant from the Welsh Government’s Wales and Africa Grant Scheme/Hub Cymru Africa. This financial support from international donors has enabled 20 participants to acquire crucial life skills, providing opportunities that would have otherwise been inaccessible. Despite these successes, the World Bank notes that prevention programs for gender-based violence in Uganda remain fragmented and limited in scope. This fragmentation often leads to less effective programming, as funding sources like the Wales and Africa Grant Scheme vary by project.
Recommendations and Global Efforts
In 2020, significant strides were made as the United Nations (U.N.), Uganda’s Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and the Office of the Prime Minister collaborated to enhance systems addressing gender-based violence (GBV), focusing particularly on the vulnerabilities of refugee populations. This initiative was informed by findings from the Development Response to Displacement Impacts Project. By 2023, the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reported the successful implementation of the “SASA! Together model” and “the Girl Shine approach” in Uganda. These programs are part of a broader international effort to mitigate GBV. Since 2019, the Spotlight Initiative has also been instrumental, training more than 900 individuals to assist GBV victims, marking a significant advancement in local and global efforts against gender-based violence.
Looking Ahead
Efforts to address gender-based violence in Uganda are making strides through targeted initiatives and international collaboration. Programs like those run by GBV Uganda Projects provide essential training and support, empowering individuals to achieve financial independence and stability. Support and funding could be essential in expanding these ongoing initiatives and enhancing their effectiveness. This can potentially ensure progress in combating gender-based violence in the region.
– Rachael Denton-Snape
Photo: Flickr
4 Countries Improving Malnutrition with RUTF
Improving Malnutrition with RUTF
André Briend and Michel Lescanne developed RUTF more than 25 years ago to offer effective nutritional treatment for malnourished children. This high-energy paste includes ingredients like powdered milk and peanuts, along with essential vitamins, providing substantial nutritional value without the need for water or concerns about rapid spoilage. UNICEF reports that consuming three packets of RUTF daily for six to eight weeks can significantly address acute malnutrition in children and the agency currently distributes approximately 80% of the global supply. Additionally, numerous nongovernmental organizations are involved in distributing RUTF. Several countries have revealed notable improvements in the nutritional status of children and adults facing chronic malnutrition through the use of RUTF.
Yemen
Yemen faces a severe food security crisis, with 56% of its population lacking proper nutrition and nearly 500,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition. In response, UNICEF has partnered with USAID’s Office of Food for Peace and the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance to combat starvation among children using RUTF. In the Tur Al Bahah district’s Al-Khatabiah area, 20% of children are acutely malnourished. Local health centers, supported by UNICEF, screen for malnutrition, provide RUTF treatment and conduct follow-up check-ups. The treatment has significantly aided recovery, improving conditions for affected families. USAID/BHA has supplied RUTF to address more than 144,000 cases of malnutrition in Yemen, underscoring the critical role of RUTF in combating the nation’s food insecurity.
Haiti
In Haiti, the struggle against malnutrition intensifies amid natural disasters, poor sanitation and economic challenges. With a population of 11.7 million, nearly 4.3 million face acute malnutrition and more than 22% of children under age 5 experience chronic hunger. The country’s escalating violence often hampers access to healthcare centers. To combat this, nongovernmental organizations, like Meds and Food for Kids, deliver nutritional support with their RUTF known locally as “Medika Mamba” or “Peanut Butter Medicine.” This product effectively restores essential micronutrients and is produced following standards set by PlumpyField and Nutriset, global leaders in nutritional solutions. Annually, Meds and Food for Kids produces more than 1000 metric tons of RUTF, achieving a 92% treatment success rate for malnourished children within 8 to 12 weeks.
Ethiopia
In Ethiopia, environmental challenges such as droughts and declining livestock productivity exacerbate food insecurity. The COVID-19 pandemic’s lockdown measures further worsened the situation as nearly one million children lost access to school feeding programs. This has led to acute malnutrition and a rise in micronutrient deficiencies, including iron deficiency anemia and Vitamin A deficiency. To combat this, Ethiopia’s government and UNICEF have committed to protecting vulnerable populations, such as children and pregnant women. Since 2007, Hilina Enriched Foods has collaborated with UNICEF to distribute RUTF to communities in urgent need. This partnership leverages ‘last-mile distribution’ strategies to deliver RUTF directly to health facilities, ensuring timely supply across 240 districts and improving malnutrition management in hard-to-reach areas.
Democratic Republic of Congo
In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), malnutrition affects 40% of children. From June 2023 to June 2024, about 1.1 million children ages 6 to 59 months and 605,000 pregnant women experienced high rates of acute malnutrition. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines child wasting as rapid weight and muscle loss due to insufficient nutrient intake, often exacerbated by inadequate feeding practices and scarce resources. To combat this, the DRC has integrated RUTF into its national healthcare strategy, including listing it on the Essential Medicines List. UNICEF, the Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), the World Bank and various NGOs with private funding have supplied RUTF.
Moving Forward
UNICEF has acknowledged the integration of RUTF in national clinical guidelines for malnutrition management across 71 countries. This adoption underscores a growing reliance on RUTF to combat global malnutrition effectively. Nations such as Yemen, Haiti, Ethiopia and the Democratic Republic of Congo have made significant strides by incorporating RUTF into their health strategies, revealing marked improvements in severe malnutrition cases. The support from UNICEF, USAID and various nongovernmental organizations has been instrumental in these ongoing efforts. Continued investment and focus on the programs could be essential for reducing malnutrition and improving health outcomes globally.
– Abigail Lobo
Photo: Unsplash