Guatemala is characterized by its diverse and vibrant landscapes and equally rich cultural mosaic. However, with an estimated 55% of the population surviving on less than $6.85 a day, poverty frequently drains the color from everyday life there. According to the World Bank, limited access to services and opportunities is one reason why Guatemala’s steady economic growth, which has made the Guatemalan economy the largest in Central America, has yet to lead to significant poverty reduction. The poverty rate is the third highest in Latin America and the Caribbean and nowhere is the issue more visible than in the community surrounding the 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
Leila is based in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, UK and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.
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
Technological Innovations in Maternal Health
The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment
NASGs resemble trousers and are divided into five to six segments. Each segment features Velcro straps that apply targeted pressure from the ankles to the abdomen, allowing for simultaneous vaginal treatments. Developed using technology similar to NASA’s anti-gravity suits, NASGs prevent unconsciousness by promoting blood circulation toward the head. They also reduce blood loss and increase survival chances in cases of postpartum hemorrhage by compressing the lower extremities to drive blood toward vital organs. This effective management ensures prolonged survival until medical help is available.
NASGs provide up to 48 hours of crucial support in emergencies and can be reused up to 144 times. Costing approximately $0.50 per use, NASGs are cost-effective and vital for maternal health. The World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recognize these garments as essential tools for reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health. Research indicates that NASGs can potentially reduce maternal deaths from postpartum hemorrhage by half in specialized care settings, highlighting their critical role in improving reproductive health outcomes.
The Uterine Balloon Tamponade
The UBT is a medical device used to manage postpartum hemorrhage. It works by inserting a balloon into the uterus and inflating it with saline or sterile water using a syringe or gravity bag. This inflation applies pressure to the uterine walls, effectively controlling excessive bleeding. Although UBTs are effective, they are expensive, with costs ranging from $125 to $350 per use, limiting their use primarily to high-income countries as a surgical intervention for severe postpartum hemorrhage.
In areas without adequate medical facilities, health practitioners have improvised with makeshift versions of the UBT. UNICEF reports the use of condoms, inserted into the uterus and inflated with saline through a catheter, as an emergency alternative to UBTs. These ad-hoc solutions can mitigate blood loss but pose significant safety risks. A 2019 study in Ivory Coast confirmed the effectiveness of UBTs, successfully managing postpartum hemorrhage in nearly all treated cases, highlighting the need for both proper medical oversight when using such devices and further innovations in Maternal Health.
The Adoption of NASG and UBT Devices
Despite the clinical proof of its effectiveness, the NASG faces several challenges that limit its wider use. A general lack of awareness about the importance of NASG exists. Additionally, many health facilities report shortages due to the device’s high initial cost. Additionally, gaps in knowledge about the proper use and maintenance of NASGs further complicate efforts to implement them effectively.
Similar to the NASG, despite its effectiveness in controlling postpartum hemorrhage, UBT is expensive, challenging its widespread use in low- and middle-income countries. The WHO restricts UBT approval to environments where advanced treatments like blood transfusions and surgeries are available. Clinical trials reported in Obstetrics and Gynecology journals have highlighted potential risks of using UBT-like devices in remote settings, including instances where the intervention might have worsened blood loss. Trained medical personnel are advised to use such devices with caution, particularly in less-equipped environments.
Moving Forward
The U.N. agency is collaborating with governments and hosting online seminars. The aim is to promote the effectiveness of the NASG in reducing postpartum hemorrhage. Since 2019, UNICEF has included the NASG in its Supply Catalogue for global accessibility. Additionally, UNICEF is searching for cost-effective alternatives to the UBT. UNICEF has identified a manufacturer that offers the device at $5-15 per usage. More than 10 countries now recognize this affordable UBT as an essential medical product, with at least 16,000 units purchased. Concurrently, WHO is launching a study in Vietnam to test procedures, including a UBT-like device, to mitigate postpartum hemorrhage and improve maternal health. This research aims to address previous concerns about the UBT’s risks and develop more innovations to reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal health.
– Naomi Finapiri
Photo: Flickr
BPO Industry Lifts Philippine Population from Poverty
The Feudal Legacy
The Philippines, often labeled a democracy, functioned more like a feudalistic society where the landed gentry controlled the economy and its tenants. This structure left the majority of the population either farming or working menial jobs, with minimal economic prospects and limited to earning only minimum wage. However, the early 2000s marked a significant shift when the Philippines opened its borders to international companies seeking a more affordable workforce.
The BPO Industry’s Impact
A significant challenge in the Philippines has been the scarcity of stable jobs, with many Filipinos reporting unstable job statuses or complete unemployment. However, the advent of the BPO industry has markedly reduced the unemployment rate. This industry has not only provided jobless individuals with new employment opportunities but also enhanced the purchasing power of the overall population.
International Career Opportunities
Before the proliferation of BPO companies in the Philippines, opportunities for Filipinos to work for international firms were limited, often requiring them to become overseas foreign workers to earn higher wages. BPO companies have changed this dynamic by providing Filipinos the opportunity to earn international wages without leaving the country. Additionally, these companies offer career paths with global firms, allowing employees to advance professionally within their home country.
Economic Revitalization
According to the World Bank, traditionally, only the upper and middle classes could afford a college education, limiting access to more lucrative jobs to a small segment of society. However, the emergence of BPO companies has transformed employment opportunities. The Philippines, known for its high percentage of English speakers, has become an ideal location for BPO operations. These companies typically do not require college degrees, instead prioritizing proficiency in English and basic computer skills. This shift has allowed a broader segment of the population, already literate and motivated, to secure employment, support their families and contribute effectively to their employers, thus expanding economic opportunities beyond the traditionally educated elite.
Before the BPO boom, a substantial portion of the population possessed minimal buying power, with many families reliant on a single source of low income. The introduction of BPO jobs provided higher wages, enhancing the economic strength of individual households. This increase in income allowed families to spend, invest and save more, stimulating demand for products and services and invigorating the national economy.
Looking Ahead
The rise of the BPO industry looks set to alter the economic landscape in the Philippines, providing stable employment opportunities and lifting many out of poverty. This shift could not only improve wages but also facilitate broader access to international careers without requiring emigration. The continued growth of the BPO sector offers a path toward sustained economic development, enhancing the quality of life for countless Filipinos and strengthening the nation’s overall economic resilience.
– Neil Misola
Photo: Pexels
Access to Sanitary Products for the Rohingya
This primary health concern has not gone unnoticed. As early as 2017, the peak of the Rohingya exodus, the United Nations (U.N.) Migration Agency began distributing hygiene and dignity kits. The agency has distributed more than 6,600 hygiene kits to the most vulnerable households, reaching more than 33,000 individuals. These kits include toothbrushes, soap, water containers, menstrual hygiene products and more.
The U.N. Population Fund (UNFPA) has also been running women-led community centers, which aid in producing sanitary products for the community’s women and girls.
Health Concerns
When speaking with the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, Minara, a woman in one of the camps, said, “We have no money to buy sanitary pads, so we used to use old clothes, which cause a lot of itching and infections.” According to the World Bank, poor menstrual hygiene can result in complicated health issues like reproductive and urinary tract infections, which have the potential to cause infertility or birth complications.
Innovative Solutions
Following discussions within these community centers, it became apparent that the previous dignity kits were not sufficiently solving the issue and the Rohingya women required easier access to sanitary products. Therefore, the European Union Humanitarian Fund and the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) formed an initiative to teach Rohingya women how to tailor their reusable sanitary pads.
The initiative entailed training community members to sew their reusable sanitary pads. The women were also provided with “cloth, scissors, needles, underwear and other materials” and “instructions on the safe use and hygiene maintenance of the pads,” as reported by the Danish Refugee Council.
The original group of 14 Rohingya girls who received the training produced more than 3,000 pads for women in their community by 2022. Several women and girls in the camps also benefited from the program. Ultimately, this initiative allows women and girls to empower their neighbors with the skills they have learned.
Final Remark
Despite the ongoing challenges faced by the Rohingya, it is crucial to empower the community to address these issues from within. Continued support and innovative solutions are essential to tackle this and the many health care challenges the community encounters.
– Lydia Young
Photo: Wikimedia Commons