According to the Global Education Monitoring Report, developing countries are home to some 200 million young people ages 15 to 24 who have not completed primary school and need alternative pathways to gain basic skills for employment and prosperity. Low levels of education leave one in eight living below the poverty line, creating a need for digital education in developing countries.
Developing countries often have less diversified economies that rely on agriculture or raw materials such as timber, coal and oil. A country’s level of development is not determined by one singular test, but does look at the total value of goods and services a country provides. Underdeveloped and developing countries have lower Gross National Income (GNI), lower life expectancy and higher unemployment.
Digital Education in Developing Countries
Education develops skills at both intellectual and social levels. It promotes progress in health, climate resilience, sustainability and gender equality. Without these skills, people are less able to avoid poverty and pursue ecological development.
In lower- and middle-income countries, more than half of all 10-year-olds are unable to read and understand text. In 2024, there were 251 million children out of school, limiting the skills needed for labor markets. By increasing funds and resources, digital education in developing countries can help promote learning and provide children with greater chances of acquiring the skills they need.
South Africa has seen similar trends, with children under age 17, who make up 43.1% of the country’s population, among the groups most affected by poverty. According to Statistics South Africa, children remained the most vulnerable group in the country, with nearly half still living below the poverty line in 2023. Children living in rural areas face even greater challenges, as they often lack internet access and other essential educational resources.
Education remains one of the strongest investments a country can make. Research shows that in developing countries, every dollar invested in education generates $10 to $15 in economic growth. Investing in education can drive a country’s growth, increasing earning potential and decreasing poverty. Protecting children’s right to education aids local communities, creating more opportunities to thrive while promoting an equal chance at success.
Digital education supports teaching and learning through online courses, virtual classrooms and applications. Not only does this provide basic education, but it also helps improve digital skills that have become necessary amid the world’s digitalization. Online learning platforms create flexibility, making education more accessible around the world.
Current Developing Countries’ Initiatives
In 2020, Malaysia introduced its Digital Educational Learning Initiative (DELIMa), an online platform students can use to access applications, communication tools and learning resources. Malaysia’s Ministry of Education created the initiative to make learning more accessible while supporting the country’s move toward a more technology-influenced society.
DELIMa provides two programs: Future Skills For All (FS4A) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED). FS4A promotes digital development and reduces education inequalities by engaging learners through social media. GCED strengthens and grows a 21st-century mindset, encouraging learners to engage with communities on a local and global level.
South Africa has also embraced online education, increasing enrollment by more than 50% from 2020 to 2022. One of the country’s leading online learning platforms, CambriLearn, is now an Independent Examinations Board (IEB)-registered online school whose accredited courses meet benchmarks accepted by other schools worldwide.
Koa Academy has also contributed to the rise in South African education enrollment. The Koa Foundation’s initiative aims to expand high-quality education for communities facing education inequality. The foundation works to close the gap in educational opportunity by providing personalized learning that supports each student’s individual needs, easing challenges in performance and future opportunities. Current programs have supported 932 learners in strengthening their skills in mathematics and science.
In the Philippines, education is widely seen as a foundation for improving socioeconomic status, with many families believing that finishing school widens future opportunities. However, challenges include rising tuition costs and declining performance. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than a third of Filipino students fall into the bottom international quintile of the socioeconomic scale, the largest such share among the groups measured.
Online schooling in the Philippines has become one of the most convenient and accessible forms of education, tailoring learning to individual students. Another challenge facing education in the country is low student retention. There is a dramatic decrease from 56.7% of children ages 10 to 14 finishing primary school to only 42.5% reaching junior high school and just 31.5% completing senior high school.
The Rise of Education Enrollment
As digital education in developing countries becomes more widely embraced, population growth and demand for education have both increased. By improving accessibility and affordability, online education now plays a crucial role in students’ schooling. Countries such as India, Iran and Pakistan have seen 7 million students enroll in online learning programs.
India alone has approximately 35% of its population enrolled in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), ranking behind only the United States in enrollment. E-schools provide greater opportunities for those seeking education and employment, expanding access and improving employment prospects for millions.
With 32% of the global population lacking internet connection, expanding digital access will allow more citizens to receive quality education. Regardless of country, online education can serve as a tool for giving students an equal chance at learning and success.
– Jacquelyn Orr
Jacquelyn is based in Philadelphia, PA, USA and focuses on Good News and Technology for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Updates on Progress Against Child Marriage in Barbados
Child marriage and early unions can perpetuate cycles of poverty by interrupting girls’ education, limiting future employment opportunities and increasing the likelihood of early pregnancy and financial dependence. Despite Barbados’s reputation as a high-income Caribbean nation, poverty and inequality persist, making efforts to protect vulnerable girls an important part of promoting long-term economic opportunity.
Child Marriage in Barbados and Informal Unions
While the legal minimum age for marriage in Barbados is 18, individuals ages 16 and 17 may still marry with parental consent. Advocates have increasingly called for the removal of this exception.
However, child marriage in Barbados more commonly takes the form of informal unions known as “visiting relationships,” which involve social and sexual relationships without cohabitation. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), child, early and forced marriage and unions in Barbados frequently occur through these arrangements, with more than 40% of girls ages 15 to 19 married or in a visiting relationship.
Although these unions are often informal, they can produce consequences similar to those of formal child marriage. Girls who enter unions at a young age are more likely to leave school, become financially dependent and experience health risks associated with adolescent pregnancy.
Data from Girls Not Brides illustrates the relationship between early unions and educational attainment. In Barbados, 22% of women who completed only primary school were married or in a union before age 18, compared with 13% of women who completed higher education. These findings suggest that early unions can limit educational opportunities and reduce future earning potential, reinforcing cycles of poverty.
Legislative Efforts Addressing Child Marriage in Barbados
One of the most significant developments in recent years has been Barbados’s introduction of the Child Protection Bill and the Child Justice Bill in 2023. Since February 2022, the government has renewed its commitment to addressing child abuse and strengthening protections for young people.
The Child Protection Bill broadens the legal definition of abuse and creates access to safe houses for children experiencing harm at home. These measures could provide important support for girls seeking to leave coercive relationships and other unsafe environments.
Parliamentary discussions surrounding the Child Justice Bill in 2024 also prompted calls from government backbencher and medical practitioner Dr. Sonia Browne to raise the age of consent to 18. Browne argued that existing legal gaps disproportionately affect girls ages 16 and 17, particularly when they seek reproductive health care. The debate signals growing recognition among policymakers that marriage laws, age-of-consent policies and child protection measures are closely connected to the well-being of adolescent girls.
International Support for Ending Child Marriage in Barbados
Barbados does not operate in isolation. The country ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1990 and the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) in 1980. Both frameworks call for the protection of children’s rights and emphasize free and full consent to marriage.
In 2017, the U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child formally recommended that Barbados amend its Family Law Act to remove the parental consent exception to the minimum marriage age. Barbados has also committed to ending child, early and forced marriage by 2030 in accordance with Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3.
Civil society organizations such as Girls Not Brides continue to bring visibility to the issue and advocate for reform. Regional examples also demonstrate that change is possible. In 2017, Trinidad and Tobago fully prohibited marriage under age 18 after years of sustained advocacy efforts, illustrating that Caribbean countries can successfully implement stronger legal protections for children.
Looking Ahead
Recent child protection legislation and growing parliamentary discussion suggest that Barbados may be approaching a turning point in its efforts to address child marriage and early unions. Advocates argue that removing the parental consent exception could help more girls remain in school, delay early pregnancy and gain greater economic independence.
Although legal reforms remain unfinished, the framework for change is increasingly taking shape. Continued legislative action and advocacy could strengthen protections for vulnerable girls and help break cycles of poverty by expanding educational and economic opportunities for future generations in Barbados.
– Estelle Aubry
Photo: Magnific
Tafenoquine Malaria Treatment in Brazil
Malaria in Brazil
In Brazil, malaria has a disproportionate impact on the poorest and most vulnerable communities, predominantly concentrated in the Amazon regions. When malaria is contracted, symptoms can be overbearing, affecting the person’s ability to work. As these regions are relatively remote, accessing health care requires time and travel costs, further adding to the economic burden.
Between 2016 and 2022, large-scale deforestation from illegal mining worsened the situation. Miners who come to these regions are potential parasite carriers and may increase transmission. Mining, which involves deforestation and river dredging, also creates breeding grounds for mosquito species that carry malaria. Researchers have described communities in Brazil’s Amazon regions as trapped in a cycle in which deforestation drives poverty, and poverty in turn drives further deforestation.
In 2023, Brazil declared malaria a public health emergency in the Yanomami Indigenous Territory in the Amazon rainforest bordering Venezuela. Nearly every person tested by a team of doctors sent to the region had malaria.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Early diagnosis and treatment are key to successful recovery and reducing disease transmission. Some people have higher risks of developing and experiencing severe symptoms, including infants and children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and individuals with immunocompromised conditions.
Common treatment involves oral medication, though some cases may require injections. Standard therapies include a combination drug regimen based on artemisinin, considered the most effective option against the P. falciparum parasite; chloroquine, used against the P. vivax parasite in regions where it remains effective; and primaquine, often added to prevent relapses caused by the P. vivax and P. ovale parasites.
A Single-Dose Treatment Emerges
The challenge with these treatments is poor patient adherence. They involve multiple stages, and the full treatment course takes 14 days. Many people must travel far and miss work just to access treatment, and when a course goes uncompleted, the risk of relapse and continued spread of malaria increases.
To address this issue, Brazil started a rollout of pediatric tafenoquine, a single-dose treatment that has proven effective against relapsing malaria. Tafenoquine kills P. vivax parasites, which often hide and remain dormant in the body for years before symptoms appear.
P. vivax has the widest geographical reach of any malaria species and predominates across Latin America. While most malaria deaths in Africa are caused by P. falciparum, tafenoquine is a promising treatment and a potential path toward eliminating malaria in regions where P. vivax is dominant.
Thailand recently became the second country to adopt this single-dose treatment, approving pediatric tafenoquine in a step toward its own malaria elimination goals.
Since its first rollout, Brazil has also adopted tafenoquine for adults within its health system. More than 7,000 adults across different municipalities were treated between June 2024 and April 2025, and the country reported a 26.8% drop in malaria cases by the first quarter of 2025.
Global Efforts and Research
Eliminating malaria is a collective effort. In the United Kingdom, reports show that investment in treatment research boosts the country’s economy and creates jobs while saving lives. Brazil is still a long way from its goal of eliminating malaria by 2035, but continuous research, treatment and testing of tafenoquine represent a step closer to that goal, and to strengthening global health security overall.
– Marine Baume
Photo: Unsplash
5 Things You Need to Know About Diabetes in the Philippines
What is Diabetes?
Diabetes, or diabetes mellitus, is a chronic illness that affects the body’s ability to produce or effectively use insulin, a hormone that breaks down sugar in the blood so that the body can use it for energy. Without insulin, sugar cannot be broken down, leading to a buildup in the blood. Over time, elevated blood sugar levels can lead to serious and potentially fatal complications such as kidney failure, cardiac arrest, stroke, blindness and limb amputation.
In 2024, approximately 4.7 million adults in the Philippines were reported to have diabetes, increasing from 4.2 million in 2011. Almost 30,000 people have Type 1 diabetes, a third of whom are children. Concern over the prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines continues to grow as the number of adults with diabetes is expected to nearly double by 2050. In 2024 alone, diabetes contributed to the deaths of nearly 44,000 Filipinos, making it one of the top five causes of death in the country.
Culture and Diabetes in the Philippines
Food is an important aspect of Filipino culture, with many social events and celebrations centered around eating. However, certain eating habits common in the Philippines can increase the risk of diabetes. Many popular Filipino foods, such as adobo and lechon, tend to be high in refined carbohydrates, sodium, saturated fats, cholesterol and added sugar. Overconsumption of these types of food can increase the risk of developing diabetes by contributing to obesity, making the body more resistant to insulin and increasing blood sugar levels. Other factors such as a lack of physical activity, smoking, drinking alcohol and barriers to accessing medical care also contribute to the risk of diabetes in the Philippines.
Treatment Access
The ongoing treatment of diabetes and related health complications is expensive. On average, it costs the Philippines about $2 billion annually to address diabetes-related health concerns. With about 15.5%, or 17.5 million people in the Philippines living below the national poverty line, many cannot afford critical medical interventions such as glucose monitors and insulin injections. These financial barriers not only prevent people from treating their diabetes, but they also prevent people from getting diagnosed. In the Philippines, it is estimated that more than half of people with diabetes have not been diagnosed. Without a diagnosis, people living with diabetes cannot begin the process of getting life-saving treatment.
Organizations Helping to Address Diabetes in the Philippines
In response to the growing global concern about diabetes, several health initiatives have been created to provide treatment to those living with diabetes, including people in the Philippines. For example, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Diabetes Compact was launched in 2021 to ensure that people with diabetes are diagnosed, have good control of their blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and receive affordable, quality treatment.
WHO has also collaborated with local community resources in the Philippines to help address diabetes-related issues in a few regions. The Healthy Hearts Programme helps people living with diabetes in the Philippines manage their illness by teaching them and their families about diabetes and providing medical treatment such as insulin and blood pressure monitors. The program has helped people such as 13-year-old Brielle Paulino manage his diabetes. Paulino lives with Type 1 diabetes and, thanks to the Healthy Hearts Programme, he is able to give himself insulin injections and monitor his blood sugar so that he can one day fulfill his dream of becoming a chef.
Looking Ahead
The increasing prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines raises concerns over the health and well-being of millions of people. With more people adopting sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets, it is crucial to bring awareness to this disease and how it can not only be treated but also prevented. Thanks to global initiatives, people in low-income countries living with diabetes have a better chance at living long, fulfilling lives.
– Lily Alexander
Photo: Flickr
Yemen’s Economic Recovery
More Than a Decade of War
Civil war has affected Yemen for more than a decade as conflict between the Houthis and the internationally recognized government continues to drive one of the world’s worst humanitarian and economic crises.
Yemen’s economy has faced severe strain due to policy decisions on both sides, including the relocation of the Central Bank of Yemen from Sanaa to Aden and the printing of trillions of rials in new banknotes without sufficient foreign reserves. These actions have contributed to currency depreciation and rising inflation.
One of the country’s biggest challenges is the existence of two separate financial systems. In 2019, authorities in Sanaa stopped accepting government-issued banknotes, further dividing monetary policy between the two areas.
The collapse of oil exports and reduced foreign currency inflows further weakened government revenues, accelerating economic decline. Combined with disruptions to trade and infrastructure, these pressures deepened Yemen’s overall economic crisis.
The Human Cost of Conflict
Even before the war, Yemen had one of the highest malnutrition rates in the world and ranked among the most vulnerable countries in the Middle East. Nearly half of the population lived in poverty and lacked access to safe water.
Today, food insecurity affects 17 million people, while 18 million lack access to safe water and sanitation. Additionally, 80% of the population lives below the poverty line, while displacement remains widespread across the country. Women and children account for 80% of Yemen’s 4.5 million internally displaced people. Women and girls face heightened risks of gender-based violence, exploitation and early marriage as conflict and economic hardship place additional pressures on families.
Better Livelihoods and More Jobs Amid Fragility
In response to these challenges, the World Bank’s new framework aims to support Yemen’s long-term recovery through investments in health care, infrastructure, water access and economic development.
Under the theme “Better Livelihoods and More Jobs Amid Fragility,” the new Partnership Framework aims to improve nutrition, expand access to electricity and strengthen agriculture and fisheries businesses. The framework also seeks to increase women’s participation in the economy by expanding access to jobs, resources and economic opportunities.
To support these goals, the World Bank approved four projects focused on health care, water access, infrastructure and institutional development.
One of the largest investments targets health and water security. A $94 million health, nutrition and water and sanitation project will expand access to essential services for vulnerable populations, particularly women and children. The initiative will strengthen disease monitoring systems, improve health infrastructure and provide outpatient services to more than 6 million people.
Another $153.6 million project addresses Yemen’s ongoing water crisis by restoring irrigation systems, rehabilitating water infrastructure and introducing digital tools to manage water resources more efficiently. By 2030, the project aims to expand access to water, sanitation and hygiene services to 6.4 million people.
The framework also invests in urban infrastructure. A $21 million project will restore roads, electricity and water systems in selected cities, improving access to essential services for up to 1.75 million people.
In addition to rebuilding infrastructure, the World Bank plans to strengthen public institutions. A $20 million governance project will improve financial management and statistical systems, helping rebuild government capacity and support Yemen’s economic recovery.
Looking Ahead
While Yemen continues to face economic and humanitarian hardships, the new framework offers renewed support for a country working toward recovery. Stéphane Guimbert, World Bank Division Director for Egypt, Yemen and Djibouti, said Yemen’s future “has to be built now,” adding that the goal is to create real opportunities for Yemenis, especially women, while strengthening the institutions that will carry the country forward. Although recovery will take time, the framework aims to lay the foundation for a more stable future.
– Isabella Pedroza
Photo: Pexels
Social Contract Program and Poverty Reduction in Kyrgyzstan
To help vulnerable households achieve greater financial stability, the government initiated the Social Contract Program, which supports the creation of microbusinesses, small businesses that are usually operated by individuals or families and require relatively low startup costs. This article explores how the Social Contract Program is helping families launch microbusinesses, increase household incomes and support poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan.
Social Contract Program
Established in 2022, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration launched Kyrgyzstan’s Social Contract Program. The program targets struggling households with viable business ideas. It provides benefits such as cash grants and a support package that includes agricultural training, financial literacy training, business plan development, social services and mentoring. Participants have used the grants to launch a variety of microbusinesses, including livestock breeding, dairy production, sewing services, beekeeping and greenhouse farming.
The Social Contract Program has significantly impacted the growth of microbusinesses. More than 35,226 families received a total of 3.5 billion KGS to start microbusinesses since its launch in 2022. The program’s continued expansion demonstrates its potential to create sustainable sources of income for vulnerable households across Kyrgyzstan.
Impact on Poverty Reduction
The Social Contract Program has expanded significantly since its launch, helping thousands of low-income households create sustainable sources of income. Before the program was implemented nationwide, the Ministry of Labor, Social Security and Migration piloted the initiative in two districts. The pilot supported 100 families, each receiving a grant of 100,000 KGS (approximately $1,200) to start a business (p. 6). By May 2022, 62 of the participating families had already begun generating income from their enterprises.
Following the success of the pilot program, the government expanded the initiative to 2,800 families in 2022 and 10,000 families in 2023 (p. 7-8). The program has continued to grow, reaching more than 35,226 families and distributing a total of 3.5 billion KGS to support the creation of microbusinesses.
The Social Contract Program has also expanded economic opportunities for women in Kyrgyzstan. In 2025, 10,902 of the program’s participants were women. Many of them have used grants to launch businesses in agriculture, manufacturing, trade and services, showing how the program helps women generate independent incomes and contribute to their households’ financial stability.
By providing vulnerable households with the resources needed to start businesses, the Social Contract Program is creating new opportunities for long-term economic growth and poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan.
Looking Ahead
To fight economic instability, the Social Contract Program is helping vulnerable households across Kyrgyzstan build more stable futures through entrepreneurship. By providing grants, business training and mentorship, the program allows participants to establish microbusinesses and generate sustainable sources of income. Its rapid expansion and strong participation rates demonstrate its potential to improve livelihoods and create new economic opportunities. As the program continues to grow, it plays an increasingly important role in poverty reduction in Kyrgyzstan by helping families achieve greater financial independence and long-term stability.
– Michelle Kurniali
Photo: Flickr
Digital Education in Developing Countries
Developing countries often have less diversified economies that rely on agriculture or raw materials such as timber, coal and oil. A country’s level of development is not determined by one singular test, but does look at the total value of goods and services a country provides. Underdeveloped and developing countries have lower Gross National Income (GNI), lower life expectancy and higher unemployment.
Digital Education in Developing Countries
Education develops skills at both intellectual and social levels. It promotes progress in health, climate resilience, sustainability and gender equality. Without these skills, people are less able to avoid poverty and pursue ecological development.
In lower- and middle-income countries, more than half of all 10-year-olds are unable to read and understand text. In 2024, there were 251 million children out of school, limiting the skills needed for labor markets. By increasing funds and resources, digital education in developing countries can help promote learning and provide children with greater chances of acquiring the skills they need.
South Africa has seen similar trends, with children under age 17, who make up 43.1% of the country’s population, among the groups most affected by poverty. According to Statistics South Africa, children remained the most vulnerable group in the country, with nearly half still living below the poverty line in 2023. Children living in rural areas face even greater challenges, as they often lack internet access and other essential educational resources.
Education remains one of the strongest investments a country can make. Research shows that in developing countries, every dollar invested in education generates $10 to $15 in economic growth. Investing in education can drive a country’s growth, increasing earning potential and decreasing poverty. Protecting children’s right to education aids local communities, creating more opportunities to thrive while promoting an equal chance at success.
Digital education supports teaching and learning through online courses, virtual classrooms and applications. Not only does this provide basic education, but it also helps improve digital skills that have become necessary amid the world’s digitalization. Online learning platforms create flexibility, making education more accessible around the world.
Current Developing Countries’ Initiatives
In 2020, Malaysia introduced its Digital Educational Learning Initiative (DELIMa), an online platform students can use to access applications, communication tools and learning resources. Malaysia’s Ministry of Education created the initiative to make learning more accessible while supporting the country’s move toward a more technology-influenced society.
DELIMa provides two programs: Future Skills For All (FS4A) and Global Citizenship Education (GCED). FS4A promotes digital development and reduces education inequalities by engaging learners through social media. GCED strengthens and grows a 21st-century mindset, encouraging learners to engage with communities on a local and global level.
South Africa has also embraced online education, increasing enrollment by more than 50% from 2020 to 2022. One of the country’s leading online learning platforms, CambriLearn, is now an Independent Examinations Board (IEB)-registered online school whose accredited courses meet benchmarks accepted by other schools worldwide.
Koa Academy has also contributed to the rise in South African education enrollment. The Koa Foundation’s initiative aims to expand high-quality education for communities facing education inequality. The foundation works to close the gap in educational opportunity by providing personalized learning that supports each student’s individual needs, easing challenges in performance and future opportunities. Current programs have supported 932 learners in strengthening their skills in mathematics and science.
In the Philippines, education is widely seen as a foundation for improving socioeconomic status, with many families believing that finishing school widens future opportunities. However, challenges include rising tuition costs and declining performance. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), more than a third of Filipino students fall into the bottom international quintile of the socioeconomic scale, the largest such share among the groups measured.
Online schooling in the Philippines has become one of the most convenient and accessible forms of education, tailoring learning to individual students. Another challenge facing education in the country is low student retention. There is a dramatic decrease from 56.7% of children ages 10 to 14 finishing primary school to only 42.5% reaching junior high school and just 31.5% completing senior high school.
The Rise of Education Enrollment
As digital education in developing countries becomes more widely embraced, population growth and demand for education have both increased. By improving accessibility and affordability, online education now plays a crucial role in students’ schooling. Countries such as India, Iran and Pakistan have seen 7 million students enroll in online learning programs.
India alone has approximately 35% of its population enrolled in Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), ranking behind only the United States in enrollment. E-schools provide greater opportunities for those seeking education and employment, expanding access and improving employment prospects for millions.
With 32% of the global population lacking internet connection, expanding digital access will allow more citizens to receive quality education. Regardless of country, online education can serve as a tool for giving students an equal chance at learning and success.
– Jacquelyn Orr
Photo: Flickr
How Nepal’s Female Health Volunteers Save Lives
A Program Founded on Community Trust
The community each FCHV serves chooses her directly. Volunteers receive training in newborn care, family planning, nutrition, disease prevention and maternal health. The volunteers reside in the communities they serve and build trust with residents. They counsel pregnant women regarding safe deliveries, refer high-risk cases before they become life-threatening and regularly conduct household visits. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the FCHV program is one of the largest and most influential community health worker programs in South Asia. Through the distribution of vitamin A supplements, iron and folic acid tablets at the village level, and oral rehydration salts, the program is closing the gap left by hospital systems in remote terrain.
With the expansion of the FCHV program, Nepal recorded numerous health improvements over the past three decades. According to UNICEF, Nepal’s under-5 mortality rate fell from 162 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2022, a decline of more than 80%. According to the World Bank, the maternal mortality rate dropped from 901 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 174 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2020. A central driver of this progress has been extensive community outreach, including the impactful work of the FCHV program.
Expanding Beyond Maternal Health
The role originally established by Nepal’s female community health volunteers has grown significantly beyond its initial focus on child and maternal health. A 2020 study published in BMC Health Services Research found that FCHVs played a significant role in spreading COVID-19 awareness and conducting contact tracing in rural Nepal, with the network adapting quickly to rising public health needs. UNICEF has also supported initiatives that train FCHVs in newer health management protocols for pneumonia and diarrhea, two leading causes of child death in low- and middle-income countries. Integrating FCHVs into national campaigns for adolescent health education and tuberculosis detection has transformed Nepal’s public health programs.
A Blueprint for Developing Nations
Nepal’s health volunteers have attracted the attention of global health organizations and governments seeking to create similar models. Countries including Ethiopia and Bangladesh have studied Nepal’s cost-effective approach to replicate community health systems that are sustainable and local without requiring extensive infrastructure. Nepal’s Ministry of Health and Population continues to invest in the program, providing cycles of training and incentive packages that sustain volunteer motivation over the long term. Plans to expand training modules to include mental health first aid and non-communicable disease screening signal that the program is continuing to grow in impact and scope.
The success of Nepal’s FCHV program demonstrates that investing in trained women within their own communities produces lasting and measurable results without the infrastructure costs of an established hospital system. The program offers a replicable model for reducing health inequality at scale, standing as one of the most documented community health initiatives in the developing world.
– Saakshi Bhat
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Food Systems in Guyana: The World’s Most Self-Sufficient Country
Food systems encompass the whole process of producing, processing, transporting and consuming food. Successful and sustainable food systems can alleviate poverty through job creation and make communities more resilient in managing challenges such as disease outbreaks. Through the development of successful food systems, Guyana has no need for imports, producing all its needs in all seven necessary food groups.
However, Guyana, formerly a British colony, has not always been this self-sufficient. In the early 2000s, the nation was considered “one of the poorest” within the Western Hemisphere. It was the global pandemic in 2019 that finally served as a wake-up call for the Guyanese state. This medical emergency exposed the country’s overreliance on imports and lack of resilience to such shocks.
Regional Oil
A major factor that enabled food systems in Guyana to improve was an oil surge into the country. This influx began in 2019, after American corporation ExxonMobil discovered vast amounts of oil in the region in 2015. Currently, Guyana produces around 650,000 barrels of oil per day, with the country projected to pump the highest amount of oil per inhabitant.
The economic effects of this oil bonanza are evident in Guyana’s GDP growth, which has increased fivefold in the past five years. By 2030, government income from oil is expected to reach around $10 billion.
However, with over half of the approximately 840,000 population still living in poverty, the profits have not yet reached enough of the Guyanese people. Georgetown, Guyana’s capital, still lacks the infrastructure to reflect the country’s financial rise. Wooden houses, poor irrigation channels and regular power cuts are symptomatic of a system that has not yet invested enough in its people.
Guyana’s Food Systems Transformation
Present-day food security stems from the country’s long-term commitment to improving its agricultural sector. This commitment began in 2009, when exports of “other crops,” such as wheat, increased by 32.4% after the government launched a “grow more food” campaign. In 2011, the creation of the Food and Nutrition Security Strategy placed a focus on the nation’s people, particularly vulnerable groups facing food insecurity.
The Low-Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS), a further program introduced in 2009, aimed to ensure global climate action and biodiversity were balanced with the nation’s development. By 2030, the LCDS aims to build “climate resilience” in the agricultural sector through systems such as “climate-proof” sustainable farms.
However, 2021 was a major year in the journey to improving food systems in Guyana. A National High-Level Dialogue was held prior to the country’s appearance at the United Nations Food Systems Summit. There, obstacles to agricultural progress were identified, as well as the need to create a “food systems approach.” From the discussions, a clear objective was cited: “deliver healthy and nutritious diets to all Guyanese.”
United Nations Assistance
Since the 2021 United Nations (U.N.) Food Systems Summit, the U.N. has been essential in assisting with the strategic investment of food systems in Guyana. Today, examples of this investment can be found in the country’s remote regions, where innovations in farming techniques, such as greenhouse systems, have led to increased harvests and climate shock protection.
The benefits of these initiatives have also been reaped in an area outside of the agricultural sector. The collaborative Home-Grown School Feeding (HGSF) program, championed by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), uses ingredients sourced from local farms. This global framework feeds around 2,500 Guyanese schoolchildren across 14 to 16 primary schools. The impact of this improved nutrition is noticeable, with children more consistently attending school.
Through investment in “dedicated training and reliable buyers,” 75 smallholder farmers, including 28 women, are being enabled to create a consistent business income. The U.N., through both food and opportunity, is helping to facilitate the revival of some of Guyana’s most forgotten communities and promote a more inclusive future.
Framework for the Future
A mission that began in 2009 has today resulted in achieving full food self-sufficiency across all essential food groups. Through novel legislation such as crop production insurance and a clear goal of reducing the region’s food import bill by 25%, Guyana aspires to become the food-producing capital of the Caribbean.
An ongoing large share of internal poverty, combined with external tension with the neighboring Venezuelan government, means Guyana will still face obstacles. However, by following Guyana’s framework of farmer-focused policies and global organization assistance, many other forgotten nations could join Guyana in the global spotlight.
– William Snow
Photo: Flickr
GCC Humanitarian Aid: Gulf Nations Become Top 5 Global Donors
Member states have consistently ranked among the world’s top five donors for several years. Although regional giving was historically informal and discrete, the Gulf’s young generation of leaders now takes control of the countries’ philanthropic activities with a different approach. Rather than focusing on the symptoms of poverty, they prioritize systematic aid that addresses the root causes. The following initiatives highlight how this shift creates lasting advancements in developing nations.
Rebuilding Education in Yemen
The King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSrelief), based in Saudi Arabia, has delivered more than $13.3 billion in GCC humanitarian aid to 170 countries since 1996. One of its most impactful efforts focuses on schooling in Yemen through a long-standing partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Together, they rehabilitated 12 schools across the Aden, Lahj and Ta’iz governorates. This work is critical because the conflict in Yemen has destroyed nearly 2,800 schools, leaving 4.5 million children without access to education.
This project created a safe learning environment for more than 18,000 students and teachers across the three governorates. By prioritizing critical infrastructure, KSrelief and IOM provided the students with necessities such as clean water and hygiene services. Workers also installed solar energy systems to ensure uninterrupted learning in areas with electricity shortages. This focused aid builds on previous efforts that improved access for more than 17,500 students in the region.
Food Aid and Technology
In the UAE, the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) serves as an umbrella organization for over 30 initiatives. Established in 2015, MBRGI concentrates its work in sectors including health care, food security and education. The organization recently contributed 43 million AED to the World Food Programme (WFP) to support direct food aid for more than one million people affected by the crisis in Gaza. Since 2021, MBRGI has contributed a total of 230 million AED in humanitarian aid through its partnership with WFP. Through these projects, the organization provides life-saving food assistance and supports sustainable projects that address global hunger.
The region also uses technology to modernize relief efforts. The UAE recently partnered with the WFP to accelerate a digital school initiative in Southern Africa. This program has already successfully enrolled 60,000 students across eight countries. Meanwhile, the UAE-based Kalimat Foundation’s Ara Initiative provides GCC humanitarian aid by making Arabic literary content accessible to children with visual impairments. The program helps publishers with the technology to create interactive features including built-in bookmarks and navigation tools.
Healing Trauma Through Drama Therapy
Kuwait has also taken a lead in specialized humanitarian efforts through the Intisar Foundation. Princess Intisar Al Sabah founded the organization in 2017 to support Arab women affected by war and trauma. By using drama therapy to alleviate trauma, the foundation aims to heal one million Arab women by 2050.
From solar-powered classrooms in Yemen to Arab women healing through drama therapy, GCC humanitarian aid is reaching people across the region in effective ways. The combined efforts of these nations show a clear commitment to peace through development. By adopting strategic and collaborative models, member states ensure that aid helps communities thrive long-term. As these nations continue to expand their global reach, their solution-driven approach positions them as a leading partner in the fight against poverty.
– Nikki Rasoulian
Photo: Unsplash
How DREAMS for Refugees Provides Long-term Solutions
Immediate versus Long-Term Aid
While refugee camps are excellent for providing immediate assistance for refugees suffering from extreme poverty, they do not provide lasting support. People rely on the camps for support and lack the ability to permanently lift themselves and their families out of poverty.
Refugee camps were designed to be temporary shelters, but the people who reside in them require something permanent.
The Solution
In their joint project entitled “DREAMS for Refugees,” DREAMS for Refugees Uganda offers sustainable solutions, empowering communities through innovative programs and reducing dependency on aid. are working to install permanent solutions in refugee communities. Beginning in the Ugandan Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement, they are combining two well-researched tactics.
Village Enterprise employs a poverty graduation program. This approach uses provision, coaching and structural changes to benefit poor communities. Assets are provided, and teaching allows people to use those assets in productive ways.
This program is combined with Mercy Corps’ market system development program, which allows the refugee community to thrive financially. Together, these two strategies have the potential to create thriving communities.
Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement and Beyond
The Bidi Bidi Refugee Settlement was created in Uganda in 2016. After the implementation of DREAMS, the first businesses opened in the fall of 2022.
In 2023, DREAMS for Refugees expanded to Ethiopia. It is estimated that it will reach 200,000 refugees.
The project received Fast Company’s 2023 World Changing Ideas Award and was the 2021 winner of the Larsen Lam ICONIQ Impact Award for Refugees.
Village Enterprise and Mercy Corps intended DREAMS to be an evidence-led approach to fighting poverty. To determine the effectiveness of the program, IDinsight is conducting a trial to assess its results.
Why the DREAMS Model Matters
The DREAMS program represents the shift from offering basic necessities to refugees to improving lives and setting people up for success. Not only does this program help the individual, but the evolution of small businesses will strengthen the economies of these settlements as a whole.
This long-term approach is especially helpful in a period of reduced foreign aid by wealthy countries, as it repurposes money to create lasting success as opposed to short-term survival.
Looking Ahead
As the number of refugees living in extreme poverty increases and the amount of foreign aid dwindles, investing in long-term solutions becomes more important than ever. The future of foreign aid is uncertain, so actions to change it must be taken now. Assisting with establishing independence rather than creating dependency on consistent aid is not only more financially viable, but it protects the dignity of refugees. If DREAMS continues to be successful, it could serve as a model for communities experiencing extreme poverty around the world.
– Julia Cholerton
Photo: Unsplash