In the vast and diverse landscapes of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), women’s health has long been a pressing concern. The DRC presents a formidable challenge with a history of conflict, limited health care access and staggering maternal mortality rates. This narrative explores the profound impact of Doctors Without Borders on women’s health in the DRC, a story encompassing life-saving interventions and women’s empowerment woven intricately into the fabric of this remarkable journey.
Maternal Health and Sexual Violence
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grapples with a profound and interconnected women’s health crisis, characterized by two critical dimensions: maternal health challenges and the scourge of rampant sexual violence. This crisis paints a harrowing picture, with the DRC consistently ranking among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates globally. The startling figure of 547 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, as classified by the World Health Organization, underscores the severity of this issue, marking it as “very high” on the global scale.
Factors contributing to this dire situation include a shortage of skilled health care providers, limited access to quality maternal care in remote regions and the enduring consequences of armed conflict that have ravaged the nation’s health care infrastructure. These barriers encompass health care infrastructure, socio-economic hurdles and weak health governance, making it a multifaceted challenge.
Unfortunately, many women continue to depend on traditional birth attendants, resulting in critical delays when complications arise. These delays often lead to devastating outcomes such as stillbirths and obstetric fistulas, inflicting severe health consequences on mothers and infants. Moreover, the lack of timely access to cesarean sections remains a significant challenge, further underscoring the urgency of improving maternal health care services in the region.
In tandem with maternal health issues, sexual violence has cast a long shadow over the DRC, leaving countless women physically and psychologically scarred. Shockingly, one in two women in the DRC reports having experienced physical or sexual abuse at least once.
Rape, disturbingly, has been weaponized as a tool of war, with dire consequences resonating throughout communities, perpetuating cycles of trauma and stigma. Indeed, multiple warring factions, including the Congolese Army and various rebel groups, have employed rape as a deliberate warfare strategy, amplifying the urgency of this complex and interconnected women’s health crisis.
Doctors Without Borders’ Approach to Women’s Health
In the face of the escalating conflict in 2022, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) exhibited unwavering commitment to women’s health in the DRC. Operating in challenging environments, MSF embarked on a multifaceted approach to address women’s pressing health care needs.
In the conflict-affected regions of Rutshuru, Binza, Kibirizi and Bambo, MSF provided crucial support to local health facilities. Their interventions spanned a wide spectrum of medical activities, including providing intensive care, surgical procedures, therapeutic nutrition and specialized treatment for survivors of sexual violence. The organization’s presence and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that women in these regions had access to life-saving medical care despite the challenging circumstances.
Moreover, MSF’s commitment extends beyond immediate medical needs. They focused on the comprehensive well-being of women, including their sexual and reproductive health. This focus encompassed vital services such as HIV and tuberculosis treatment, sexual and reproductive health care, safe abortion care and mental health services. By providing a holistic range of services, MSF aims to address existing health issues and empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies and well-being.
In Salamabila, MSF introduced innovative programs such as “husband schools” and awareness sessions on sexual violence. These initiatives aimed to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and promote gender equality. By engaging with both women and men in the community, MSF sought to challenge traditional norms and behaviors contributing to sexual violence and discrimination.
The Organization’s Impact
Doctors Without Borders has made an indelible impact on women’s health in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exemplifying their commitment to saving lives and empowering women. In their tireless efforts, MSF treated a staggering 10,000 patients for sexual violence, a testament to their unwavering dedication to addressing this critical issue.
Since the resurgence of conflict in 2022, MSF’s teams have remained steadfast in their mission. Between April 17 and 30, 2023, they provided critical care to 314 victims of sexual violence in Bulengo, Lushagala, Kanyaruchinya, Eloime and Munigi camps — areas that have faced a shortage of humanitarian assistance. This timely intervention offered much-needed medical and psychological support to survivors and underscored MSF’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable, even in the most challenging environments.
With a dedicated team of over 2,670 full-time staff, Doctors Without Borders’s impact on women’s health in the DRC has been monumental. Their holistic approach, spanning medical care, trauma support, community engagement and awareness initiatives, has saved lives and nurtured empowerment and resilience among women. MSF’s unwavering dedication and adaptability in the face of evolving health care challenges continue to be indispensable in pursuing a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. Their work is a source of inspiration, illuminating the path toward improved women’s health and gender equality in the DRC.
Moving Forward
However, comprehensively addressing the crisis goes beyond infrastructure development. Political change and reform are vital components of a sustainable solution. In certain African nations, like Mauritania and Kenya, governments have taken bold steps by prohibiting home births to reduce serious complications due to home deliveries in remote areas, a doctor working for the organization explained in the interview. Such policies aim to ensure safer deliveries and reduce maternal mortality, highlighting the potential impact of political initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by women in health care access.
Doctors Without Border’s work exemplifies the path to a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. This collective effort, driven by compassion, dedication and a commitment to justice, is essential for progress in the challenging health care landscape of the DRC.
– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Flickr
Doctors Without Borders’ Impact on Women’s Health in the DRC
Maternal Health and Sexual Violence
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) grapples with a profound and interconnected women’s health crisis, characterized by two critical dimensions: maternal health challenges and the scourge of rampant sexual violence. This crisis paints a harrowing picture, with the DRC consistently ranking among the countries with the highest maternal mortality rates globally. The startling figure of 547 maternal deaths per 100,000 births, as classified by the World Health Organization, underscores the severity of this issue, marking it as “very high” on the global scale.
Factors contributing to this dire situation include a shortage of skilled health care providers, limited access to quality maternal care in remote regions and the enduring consequences of armed conflict that have ravaged the nation’s health care infrastructure. These barriers encompass health care infrastructure, socio-economic hurdles and weak health governance, making it a multifaceted challenge.
Unfortunately, many women continue to depend on traditional birth attendants, resulting in critical delays when complications arise. These delays often lead to devastating outcomes such as stillbirths and obstetric fistulas, inflicting severe health consequences on mothers and infants. Moreover, the lack of timely access to cesarean sections remains a significant challenge, further underscoring the urgency of improving maternal health care services in the region.
In tandem with maternal health issues, sexual violence has cast a long shadow over the DRC, leaving countless women physically and psychologically scarred. Shockingly, one in two women in the DRC reports having experienced physical or sexual abuse at least once.
Rape, disturbingly, has been weaponized as a tool of war, with dire consequences resonating throughout communities, perpetuating cycles of trauma and stigma. Indeed, multiple warring factions, including the Congolese Army and various rebel groups, have employed rape as a deliberate warfare strategy, amplifying the urgency of this complex and interconnected women’s health crisis.
Doctors Without Borders’ Approach to Women’s Health
In the face of the escalating conflict in 2022, Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières or MSF) exhibited unwavering commitment to women’s health in the DRC. Operating in challenging environments, MSF embarked on a multifaceted approach to address women’s pressing health care needs.
In the conflict-affected regions of Rutshuru, Binza, Kibirizi and Bambo, MSF provided crucial support to local health facilities. Their interventions spanned a wide spectrum of medical activities, including providing intensive care, surgical procedures, therapeutic nutrition and specialized treatment for survivors of sexual violence. The organization’s presence and dedication were instrumental in ensuring that women in these regions had access to life-saving medical care despite the challenging circumstances.
Moreover, MSF’s commitment extends beyond immediate medical needs. They focused on the comprehensive well-being of women, including their sexual and reproductive health. This focus encompassed vital services such as HIV and tuberculosis treatment, sexual and reproductive health care, safe abortion care and mental health services. By providing a holistic range of services, MSF aims to address existing health issues and empower women to make informed decisions about their bodies and well-being.
In Salamabila, MSF introduced innovative programs such as “husband schools” and awareness sessions on sexual violence. These initiatives aimed to tackle the root causes of gender-based violence and promote gender equality. By engaging with both women and men in the community, MSF sought to challenge traditional norms and behaviors contributing to sexual violence and discrimination.
The Organization’s Impact
Doctors Without Borders has made an indelible impact on women’s health in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exemplifying their commitment to saving lives and empowering women. In their tireless efforts, MSF treated a staggering 10,000 patients for sexual violence, a testament to their unwavering dedication to addressing this critical issue.
Since the resurgence of conflict in 2022, MSF’s teams have remained steadfast in their mission. Between April 17 and 30, 2023, they provided critical care to 314 victims of sexual violence in Bulengo, Lushagala, Kanyaruchinya, Eloime and Munigi camps — areas that have faced a shortage of humanitarian assistance. This timely intervention offered much-needed medical and psychological support to survivors and underscored MSF’s commitment to reaching the most vulnerable, even in the most challenging environments.
With a dedicated team of over 2,670 full-time staff, Doctors Without Borders’s impact on women’s health in the DRC has been monumental. Their holistic approach, spanning medical care, trauma support, community engagement and awareness initiatives, has saved lives and nurtured empowerment and resilience among women. MSF’s unwavering dedication and adaptability in the face of evolving health care challenges continue to be indispensable in pursuing a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. Their work is a source of inspiration, illuminating the path toward improved women’s health and gender equality in the DRC.
Moving Forward
However, comprehensively addressing the crisis goes beyond infrastructure development. Political change and reform are vital components of a sustainable solution. In certain African nations, like Mauritania and Kenya, governments have taken bold steps by prohibiting home births to reduce serious complications due to home deliveries in remote areas, a doctor working for the organization explained in the interview. Such policies aim to ensure safer deliveries and reduce maternal mortality, highlighting the potential impact of political initiatives in addressing the challenges faced by women in health care access.
Doctors Without Border’s work exemplifies the path to a brighter and healthier future for Congolese women. This collective effort, driven by compassion, dedication and a commitment to justice, is essential for progress in the challenging health care landscape of the DRC.
– Hannah Klifa
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Timor-Leste
The History of Timor-Leste
Under Indonesian Occupation, Timorese people were brutally repressed through “military forces detaining, torturing, executing and forcibly disappearing tens of thousands of people.” Amnesty International estimates that 200,000 out of the then 600,000 population were killed between 1975 and 1999. Human rights groups documented systemic violence throughout the ’80s and ’90s.
The conflicts left 70% of the infrastructure decimated by the time of their independence in 2002 and much of the rural infrastructure that provides people with adequate food, water, health care provisions and more remains unusable. Women had a crucial role during the war for independence, making up 60% of the Clandestinos, a secret support network that smuggled supplies and information to the rebels.
What Problems Are Women Facing?
Progress for Women in Timor-Leste
In the last two decades, massive progress has been made despite the legacy of violence and injustice toward women. In 2012, in response to the gender disparities prevalent in society, the new government mandated that parties’ lists include at least 33% of women in the new constitution. This demonstrates a growing commitment to women’s rights in Timor-Leste, resulting in a remarkable surge in female representation in politics, with women now occupying 38% of the seats in the National Parliament, the highest proportion in the Asia Pacific region. The Gender and Constitution Working Group, established by U.N. Women, has played a pivotal role in advancing women’s rights by advocating for their inclusion in the new constitution.
The 2010 Law Against Domestic Violence represents a significant step in acknowledging and addressing the issue of domestic violence against women in Timor-Leste. By recognizing domestic violence as a criminal offense, the law grants essential rights to women. Although the full implementation of this law is still underway nationwide, efforts are being made to raise awareness and educate the public. Organizations like the Covalima Community Centre (CCC) are actively involved in these efforts, contributing to progress in informing and empowering communities regarding domestic violence.
This group is dedicated to empowering women in the Covalima district of Timor-Leste by providing education on leadership and enhancing their skills, enabling them to make meaningful contributions to the social, political and economic spheres. Established by IWDA, this organization has played a pivotal role in its work. By 2016, its efforts had a tangible impact, with the number of Village Chiefs elected to Suco or village-level government, nearly doubling. This increase can be attributed, at least in part, to the diligent work of the CCC in providing leadership training to candidates.
The Future of Women’s Rights in Timor Leste
Timorese women have advocated for their own future, through innovative grassroots organizations like East Timor Women Australia (ETWA), which supports women in the handicrafts industry. Additionally, nongovernmental organizations such as U.N. Women have played a crucial role in successfully enshrining women’s rights in the new constitution. While strides have been made, the journey toward achieving equal rights for women in Timor-Leste remains incomplete.
A pervasive culture of domestic violence persists as a significant challenge, demanding ongoing attention and action. Nevertheless, there are signs of progress as the government of Timor-Leste has taken steps to address this issue. The approval of a National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence in 2017, with another awaiting governmental approval, demonstrates a commitment to combatting gender-based violence. While progress may be slow, it is clear that the hard work and self-advocacy of the Timorese women is working.
– Elizabeth Keith
Photo: Flickr
Working to Educate Impoverished Children in Moldova
Child Poverty in Moldova
More than 25% of Moldova’s population lives below the poverty line, with nearly one-third of this group being children. These children face numerous challenges including vulnerability to health risks from poor sanitation and inconsistent medical treatment. Additionally, despite measures to protect children, child labor remains prevalent, exposing working children to unsafe conditions and exploitation. This issue is particularly acute among minorities, such as Romani children and refugees. Furthermore, young girls face significant risks of child marriage and trafficking, with nearly one in five marrying before the age of eighteen.
Poverty significantly impacts a child’s access to education in Moldova, as unmet basic needs make education a lower priority. Humanium reports that almost one in 10 Moldovan children do not attend school, a rate that has risen recently due to the dependency of school attendance on family economic stability. The organization also notes that schools often lack necessary supplies. Additionally, the infrastructure for education is deprioritized and teachers frequently lack adequate training and credentials to provide quality education. This cycle not only stems from poverty but also perpetuates it by denying impoverished children access to education.
3 Initiatives Promoting Education
Looking Ahead
Moldova’s commitment to enhancing educational opportunities through these initiatives sets a hopeful trajectory for its future. By prioritizing inclusive and quality education, Moldova is building a foundation that promises to lift children out of poverty and equip them with the tools necessary for long-term success. These ongoing efforts, aimed at breaking the cycle of poverty, hold the potential to transform the lives of thousands of children, ensuring a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation.
– Anna Williams
Photo: Flickr
Poverty Reduction in Libya
Storm Daniel
In September 2023, Storm Daniel hit the eastern part of Libya and wreaked tragedy on the already suffering country. Two major dams failed and millions of cubic meters of water flooded the city of Derna, affecting 1.6 million people. It was hoped that in the wake of this, international aid would be incentivized and poverty reduction in Libya would be catalyzed. In turn, fixing not just the effects of Storm Daniel, but years of poverty due to institutional neglect and division.
The International Federation of Red Cross (IFRC) recognized the urgency of the situation and quickly delegated 1 million CHF to target 253,000 through the Disaster Response Emergency Fund. This allowed Premiere Urgence Internationale to work with the Libyan Red Cross to lead evacuation missions and provide medical care and emergency shelter.
The Need for Long-Term Aid
Whilst short-term aid has helped the most at-risk poverty cases that the destruction of natural disasters created, Storm David has shed light on the need for long-term impactful aid to end years of institutionalized poverty.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has highlighted that there are “many opportunities for national and international stakeholders to work in partnership to overcome the impediments on Libya’s path to inclusive, sustainable and peaceful development.” Libya has a huge potential for economic growth. It has “not only the largest proven oil reserves in Africa” but supreme conditions for renewables and raw materials also in plentiful supply.
To guarantee a reduction in corruption and successful delivery of funds to poverty reduction schemes in Libya, the international community needs to help promote sustained political security. In 2024, a coalition with Tunisia and Algeria has done just this as it is aimed at furthering “security, stability and development throughout the region.” Post Storm Daniel, this reflects attempts from Libya to secure stability both internationally and regionally.
International Aid for Long-Term Poverty Relief
In 2022, the EU committed funds with the overarching aim of improving and creating resilient health outcomes in the Libyan population, particularly among those most at risk or vulnerable. The action takes into account the sensitive context in which Libya’s citizens are suffering within the health care sector through a twin-track approach. At a local level, interventions will cater to marginalized populations that require primary healthcare services. At a national level, the second of the twin-track approaches will strengthen national-level institutions to enable better governance and stewardship. Therefore, the EU has highlighted a need to focus on structural support as well as initiatives that directly affect health within Libyan communities.
In the long term, Libya joined Universal Health Coverage 2030 (UHC2030) in 2018. The UHC aims to build stronger health systems and allows international collaboration to create this. Libya’s commitment to the organization reflects the country’s ongoing attempt to improve the living standard of its citizens by making international-level commitments.
School Meals
The government has been collaborating with other organizations as it recognizes the requirement of external aid to carry out poverty reduction in Libya. In 2022, the Libyan Ministry for Education worked with the WFP and the Central Kitchen to help secure breakfast and lunch options for 7,000 students. Most excitingly, the government stated that they “hope to implement this project in other parts of the country so that more children have access to education and nutritious food.”
Since this point, the Minister for Education states it has elevated the number of students receiving school meals to 50,000 with the hope of aiding 2.1 million by 2026, with an aspiration to expand this program to all Libyan schools across all cities by 2030. Moreover, to strengthen national food systems, in March, WFP launched the new Country Strategic Plan for March 2023 – December 2025. The plans are to provide general food assistance, livelihood support, capacity strengthening, school feeding and on-demand services across all of Libya.
The Future
It is undeniable that a history of political insecurity and war met with natural disasters, has created systemic inequality and poverty in Libya. But these challenges have been met with domestic and international efforts, especially since Storm David. The World Bank has highlighted that Libya’s rich capacity of resources should not be overlooked as a source of recovery and financial leverage in the future. Poverty reduction in Libya is occurring through increased international engagement, recognizing the importance of allegiances and funding, and a rejuvenated recognition of its civilian needs.
– Kathryn Dodd
Photo: Pixabay
Disability and Poverty in Togo
Already at a disadvantage due to often lacking access to education or vocational training, these young individuals found themselves further marginalized in the job market. In response, the United Nations Agency for International Development (USAID) has been a key player, aligning efforts with the Fédération Togolaise des Associations des Personnes Handicapées (FETAPH) to tackle these issues. This partnership focuses on increasing vocational training accessibility and adjusting curricula to be inclusive of sensory disabilities.
FETAPH’s Initiatives
FETAPH’s initiatives include conducting sensitization workshops to foster employer openness toward hiring people with disabilities and collaborating with companies to provide necessary equipment and training placements. These efforts to address disability and poverty in Togo are crucial in a societal landscape where stigma and discrimination are rampant, significantly affecting the livelihoods of disabled persons.
Moreover, the push for a national fund to support the training and professional integration of persons with disabilities is gaining momentum. This fund would not only address immediate employability gaps but also offer long-term support structures for sustainable development. Advocacy for such a fund was bolstered by the commendation from the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which noted ongoing revisions to Togolese law aimed at enhancing social protection for people with disabilities.
The committee also highlighted grave concerns, such as inhumane treatment leading to fatalities among children with disabilities and the persistent cultural practices that underpin such abuses. Questions were raised about protective measures against abandonment and harmful traditional practices like forced marriages and infanticide.
In response, Togolese officials pointed to legislative strides such as the prohibition of discrimination against persons with disabilities in the Children’s Code and severe penalties for those who abandon children due to disability. Despite these legal frameworks, implementation remains inconsistent and many individuals with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to integration and acceptance within their communities.
The role of international and local advocacy in shaping policy and public opinion regarding disability and poverty in Togo cannot be understated. The ongoing dialogue between Togolese authorities and international bodies underscores the pressing need to transform societal attitudes and institutional practices. This dialogue is crucial for ensuring that the rights of persons with disabilities are not only recognized on paper but earnestly protected and facilitated.
About Children With Disabilities in Togo
Additionally, in Togo, children living with disabilities represent one of the most vulnerable segments of the population. This vulnerability is not only marked by poverty but also compounded by significant social isolation and discrimination. Recognizing the urgent need to address these disparities, the United Nations Partnership to Promote the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNPRPD) initiated a project in 2012 specifically aimed at enhancing the lives of Togolese children with disabilities.
Firstly, it aimed at harmonizing Togo’s domestic laws with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) to ensure that legal frameworks were not only compliant but also supportive of the rights of children with disabilities. Secondly, the project focused on expanding educational opportunities for children with disabilities, particularly in the Kara and Savanes regions. By fostering an environment where children with disabilities are given the tools to thrive, such as access to tailored education and health care, the program aimed to break the cycle of exclusion and poverty.
However, while these initiatives are commendable, they are just the beginning of what needs to be a sustained, multi-faceted effort to integrate persons with disabilities into Togolese society fully. Continuous monitoring, adequate funding and persistent advocacy are essential to ensure that the legal and institutional frameworks not only exist but are actively enforced. They have to effectively contribute to the everyday lives of those whom they aim to protect, who suffer from the compounded effects of disability and poverty in Togo.
Conclusion
While the effort to combat disability and poverty in Togo has been commendable, especially regarding efforts to align its policies with international conventions on disability rights, significant challenges remain. The dual crises of COVID-19 and systemic exclusion have highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address both immediate vulnerabilities and long-term social integration. Moving forward, the success of these endeavors will hinge on the sustained collaboration between the government, civil society and international partners to create an inclusive society where persons with disabilities can live with dignity and equal opportunities.
– Avery Fuller
Photo: Flickr
Give a Future: Fighting for Gender Equality in Ethiopia
Gender Equality in Ethiopia
Ethiopia has committed to improving gender equality, especially with Zewde, who made women hold half of the positions in her cabinet. Nevertheless, when it comes to female education, the improvement does not seem so drastic. Similarly, despite women’s significant contribution to the agricultural sector in rural regions of Ethiopia, their contributions often go unrecognized and they face restrictions in accessing resources and community participation.
Recent findings by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) found that one in three women experience physical, emotional, or sexual violence and only 50% of girls who enroll in primary schools ever make it to grade five. This seems to be an issue in Ethiopia, where many girls are unable to transition to secondary and tertiary school due to distance, personal security and economic challenges. Women often face more constraints in regard to less access to credit and limited market access and 30% of Ethiopian women do not make decisions on individual and family issues such as birth control methods.
Give a Future and Gender Equality
Give A Future is a nonprofit run by a group of dedicated individuals who believe in sustainable change through cost-effective programs. It was founded almost 20 years ago by Stephanie Ferrario and her team. The initiative started with homes for street children, which then turned into many homes, three schools, a large scholarship fund for girls, a large microfinance program for women and family programs to help families with their responsibilities. Its ethos builds upon providing knowledge, training and access to credit to create changes that last a lifetime and carry on into the next generations. As they say, “Educated women make the world a better, safer, more resilient place and are good for business.”
All of Give A Future’s programs are run by Ethiopians who are motivated to make their country a better place. Recognizing the vital role education plays in shaping the future, particularly for girls, Give A Future emphasizes the classroom as a sanctuary, providing not just learning opportunities but also a haven of safety and empowerment. The Borgen Project spoke with founder Ferrario, who highlights that “education is the one thing nobody can ever take away from you” and it is always the way to build the foundations for a better life. Therefore, Give A Future provides support for girls and women who want to finish university and supports women in its microfinance program, enabling them to create and run small businesses.
This has a ripple effect and contributes toward dismantling gender inequality once and for all, one woman at a time. The small number of women in business and politics, which Ferrario tells us has remained relatively the same since Zewde was appointed head of state, is a testament to this and highlights the importance of increasing female representation and empowerment at a higher level.
Impact
Recently, Give A Future created shecan.world. On this platform, women have a voice and can tell their stories to others, creating a plethora of role models for women who have overcome challenges and tackled the obstacles in front of them. Ferrario explains how this began during lockdown by telling Ethiopian women’s stories and has now grown into a large online library of women role models with more than 400 women, 100,000 listeners and 600,000 views. The aim is to inspire other women and create a log of powerful and incredible women.
What Can We Do?
When asked what people in the Global North could do to help combat poverty not only in Ethiopia but in the Global South as a whole, her response was insightful. Central to Ferrario’s approach is the cultivation of trust, a vital component in empowering local communities to drive their own development trajectories. Rather than imposing external solutions, she advocates for investing in understanding the root causes of poverty and collaborating closely with local stakeholders and organizations. By prioritizing local expertise and perspectives, interventions can be tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by communities, fostering sustainable, long-term change.
– Cordelia Moore
Photo: Flickr
Comic Republic: A New Comic Book Landscape
The USA is considered the birthplace of modern comic books. Although many influential comics originate from other nations, Europe and America dominate the comic book and graphic novel landscape. However, some creators and publishers are striving to diversify this art form by incorporating African myths, sensibilities and art styles.
Comic Republic: Pioneering African Comics
Comic Republic, a Nigerian comic book publisher and multimedia company, has been creating characters that resonate globally for seven years. The company has produced dozens of characters featured in hundreds of stories and has collaborated with major corporations like BBC, Samsung and Wakanow to create characters and marketing materials. Committed to reshaping global perceptions of Africa through art and culture, Comic Republic offers all its books for free download on its website. Additionally, Comic Republic is collaborating with Emagine Content and JackieBoy Entertainment to produce a film based on their character Ireti. Announced in 2021, the project has not yet progressed, but future developments are still possible.
YouNeek: Building an African Comic Universe
YouNeek is a rising African comic studio dedicated to transforming African myths and culture into formats that appeal globally, such as comics and animation. Unlike other studios that create various worlds for their characters, YouNeek focuses on developing a shared universe of comic book superheroes, aiming for cross-medium expansion akin to Marvel Studios’ MCU. Roye Okupe, the owner and creative director of YouNeek, leads these efforts. Known for his ambition to build a multimedia empire, Roye has been making significant strides toward this goal. “Malika,” one of YouNeek’s projects, features a 15-minute animated pilot available on YouTube. In 2020, Roye secured a ten-book deal with Dark Horse Comics, a major player in the international independent comic book market and has been actively working on this commitment.
Looking Ahead
Comic Republic and YouNeek exemplify the indomitable spirit long associated with the comic book industry. Icons like Joe Shuster, Jerry Siegel, Bill Finger, Stan Lee, R. Crumb and Will Eisner have harnessed the power of comics to spark the imaginations of millions across all ages. Historically dominated by Western nations, the comic book industry is witnessing a transformative contribution from artists around the world, demonstrating that diverse nations and cultures have much to offer through the beloved artistic medium.
– Charlie McFadden
Photo: Unsplash
Food Fortification: Using Staple Foods to Combat Malnutrition
Addressing Malnutrition
Malnutrition and chronic illnesses in the Global South pose significant obstacles to achieving the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Concern Worldwide U.S. indicates that, at the current rate of progress, the MDG of eradicating hunger by 2030 is unlikely. Micronutrient deficiencies impact more than two billion people worldwide, with severe repercussions for the health, social and economic well-being of nations, families and individuals, particularly affecting women and children.
Strategic Approaches to Combat Malnutrition
Food fortification involves deliberately enhancing the nutritional quality of food by adding vitamins and minerals. This practice helps prevent, reduce and control micronutrient deficiencies in the general population and specific groups, including children and pregnant women. Over recent decades, large-scale food fortification has emerged as a crucial strategy to combat malnutrition, reaching billions by making staple foods like flour, rice and edible oil more nutritious.
Globally, experts rank food fortification as one of the most cost-effective interventions in global development. Nutrition International (NI), an organization dedicated to providing nutrition interventions where they are most needed, collaborates with governments, industry stakeholders and other organizations. The organization works to supply fortified staple foods and condiments by promoting mandatory fortification and enhancing social safety net programs through these partnerships.
Fortified Rice: The Bangladeshi Experience
Rice serves as the primary nutrition source in many developing countries, including Bangladesh, where extensive malnutrition and chronic illnesses persist. It accounts for 67.5% of the daily caloric intake in Bangladesh, making it the third-largest rice market globally from 2020 to 2021. Approximately 40% of the rice produced in Bangladesh is for home consumption. For poorer populations, meals typically consist of rice accompanied only by vegetables and spices. Consequently, the Bangladeshi diet often lacks essential micronutrients, contributing to a significant national burden of micronutrient deficiencies. Despite notable reductions in malnutrition rates among children and women, these deficiencies remain widespread.
According to the 2019-2020 National Micronutrient Survey of Bangladesh, approximately 61% of surveyed women did not achieve the minimum requirements for healthy dietary diversity. With assistance from Nutrition International, Bangladesh has utilized large-scale food fortification within its social safety net programs to combat micronutrient deficiencies by providing fortified rice. Collaborative efforts involving the Bangladeshi government, the World Food Programme and Nutrition International have facilitated rice fortification with zinc, iron, folic acid, vitamin A and vitamins B1 and B12. This fortified rice is distributed across Bangladesh’s districts through various points. Since launching in 2013, the initiative has reached more than 15 million people via two major safety net programs. In 2021, the fortified rice initiative expanded into commercial markets on a pilot basis.
Flour and Oil: The Case of Pakistan
Pakistan loses about 3% of its GDP or approximately $7.6 billion, annually due to malnutrition. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that 37.5 million people in Pakistan are not receiving proper nutrition. In response, Nutrition International, funded by U.K. aid and collaborating with Mott MacDonald, initiated a project to institutionalize fortified edible oil and wheat flour across 56 districts in Pakistan. By 2019, these ongoing efforts had significantly increased the production of fortified goods, providing more than 65 million people across the country with essential micronutrients. The program now aims to expand its reach to 155 million people with fortified edible oil and 87 million people with fortified wheat flour by 2027.
Looking Ahead
The positive impact of food fortification programs in countries like Bangladesh and Pakistan illuminates a path toward mitigating global malnutrition. The ongoing initiatives demonstrate the tangible benefits of strategic collaborations that enhance the nutritional content of staple foods, offering hope for substantial improvements in public health. As these ongoing efforts expand, the potential to significantly reduce micronutrient deficiencies and improve life outcomes for millions globally continues to grow.
– Irene Suvillaga
Photo: Flickr
How ChildFund Supports Impoverished Korean Children
By 2022, South Korea’s GDP per capita soared to $32,423, substantially higher than the international average of $12,703. Although South Korea ranks as the 13th largest economy globally and is a member of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), challenges such as child poverty persist. This highlights the importance of ChildFund’s efforts to support and uplift the lives of impoverished children, ensuring that economic advancements reach all segments of society, particularly the vulnerable youth.
Children’s Well-being and Poverty in South Korea
In its studies on child well-being, the OECD discovered that 7.1% of South Korean children are at risk of relative income poverty, which is below the OECD average of 13.4%. However, a national survey using the Child Deprivation Index revealed that about 10% of South Korean children lived in poverty in 2018. This statistic suggests that official poverty rates for Korean children, typically based solely on household income, may lack broader context and thus report a lower figure of about 5%.
ChildFund Korea’s Domestic Efforts
ChildFund, established in 1938, works globally to improve the living conditions of impoverished children. Its Korean branch has been active since 1948, focusing on preserving children’s rights through various projects centered on survival, protection, development and participation. In South Korea, ChildFund aids impoverished children by providing essential childcare, covering living expenses and offering medical support. The organization supports low-income families by providing daycare services for immigrant parents and covering essentials such as diapers and groceries. For protection rights, the organization operates Green Umbrella Shelters, which offer a safe space for children facing physical and emotional abuse, providing access to counseling and medical care.
ChildFund provides social welfare centers across South Korea that help communities’ adults and elders protect children. Addressing the right to development, the organization funds educational needs for impoverished Korean children, including textbooks, school uniforms, music lessons and sports coaching. ChildFund Korea also promotes children’s right to participate by involving them in research groups and roundtable discussions, amplifying their perspectives on children’s rights.
ChildFund’s International Outreach
The organization extends its efforts beyond South Korea, assisting children in developing countries, low-and-middle-income nations and impoverished Korean children residing in North Korea, or the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, providing childcare, emergency relief and medical support. Besides direct aid, ChildFund Korea also advocates for children’s rights legislation, aiming to improve the lives of impoverished Korean children both within South Korea and globally.
Looking Ahead
ChildFund Korea’s commitment to nurturing the well-being of impoverished children is poised to generate substantial improvements in their lives and communities. By continuing to expand its educational and health care initiatives, the organization aims to empower the next generation of South Koreans. These ongoing efforts, coupled with the ongoing advocacy for children’s rights, are crucial for building a more equitable and prosperous society.
– Estelle Lee
Photo: Flickr
HIV/AIDS in Rwanda
Rwandan Ministry of Health Initiatives
The Ministry of Health combats the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS by updating its HIV guidelines every two years to curb the spread of misinformation, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports. Furthermore, it promotes age-specific counseling and medical training to help patients who have contracted the disease. Their media campaigns like “STOP SIDA” have also spread awareness for HIV prevention and treatment. The Ministry has increased its HIV testing efforts to catch the disease earlier. Consequently, new HIV infections have decreased by 56% over the last 15 years, according to WHO.
United States Support
The United States President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is just one program that provides medical aid to combat HIV/AIDS in Rwanda. PEPFAR supports more than 50 countries around the world to prevent HIV infections and control the pandemic. Both PEPFAR and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) partner with the Rwandan Ministry of Health in their efforts against the spread of HIV/AIDS. This has proven quite effective and the life expectancy of those with HIV who receive treatment has increased by more than 25 years as a result. Of approximately 250,000 infected persons in Rwanda, around 210,000 of them are actively being treated for HIV, a great increase from the 1990s when there was little awareness of the disease at all.
United Nations’ Efforts
The United Nations began the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) in 1996 to fight AIDS around the world. In Rwanda, UNAIDS has expanded HIV testing services to 99% of the country’s health facilities and prioritized prevention. The program also encourages outreach in communities with high rates of HIV infections. Moreover, UNAIDS implemented the 90-90-90 target as its goal for 2020, which consisted of diagnosing 90% of all people infected by HIV, 90% of those diagnosed beginning antiretroviral therapy (ARV) and 90% of those on ARVs having fully suppressed viral load.
The Present Day
A 2018/2019 study found that HIV among adults in Rwanda was as low as 3%. Research also revealed lower rates of HIV in younger generations than their older counterparts, indicating successful prevention measures in the country. With a negative trend in cases of HIV, it is clear the efforts against HIV/AIDS in Rwanda have proven successful and will continue to decline over time.
– Hannah Hipólito
Photo: Flickr