Poverty remains a pressing issue in India, with more than 12.92% living below the national poverty line of $2.15 a day as of 2021 – a number that, with global support, is steadily declining year by year. Here are five strategies aimed at combating poverty and fostering inclusive development in India.
Education and Skill Development
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), if all students in low-income countries could be provided basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people would be able to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. If all adults in low-income countries completed secondary school education, it would be possible to cut the global poverty rate by at least half. Hence, access to education and skill development is crucial in combating poverty in India.
Out of all the G20 nations, India has the highest percentage of adults who have not completed primary education. About 46% of 25-64-year-olds have not completed primary education and 71% have not completed secondary education. The average for all G20 countries is 36%. However, several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are dedicated to improving the quality of education in India, one of which is Pratham. Pratham focuses on “high-quality, low-cost and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system” and its programs reach millions every year.
Pratham offers a number of initiatives, from Early Childhood Education to Second Chances, for those who have previously left school without completing their education and is committed to its mission of “every child in school and learning well.”
Health Care Access and Infrastructure
According to a study conducted in 2011, India has an average of 20 health workers per 10,000 people, with most of them opting to work in areas that have better infrastructure and facilities for family life and growth. This leaves poorer areas with a lower density of health workers. As a result of this, only 37% were able to reach in-patient facilities within a 5km distance. There is an understanding that the further one lives from towns, the greater the risk of disease, malnourishment, weakness and premature death.
Furthermore, a 2012 study of six states in India revealed that many of the primary health centers lacked basic infrastructure such as beds, wards, toilets, drinking water, clean labor rooms for delivery and regular electricity. In response to these statistics, the Reliance Foundation, an organization with the motto “Health for All,” is working toward providing access to quality and affordable health care in India. The organization is doing this through community health initiatives, health outreach to vulnerable communities and the provision of quality health care to all.
The Reliance Foundation’s Health Outreach Programme has provided more than 8.1 million consultations to vulnerable patients. Health camps offer specialist care for various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, as well as communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and TB. Through these health camps, as well as hospitals in Lodhivali, Jamnagar and Hazira, the Reliance Foundation has been able to support more than 8,000 people with HIV, including children.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Gender discrimination fuels women’s poverty in the workplace with limited access to resources and financial assets and deep-rooted stereotypes that limit women’s ability to participate in education and employment. Consequently, 10% of women globally are trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty – something that is clear in India, with 45 million women in poverty compared to 38 million men.
Furthermore, there are risks and vulnerabilities directly linked to political, social and cultural disadvantages for Indian women. These risks expose girls to the possibility of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, poor education and health, sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. By empowering women and increasing the value of women in India, the cycle of extreme poverty can be broken and women can be enabled to fully develop and contribute to India’s growth, as well as combat poverty in India.
Access To Clean Water and Sanitation
Out of a 1.4 billion population, 35 million people lack access to safe water and 678 million lack access to a safe toilet. There are a number of factors contributing to these statistics, such as extreme water stress, lack of access to piped water supplies and changing weather patterns that result in droughts.
While the Indian government’s goal of providing tap water connections to every household by 2024 is positive, this has created an unprecedented urgency to increase access to safe water and sanitation services. However, since 2004, the organization Water.org has played a significant part in improving water and sanitation in India.
The nonprofit is providing access to safe water to more than 25.7 million people through its WaterCredit Initiative, microfinancing disadvantaged regions and providing affordable loans as well as the connections and resources to put a tap or toilet in homes.
Advocacy and Policy Reforms
Regarding policy reforms to combat poverty in India, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) has been one of India’s leading public policy think tanks since 1973. CPR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent institution. It aims to conduct research that can be used to create better policies and high-quality scholarship while also contributing greatly to the public discourse about combating poverty in India.
Similarly, PRS Legislative Research is an organization seeking to provide information on the work of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliament to citizens in accessible formats. Furthermore, it partners with the media and civil society groups to help them engage more with various governmental issues.
This is crucial as the Indian government itself does not provide its legislators with research personnel. Therefore, PRS Legislative Research helps legislators understand various problems and use data and evidence to aid decisions in multiple policies. This results in more researched and educated legislation and policies being passed.
Final Remark
In conclusion, combating poverty in India requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education, health care and policy advocacy. By implementing and maintaining these strategies and fostering collaboration with stakeholders, it is possible to combat poverty in India and create a more equitable and prosperous future for its population in the journey toward inclusive development.
– Emily Weir
Emily is based in Bath, UK and focuses on Global Health and Celebs for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Flickr
Creative Ways People Are Solving Big Problems
Harvesting Water Out of Thin Air
“Lima, Peru has ten million people but they get less than an inch of rain every year,” said Borgen.
Fog nets have existed in areas like Lima for centuries, providing a lifeline for communities by capturing moisture from fog and it into a vital source of water. As access to water has become progressively more challenging, companies have devised more efficient methods to extract water from the atmosphere.
Borgen and Twarowska delivered a fascinating insight into SOURCE, a revolutionary device that resembles solar panels and extracts moisture from the air, converting it into drinkable water. Designed to operate in arid regions and locations with minimal rainfall, SOURCE holds immense potential for solving big problems like water scarcity around the globe.
Tackling Infant Mortality Rates
Another pivotal topic explored is the global effort to reduce infant mortality rates under five years old, which have reached an all-time low but remain a pressing concern. Borgen and Twarowka shed light on the significant process made since 2000, with rates halving, yet emphasized the persistent challenge posed by infectious diseases like diarrhea, malaria and pneumonia.
“My grandfather had 11 siblings and seven of them died before they were 20. Most of it was from pneumonia,” said Twarowska.
Access to essential treatments remains paramount in saving young lives and bridging health care disparities.
Innovations in Sustainable Aquaculture
Transitioning to sustainable aquaculture, the conversation introduced HIMA Seafood, a pioneering fish farm employing water recycling techniques. Traditional fish farming methods often encounter environmental challenges such as waste buildup and invasive species, which can have detrimental effects on local ecosystems and biodiversity.
HIMA Seafood’s approach, utilizing self-contained tanks and converting excess nutrients into fertilizer, offers a more eco-friendly and economically viable solution.
Ethical Considerations and Reflections on Food Production
Ethical considerations in food production took center stage as Borgen and Twarowska discussed the transition towards free-range poultry farming. Michelle shares insights from the Humane Society, including McDonald’s commitment to sourcing 100% of its eggs from free-range suppliers by 2025, which they have completed early.
McDonald’s “uses two billion eggs a year. That’s a lot of chickens that would otherwise be stuck in cages all day long,” said Borgen.
The dialogue concluded with introspective reflections on food consumption practices and their societal implications.
“It’s so much easier to survive,” explained Twarowska regarding the profound shift in human instinct regarding food consumption.
“Humans feel bad to kill because that’s not naturally what we do every day.”
“We would eat so much differently if we had to kill everything we ate,” agreed Borgen.
Clint Borgen
Clint Borgen is the Founder and President of The Borgen Project. His vision to address global poverty was inspired by his time spent volunteering during the Kosovo War and Genocide. Attracting volunteers from 854 cities around the world, Borgen has used his influence to support legislation that makes poverty a focus of U.S. foreign policy.
Michelle Twarowska
Michelle Twarowska is an actress who is currently based in Los Angeles. Her Polish descent not only enriches her performances but also provides valuable insights into European traditions and initiatives. Her multicultural perspective is particularly valuable to “The Borgen Project Podcast,” where diverse viewpoints and global perspectives are highly valued.
– Lila Russell
Photo: Flickr
5 Strategies for Combating Poverty in India
Education and Skill Development
According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), if all students in low-income countries could be provided basic reading skills, an estimated 171 million people would be able to lift themselves out of extreme poverty. If all adults in low-income countries completed secondary school education, it would be possible to cut the global poverty rate by at least half. Hence, access to education and skill development is crucial in combating poverty in India.
Out of all the G20 nations, India has the highest percentage of adults who have not completed primary education. About 46% of 25-64-year-olds have not completed primary education and 71% have not completed secondary education. The average for all G20 countries is 36%. However, several nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) are dedicated to improving the quality of education in India, one of which is Pratham. Pratham focuses on “high-quality, low-cost and replicable interventions to address gaps in the education system” and its programs reach millions every year.
Pratham offers a number of initiatives, from Early Childhood Education to Second Chances, for those who have previously left school without completing their education and is committed to its mission of “every child in school and learning well.”
Health Care Access and Infrastructure
According to a study conducted in 2011, India has an average of 20 health workers per 10,000 people, with most of them opting to work in areas that have better infrastructure and facilities for family life and growth. This leaves poorer areas with a lower density of health workers. As a result of this, only 37% were able to reach in-patient facilities within a 5km distance. There is an understanding that the further one lives from towns, the greater the risk of disease, malnourishment, weakness and premature death.
Furthermore, a 2012 study of six states in India revealed that many of the primary health centers lacked basic infrastructure such as beds, wards, toilets, drinking water, clean labor rooms for delivery and regular electricity. In response to these statistics, the Reliance Foundation, an organization with the motto “Health for All,” is working toward providing access to quality and affordable health care in India. The organization is doing this through community health initiatives, health outreach to vulnerable communities and the provision of quality health care to all.
The Reliance Foundation’s Health Outreach Programme has provided more than 8.1 million consultations to vulnerable patients. Health camps offer specialist care for various non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, as well as communicable diseases like HIV/AIDS and TB. Through these health camps, as well as hospitals in Lodhivali, Jamnagar and Hazira, the Reliance Foundation has been able to support more than 8,000 people with HIV, including children.
Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality
Gender discrimination fuels women’s poverty in the workplace with limited access to resources and financial assets and deep-rooted stereotypes that limit women’s ability to participate in education and employment. Consequently, 10% of women globally are trapped in a cycle of extreme poverty – something that is clear in India, with 45 million women in poverty compared to 38 million men.
Furthermore, there are risks and vulnerabilities directly linked to political, social and cultural disadvantages for Indian women. These risks expose girls to the possibility of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, poor education and health, sexual abuse, exploitation and violence. By empowering women and increasing the value of women in India, the cycle of extreme poverty can be broken and women can be enabled to fully develop and contribute to India’s growth, as well as combat poverty in India.
Access To Clean Water and Sanitation
Out of a 1.4 billion population, 35 million people lack access to safe water and 678 million lack access to a safe toilet. There are a number of factors contributing to these statistics, such as extreme water stress, lack of access to piped water supplies and changing weather patterns that result in droughts.
While the Indian government’s goal of providing tap water connections to every household by 2024 is positive, this has created an unprecedented urgency to increase access to safe water and sanitation services. However, since 2004, the organization Water.org has played a significant part in improving water and sanitation in India.
The nonprofit is providing access to safe water to more than 25.7 million people through its WaterCredit Initiative, microfinancing disadvantaged regions and providing affordable loans as well as the connections and resources to put a tap or toilet in homes.
Advocacy and Policy Reforms
Regarding policy reforms to combat poverty in India, the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) has been one of India’s leading public policy think tanks since 1973. CPR is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, independent institution. It aims to conduct research that can be used to create better policies and high-quality scholarship while also contributing greatly to the public discourse about combating poverty in India.
Similarly, PRS Legislative Research is an organization seeking to provide information on the work of Members of Parliament (MPs) and Parliament to citizens in accessible formats. Furthermore, it partners with the media and civil society groups to help them engage more with various governmental issues.
This is crucial as the Indian government itself does not provide its legislators with research personnel. Therefore, PRS Legislative Research helps legislators understand various problems and use data and evidence to aid decisions in multiple policies. This results in more researched and educated legislation and policies being passed.
Final Remark
In conclusion, combating poverty in India requires a multifaceted approach encompassing education, health care and policy advocacy. By implementing and maintaining these strategies and fostering collaboration with stakeholders, it is possible to combat poverty in India and create a more equitable and prosperous future for its population in the journey toward inclusive development.
– Emily Weir
Photo: Flickr
Aquapreneurs Address Water Scarcity
The surge in demand for freshwater stems primarily from a combination of socioeconomic development, industrial growth and consumption patterns. The high demand stems from cities, urban areas and regions experiencing fast economic growth. The consequences of this high demand and withdrawal of water leave approximately 50% of the global population with water scarcity for at least one month a year. This can put areas under water stress, which creates a decrease in social stability, an increase in migration and a decrease in work, as 80% of jobs in low-income countries are water-dependent. More than 33% of African countries are considered to be “water-insecure” as the changing climate increases temperatures and precipitation.
The United Nations (U.N.) warns that a global water crisis is imminent and poses severe risks to food security, diseases and livelihoods. Global warming exacerbates the water crisis by amplifying the water cycle, resulting in higher amounts of water vapor. This directly impacts Earth’s weather patterns, heating (temperature) and precipitation levels (creates excessive flooding and droughts). In response to these challenges, Aquapreneurs are creating innovative solutions to conserve and manage water resources.
Aquapreneurs and the Global Freshwater Challenge
The World Economic Forum collaborated with UpLink to help solve some of the world’s most difficult challenges, such as water scarcity. The Global Freshwater Challenge was launched in 2022. It is a five-year Innovation Initiative that seeks to make freshwater ecosystems healthier and more resilient. This challenge was the first of five parts and out of 198 submissions, 10 winners were chosen. Here are three of the winning innovations for the Horn of Africa and the Sahel Region:
Wateroam Pte Ltd
The company Wateroam created a portable (weighing about five kg) filtration pump to bring safe drinking water to disaster zones and rural communities. The manual pump has an ultrafiltration chamber that can remove 99.99% of bacteria and viruses, including E. Coli and salmonella microbes. The water is ready to drink immediately after filtering and is cheap and easy to use. It is currently used in more than 40 countries, including South Africa. It is helping more than 200,000 people worldwide.
Openversum
Openversum has developed a water filtration system that is currently being used in Somalia and Uganda. The filter can be locally manufactured. It is capable of removing contaminants such as pathogens, heavy metals, pesticides and micropollutants from water. This is an important development, as poor sanitation and inadequate wastewater treatment can increase the risk of diarrheal disease. The manufacturing costs of the filter are low and create job opportunities in affected areas.
Majik Water Technologies
Majik Water is a women-led organization that uses technology to produce water from the air in arid and semi-arid regions in Kenya. Extraction of fresh water from the air is safer than groundwater extraction because groundwater contains high levels of arsenic and fluoride. The technology acts as a dehumidifier. It draws air into the machine through an electrostatic filter, passes over refrigerated coils and then builds moisture on the coils.
Finally, the water is deposited into a holding tank. Currently, 90% of Kenya’s water sources are depleted, which increases malnutrition and the risk of disease. Yet, with this technology, more than 200,000 liters of clean drinking water is being produced each month cost-effectively and efficiently using solar thermal energy.
Conclusion
Water is an essential part of sustaining life. The Global Freshwater Challenge empowers Aquapreneurs to address water scarcity by developing innovative solutions to help ensure access to clean drinking water. UpLink continues to feature innovation challenges to provide Aquapreneurs the opportunity to showcase their work for increased exposure and the potential for financial rewards.
– Gabrielle Schwartz
Photo: Flickr
Child Poverty in Georgia
The Challenge
Children in Georgia are disproportionately more susceptible to poverty than any other demographic group. Georgia continues to grapple with the absence of a comprehensive social protection system tailored to the needs of children, failing to support families and bolster their capacity to withstand adversity adequately. Deficiencies persist in legislation and policies geared towards prioritizing children and providing financial assistance and access to essential social services.
Consequently, numerous vulnerable families and children, including those with disabilities, victims of violence, minorities, and those from impoverished backgrounds, continue to be marginalized and underserved. In 2020, while the absolute poverty rate for the total population is 21.3%, this rate is higher for children at 26.4%, according to UNICEF.
The March 2020 declaration of a state emergency inflicted severe consequences on individuals in Georgia, exacerbating the plight of numerous families. Those already living in overcrowded households faced heightened vulnerability, pushing them deeper into poverty. Around 146,000 children aged 0 to 17 had a lower capacity to mitigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, UNICEF reports. However, strong economic recovery in 2021 and 2022 translated into poverty reductions, with an estimated 15.6% of the population below the poverty line.
Targeted Social Assistance (TSA)
Georgia invests 7% of its GDP in social protection initiatives, according to UNICEF. The country implemented three main cash transfer programs in the last 15 years, the most prominent being the Targeted Social Assistance (TSA) program. As of October 2018, approximately 11.2% of the population in Georgia was receiving TSA cash benefits. Around 12% of children ages 0 to 15 live in a household with at least one member who receives TSA cash benefits. In addition, 14.2% of children of that same age group live in a household where a family member receives transfers from the Child Benefit Programme (CBP).
To help alleviate child poverty in Georgia, UNICEF has continuously worked with the Georgia government to improve the TSA program. It advocates for the enhancement and oversight of legislation and policies aimed at rendering the social protection system more conducive to the needs of children. Its efforts entail aiding the government in comprehending the underlying patterns and catalysts of exclusion, thereby influencing policy discourse and the allocation of public finances.
In addition, UNICEF collaborates in the development, adaptation, piloting and potential scaling-up of child-sensitive cash transfer programs, including child benefits, to further diminish child poverty in Georgia. Its ultimate goal is to ensure that the most vulnerable families with children possess the means to navigate economic upheavals and cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment for their children.
Childcare and Social Protection Services
Moreover, UNICEF strives to establish connections between childcare and social protection services, drawing upon recent achievements and insights gleaned from reforms in childcare and targeted social assistance. To highlight some of the success, UNICEF reports that since 2017, the revised TSA program has significantly improved the identification of poor families with children. In addition, the new child benefit contributes to reducing child poverty in Georgia. While commendable, past successes in reducing child poverty in Georgia underscore the ongoing need for further efforts. Despite remaining challenges, Georgia remains committed to reform and endeavors to steer its economic trajectory toward sustained prosperity in the future.
Reflecting on the successes achieved in reducing child poverty in Georgia, it is evident that UNICEF’s collaborative efforts with the government have been instrumental. UNICEF has made significant progress in supporting vulnerable families with children through initiatives such as the enhanced TSA program and the implementation of child-sensitive cash transfer programs.
However, despite these achievements, the persistent existence of child poverty in Georgia highlights the ongoing need for further action. As socioeconomic landscapes evolve and new challenges emerge, the Georgian government and UNICEF must continue their commitment to addressing child poverty. With continued dedication and collaboration, Georgia’s vision of a poverty-free future for its children can be realized. By addressing systemic barriers, enhancing program effectiveness, and prioritizing the needs of children and families, they can build upon past successes and pave a path toward a future where every child in Georgia has the opportunity to thrive.
– Maya DaSilva
Photo: Flickr
Charities Operating in Guyana
Friends of Guyana (FROG)
In an interview with The Borgen Project, founder Scott Stadum shared more about Friends of Guyana. Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Kati Ringer and Scott Stadum founded FROG in 2007. Their original idea was to give microgrants to Peace Corps Volunteers. They wanted to fund smaller projects in Guyana, which was not available when they started. Eventually, the organization extended microgrants to anyone who wanted to start a project in or about Guyana, Stadum explained. The charity also funds projects focusing on education and health. A notable project that FROG funded was a short film called ‘The Seawall’ which was filmed and directed by Guyanese-born Mason Richards. The movie went on to show at the Cannes Film Festival a decade later, Richard Mason is now the president and chairman of FROG.
The Guyana Foundation
Supriya Singh-Bodden founded The Guyana Foundation in 2013. The charity’s focus is to provide skills training and counseling to those in need in Guyana. The charity has worked on many projects and has remarkably collaborated with the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives to build an innovative bakery in Capoey costing $15 million. The charity teaches catering, business, sewing and IT skills which people can use to start micro-businesses. The Guyana Foundation also works to teach these skills to refugees from Venezuela who have migrated to Guyana. Additionally, it provided water and solar-panelled lights to towns and villages and essentials such as blankets and curtains to schools. The charity also provides support for farmers by providing wellness classes, private counseling and informative workshops.
Food for the Poor
Food for the Poor began its work in Guyana in 1991. The charity’s goal is to transform the lives of underprivileged citizens of Guyana. The charity has a religious background and works closely with churches. Food for the Poor has carried out multiple projects within Guyana, these projects have helped fund medical care for adults and children who do not have the funds to pay for non-life-threatening medical procedures. In 2022, the charity constructed 92 houses for families and provided shelter for 552 people. The homes were partially furnished and had access to clean water and facilities. Families who did not have access to electricity were also given solar panel systems. The charity has also provided hot meals, breakfast hampers, clothing, school supplies and assistance to schools.
Save Abee Foundation
Save Abee Foundation’s goal is to build centers around the whole of Guyana that provide education to children in poverty. Save Abee provides free education in math, computer technology and English. It also provides grants for scholarships so that children can continue further education. The charity not only provides vital education for Guyanese children but also provides remote medical care. In Guyana, it can take hours for people to travel to get medical, dental and vision care. Save Abee travels to people in need to provide them with the health care that they need.
On top of this, the charity provides food, clothing and toys to those in more unfortunate communities. The Borgen Project corresponded with the Save Abee Foundation’s founder, Sham Tilak, who was born in Berbice Guyana. Impressively, the Save Abee Foundation has helped an estimated 25,000 people, the founder explained. Sham Tilak founded the foundation in 2011 and the charity is still going strong. Save Abee Foundation’s tremendous efforts have not gone unnoticed, and it has many supporters backing its cause. Starbucks, which runs The Starbucks Foundation, opened its first store in Guyana, in 2023 and donated a grant of $10,000 to Save Abee Foundation. The grant will help the foundation reach its target of educating 200 Guyanese youths on computer technology skills.
Mothers’ Union
Mothers’ Union works with people globally, and it started its charity work in Guyana in 1926. The charity has 2,300 members supporting the organization’s generous operations in Guyana. Mothers’ Union provides child day centers and parenting programs, to support families and better their relationships. The organization provides food for families in need and nutrition programs, they also opened a community shop in Annai village.
Mothers’ Union works in some of the most indigenous parts of Guyana and has supplied reusable sanitary towels for girls and provided support to women and teenagers, both male and female. The charity also runs sewing centers, where it provides school uniforms and mosquito nets, which has improved the rates of diseases spread by mosquitoes. Mothers’ Union has a religious background, and it provides prison ministry and church communities. The charity also works to educate people on gender-based violence.
Wrap Up
These five charities operating in Guyana are only a few of many helping to end poverty for Guyanese people. Guyana has made extraordinary efforts to build itself up and make positive impacts for its nationals. Access to education has risen and Guyana attained 91% and 103% enrolment at nursery and primary school levels, according to the World Bank. The World Bank also reports that an estimated 76% of Guyanese people can access health care services. The organizations listed today are a few of many charities operating in Guyana to secure a better future for its citizens.
– Raquel Smith
Photo: Flickr
Battle Against Black Fever in India Nears Victory
Former Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Dr. Nirmal Kumar Ganguly, has hailed this achievement as a significant gain for the country. Dr. Kavita Singh, Director for South Asia at the Drugs for Neglected Diseases initiative (DNDi), expects this success to enhance focus on effective public health initiatives. She believes it would “potentially attract more support and resources for similar endeavors toward other vector-borne diseases.”
Historical Context and Persistent Efforts
Black fever or visceral leishmaniasis, locally known as Kala Azar, is a lethal vector-borne disease transmitted by infected female sandflies. It is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria, affecting 200 million people annually in 76 countries. This infection impacts the spleen, liver and bone marrow. Without treatment, 95% of cases can be fatal, leading to weight loss, fever and anemia.
The earliest recorded instances of black fever in India date back to 1824, when an outbreak in Jessore, now part of Bangladesh, resulted in approximately 750,000 deaths over three years. Since then, India has experienced periodic outbreaks of Kala Azar every 10 to 15 years, primarily in the states of Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. These outbreaks typically lasted about 10 years.
Innovative Approaches
The introduction of the indoor residual spray (IRS) of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) under the national malaria eradication program in 1950 dramatically curbed the spread of Kala Azar in India. The country launched its campaign against black fever in 1992. While pushing four consecutive deadlines in 2010, 2015, 2017 and 2020, India realigned its strategies with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) guidelines. It adopted an evidence-based practice that showed promising results in eliminating black fever.
The evolution of single-dose infusion and uninterrupted availability of drugs at the ground level has radicalized India’s battle against black fever. In 2012, 90% of the diagnosed people completed their treatments compared to 55% between 2008 and 2009. Governments at the state and national levels have announced remunerations for the patients to compensate for wage loss.
National Strategies and Surveillance Enhancements
The National Center for Vector Borne Diseases Control (NCVBDC) intensified residual spraying in villages that reported cases in the past three years. Since sandflies typically breed in the crevices of mud walls, targeting these hotspots with indoor residual spray (IRS) has curbed the spread of the disease, protecting more than 35 million people at risk. Additionally, Indian authorities have promoted concrete residential structures through the subsidized housing program, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), reducing mud walls and eliminating potential breeding grounds.
In 2014, NCVBDC introduced a national database on drugs, diagnostics and vector surveillance for black fever. The database portal’s mobile application helped Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA) detect cases and administer prescribed dosages. Since the black fever eradication program started in 1992, the number of cases has dropped by 97%, from 77,102 to 2,048 in 2020.
Looking Forward
India needs to maintain its efforts for the next three years to receive official validation from the WHO. Additionally, it is essential to eradicate post-kala azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL), the skin condition that occurs after black fever infection and serves as a reservoir for the parasite, to prevent the disease’s recurrence. Moreover, as of October 2023, India has reported 286 cases of PKDL.
– Soham Mitra
Photo: Flickr
Elderly Poverty in Zimbabwe
The absence of an insurance plan is among the existing reasons for old age poverty, particularly affecting elderly women in Zimbabwe. Despite a 9.1% unemployment rate, this factor deprives elderly women, this factor significantly contributes to the deprivation of elderly women, compelling them to care for children and adults in their households.
Social Insurance Schemes
In 1989, Zimbabwe established the National Social Security Authority (NSSA), which now manages the Zimbabwean social insurance programs. This program has begun issuing pensions aligned “with the foreign exchange auction rate every month.” This was evident in the pension payout during the second quarter of 2022, as the minimum pension given was equivalent to $70.
Although Zimbabwe has experienced a positive reform in its social insurance programs, it is notable that the program is only applicable to the formal sector. This is particularly ironic considering Zimbabwe is widely recognized for having one of the largest informal economies globally. Informal employment in Zimbabwe accounts for approximately 75% of its total employment, according to the World Bank report.
Harmonized Social Cash Transfer (HSCT)
The HSCT is a social protection program that focuses on households struggling with labour and food poverty. According to the World Bank, it is “an unconditional cash transfer,” the amount of which is determined by the size of the family. Elderly people benefit from this program, as the majority of them do not have a job due to their age or health.
However, despite the presence of this program, the elderly people continue to endure the consequences of the country’s socio-economic state. Established in 2011, this program has only managed to reach about 75,677 households in 26 districts out of the total 65 districts in Zimbabwe, the World Bank reports. This illustrates the low coverage rate of the program, primarily due to inadequate funding from the national budget.
Assisted Medical Treatment Orders (AMTO)
According to the World Bank, the AMTO program aims to enhance health care access for the poor and vulnerable by facilitating direct payment of medical bills to public and mission hospitals. In this program, beneficiaries apply directly to the program and are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Although in the first quarter of 2022 about 9,540 beneficiaries benefited from AMTO, with 29 people receiving specialized treatment, the eligibility criteria for AMTO is vague, the World Bank reports.
Humanitarian Assistance Programs in Zimbabwe
Aside from the government-implemented program, the U.N. and other NGOs also have several humanitarian assistance initiatives. Among these programs is Lean Season Assistance (LSA), which aims to address food insecurity among vulnerable households affected by natural disasters, economic crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the World Bank. By the end of the 2020/2021 season, approximately 1.5 million food-insecure households had received assistance, including both unconditional in-kind food and cash transfers.
UNICEF supports another humanitarian assistance program, the Emergency Social Cash Transfer (ESCT), which shares a similar mission with HSCT. Introduced in 2020, the program has reached over 113,500 people in 25,000 households, including older individuals.
Despite the positive effects of these programs on poverty, the World Bank highlights challenges such as low coverage, inadequate benefits and inefficient targeting hindered the impact of poverty reduction in Zimbabwe.
– Teniola Yusuf
Photo: Flickr
Renewable Energy in Gabon
Natural Resources
Gabon is home to an ample amount of natural resources that act as renewable resources. The biggest one in particular is water. With a vast network of rivers and streams flowing through the country, Gabon can produce 51% of its energy through hydroelectricity in 2022. Unlike other renewable resources, hydroelectricity provides a consistent supply of energy throughout the day and night. Additionally, its lower setup set-up cost and maintenance made it the perfect choice for Gabon. Many hydropower projects are starting up in both the private and government sector such as the Kinguélé Aval Hydropower Plant which will produce a massive 35 MW of renewable energy.
However, Gabon is also investing in other renewable energy sources such as solar. New initiatives such as the Ayémé Plaine solar plant can drastically transform the energy landscape by producing massive amounts of energy. In the case of this plant, it would produce a tremendous 120 MW of power and provide many skilled jobs to the nearby population.
Another resource that Gabon has is labour. Some projects like hydropower dams require hundreds of workers. With more than a third of Gabon’s population living in poverty, any type of governmental project that requires jobs could directly help provide jobs to the people of Gabon whilst helping the economy and the environment.
Governmental Action
Gabon’s government has shown a strong commitment to renewable energy in its policies and initiatives. By 2025, the government hopes that renewable energy in Gabon will account for 100% of the country’s energy. Gabon plans to boost this with major infrastructure projects such as the Grand Poubara Dam, at a cost of more than $190 million.
Renewable energy in Gabon is not the only thing that has set this country on the green path. With delicate preservation of the 88% forest landscape, Gabon can absorb up to 200 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the air. This also serves as another source of income for the country that they can sell in open through sales in carbon markets. Gabon has also made commitments to reducing half of its greenhouse gas emissions by 2025 as well.
The Future
While it has a unique geographical advantage and a strong commitment to renewable energy, Gabon could face challenges in achieving its renewable goals. One of the biggest challenges that Gabon faces is the extension of green energy to Gabon’s rural areas. While 80% of the population lives in urban cities, the other 20% is dispersed throughout the country. While creating a system that can reach the rural regions may not only be challenging but also financially demanding, Gabon has begun working on several solutions such as a new grid and smaller plants to help address the concerns of energy poverty while also preserving its green initiative. Examples of the commitment to combatting access inequality are the construction of 163 km of 63-KV lines linking Mitzic via Oyem to Bitam and the 1-MW plant in Lambaréné.
Despite these challenges, Gabon has demonstrated the feasibility of shifting towards renewable energy on a massive scale. Gabon’s struggle to provide electricity to now having a 97% access rate to electricity highlights how a strong geological advantage and proactive governmental action can transform a country.
– Aman Chaudhary
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Energy in Suriname: Reducing Energy Poverty
The Surinamese government has been in conversations with global oil companies that could fetch as much as $9 billion for rights to develop the area. This income could provide an instrumental opportunity for the country as 26% of its population lives in extreme poverty. Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi added that this opportunity could “end global energy poverty.”
However, a lack of energy and power severely challenges poverty reduction as services like health care and education become limited. Nonetheless, Suriname has had some successful ventures in combating energy poverty and the current situation can provide the opportunity to make an impact on a larger level.
Overview of Energy in Suriname
Suriname is one of three net-zero countries in the world. Its expanse of dense forests helps it absorb more carbon than it emits, but it has also made progress in using green energy, with 38% of its overall electricity coming from hydropower. The use of multiple energy sources has helped Suriname provide power to 98% of its population. However, there are still challenges for those living in dense forest areas, primarily indigenous communities. Historically, these people relied upon old gas-powered generators for electricity, which could limit power to only four hours per day.
To address this, the government, the International Development Bank and the Caribbean Investment Facility rolled out a Sustainable Energy Framework in Suriname. This program helped bring more than 20,000 people reliable electricity through sustainable methods, including mini solar grids. The increase in power access is a key advantage for these populations in improving living conditions.
In Suriname, most of the energy is still produced from oil. Staatsolie, a state-owned organization, manages the majority of oil and gas operations in the country. It has collaborated with the government to establish sustainable standards and practices that aim to maintain its net-zero rating. The company also hosts the Suriname Energy Oil and Gas Summit and donates the event’s revenues to communities in need. This includes renovating schools for children living in poverty. Despite these positives, inequitable energy, inflation and government subsidies contribute to high power and fuel prices. The impending oil boom can address this key area.
Opportunities With Oil and Gas
Staatsolie has recently signed an agreement with two other companies to increase production in offshore oil fields. This increase is expected to begin later this year and continue until 2025. Government officials have previously declared their commitment to utilizing the influx of oil and its respective revenue for economic development.
There is an increased demand for various goods and services associated with the impending production, which will benefit Surinamese businesses and citizens. Rather than outsourcing employment, Suriname can award opportunities to its vulnerable populations and empower entrepreneurs. Investing in economic development is the key to addressing the challenges of inflation and insurmountable energy costs. In addition to employment, this is a perfect driver for organizations like Staatsolie to increase their humanitarian work to address poverty in the nation.
– William Galante
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Private Sector Is Driving Water Solutions in Sub-Saharan Africa
The Sub-Saharan countries alone have 1.2 billion citizens and projections by the World Bank indicate that this number will increase to 2.7 billion by 2060. The International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis states that an unpredictable and erratic rainfall pattern is a major contributor to low productivity and food insecurity in Africa. This is further compounded by a low degree of mechanization, which reinforces a persistent poverty trap. Cyclical famines triggered by these factors pose a significant threat to local development opportunities.
Startups and established solar tech companies in the region are using solar energy-powered systems to tackle water scarcity. By doing so, they are setting an example for the future of farming development. This approach produces positive economic outcomes that have a ripple effect on the health and well-being of citizens and the global economy as a whole.
Blazing the Trail for Progress
Although the continent receives “60% of the world’s solar resources, Africa has only 1% of solar generation capacity.” This is largely due to economic constraints caused by reverberations from the global pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Filling in the gaps, partnerships between governments and the private sector are increasingly opening up opportunities for citizens to harness solar energy to power irrigation systems.
SunCulture is one example of the many companies and startups funding development projects in countries experiencing the highest levels of water scarcity, including but not limited to Ethiopia, Kenya, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania and Uganda. SunCulture alone has raised more than “40 million to equip rural farmers with solar-powered irrigation systems.” Rural farmers previously relied on rainfall or oil power to produce the water necessary for production.
Now, with help from SunCulture, they have access to cheap and renewable energy to run irrigation systems that require “minimal maintenance.” Put simply by SunCulture’s chief of staff, Mikayla Czajkowski, solar energy offers “positive environmental impact, job creation potential and economic development potential.”
The potential for harnessing solar power is extensive. One foreign company leading the charge is Business Finland, which introduced the SolarRO 1500 desalination system in the village of Tseikuru, Kenya. Many communities living rurally or in city “slums” in Kenya have historically relied on contaminated water as the only available resource.
SolarRO utilizes solar energy to operate reverse osmosis systems. This empowers communities to clean the existing water resources without the costs that come with drilling and building irrigation systems. While irrigation systems are best for farming development, reverse osmosis offers a simpler solution to the prevalence of contaminated water, with the reliance on solar (renewable) energy being a key aspect of a cost-efficient implementation.
High Hopes and High Rewards
A SunCulture impact survey found that “89% of smallholder farmers experienced a boost in their quality of life, 90% increased their production and 87% enhanced their earnings.” The success of these projects revolves around the sustainable and efficient nature of implementation. With roughly 36.7% of the population of sub-Saharan countries living on $2.15 a day, costs present a slight challenge.
While many companies have developed solutions based on grants and funds raised, the future and sustainability of these water solutions require a structured water industry all over Sub-Saharan Africa. As communities are given access to water, impact analyses show that production capacities increase and, with it, the quality of life. By investing in solar energy solutions now, the economic and health sectors will see positive, sustainable change in the future.
As the world strives to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, initiatives like the solar-powered water project serve as beacons of hope. They demonstrate that sustainable solutions to poverty are within reach. By leveraging renewable energy and community-driven approaches, there is the potential for clean water to catalyze positive change and create a brighter future for generations to come in rural Africa and beyond.
– Kiera Gorman
Photo: Pexels