Since the Sudan conflict began in April 2023, an estimated 13,752 lives have been lost, more than 8 million people have been displaced and 24.8 million people, half of Sudan’s population, need humanitarian assistance. Amid the challenges faced by international aid, Emergency Response Rooms (ERR) and localized, community-based aid groups, have emerged as a crucial force supporting victims of the conflict.
Roots of the Conflict
Sudanese journalist Nesrine Malik attributes the April 2023 conflict to the 2003 Darfur genocide. The then-president Omar al-Bashir deployed the Janjaweed militia, later formalized into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in the loss of approximately 300,000 lives in the Darfur region as they suppressed a burgeoning rebellion.
In 2019, a successful revolution and military coup brought an end to al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. However, the subsequent power-sharing agreement between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the RSF only intensified and fueled the flames of the current war, as leaders from both sides vied for dominance and control.
Impact on Civilian Lives
As of October 2023, 5 million people face emergency-level food insecurity. In Bahri City, 38 soup kitchens that supported 200,000 people can no longer source or distribute food due to energy blackouts. Subsequently, a warning from a February 2024 Clingendael report suggests a potential worst-case scenario where famine could claim the lives of 1 million people.
Furthermore, with approximately 30 million people deprived of health care, vulnerability to diseases such as malaria, measles, dengue and cholera has escalated significantly. Widespread human rights violations persist, as a December 2023 United Nations (U.N.) report reveals that RSF members allegedly perpetrated 118 cases of sexual violence, including 19 involving children.
Impact on Aid
Once in Sudan, bureaucratic hurdles often prevent aid from reaching those in need. The U.N. refers to difficulties government authorities place on aid groups, including obtaining visas, transporting aid and importing supplies. In December, fighting engulfed a humanitarian hub in Gezira state, displacing the 800,000 people it supported.
In fact, only 40,000 of those displaced have received aid as 70 World Food Programme (WFP) trucks were stuck in Port Sudan for two weeks in January, awaiting clearance. Both sides in the conflict are weaponizing international aid. The leader of the SAF has expressed intentions to obstruct aid to RSF-controlled regions and prohibit cross-border humanitarian assistance from neighboring states. Meanwhile, the RSF has imposed telecom blackouts which have hindered the delivery of essential supplies.
Additionally, armed fighters have reportedly looted aid trucks and warehouses, exacerbating the challenges in providing critical support to those in need. Constant threat looms over individuals providing life-saving aid. The Aid Worker Security Database reported the deaths of 25 aid workers in 2023. Since April of that year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 60 attacks on health workers.
Emergency Response Rooms and Localised Aid Efforts
The urgency of aid is clear but the response remains insufficient. The U.N. has appealed $2.6 billion to address the crisis, yet it has only secured 3.59% of this amount. The number of national NGOs, international NGOs and U.N. Agencies had dropped from 174 to 85, three months into the conflict. Recognizing this shortfall, highly localized and volunteer-driven efforts of Emergency Response Rooms (ERR) are filling the gap.
The ERRs ensure the availability of fundamental services by assessing local needs and mobilizing volunteers to address them. ERRs have a diverse range of responsibilities, including providing daily meals, assisting pregnant women and individuals with chronic diseases, coordinating with local electricians to repair damaged power lines, facilitating the return of medical staff to hospitals, sourcing fuel for ambulances and disseminating information about safe passages or reported conflict areas.
In addition, the impactful work of ERRs has reached more than 4 million civilians and evacuated 12,000 people. These organizations prioritize transparency in their operations, adopt a decentralized and horizontal organizational structure and adhere to democratic decision-making processes. These principles are aimed at delivering a person-centered response working to prevent Sudan from total collapse.
Challenges Confronting Emergency Response Rooms
The ERRs face challenges of being overstretched, underfunded and lacking resources. The Sudan Crisis Coordination Unit emphasizes a prevailing mentality that sees the local response as “not integral to the international humanitarian response.”
Supporting community-led responses saves lives and directly contributes to shaping a more representative and responsive Sudan that meets its citizens’ needs. The head of USAID has recognized the efforts of ERRs and expressed intentions to shift from a model dependent on the U.N. to one that acknowledges the role of community-based groups.
Strengthening the Emergency Response Rooms
A report from Shabaka in January 2024 offers guidelines for aiding Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs). It emphasizes several crucial aspects: providing ERRs with ample, adaptable funding for necessary staff, supplies and medicines; enhancing communication and coordination among ERRs, medical facilities and humanitarian groups.
Moreover, establishing security measures to shield ERRs from conflict, harassment and intervention; upholding medical neutrality and humanitarian principles to keep ERRs open to all in need; and endorsing training and capacity building for ERR staff in trauma care, infection prevention, mental health and psychosocial support.
Moreover, the Sudanese people show remarkable resilience in the face of war. However, there is a need for the international community to actively recognize and support the model that ERRs offer for humanitarian work, to bolster aid efforts in the country.
– Ben Miley-Smith
Photo: Unsplash
The Robin Hood Foundation: A Beacon of Hope in South Africa
Small Acts Big Change
The Robin Hood Foundation’s journey began with the founder, Cindy Norcott, realizing that the average person can make a meaningful difference in the world. Norcott witnessed the impact of donating her children’s outgrown baby clothes and was motivated to start the Love the Babies project. Within a few months, Norcott and her team of volunteers saw more need and started the Gogo bags project, which lightened the need of grandmothers, or Gogos, who had taken on their orphaned grandchildren.
Whether through donating time, resources, or expertise, the foundation exemplifies how seemingly small gestures can culminate in profound transformations. In addition, by channeling the goodwill and generosity of ordinary citizens, the foundation sparks a ripple effect of positivity that resonates far beyond its initial inception.
Nurturing Tomorrow’s Leaders
Central to the foundation’s efforts is its unwavering commitment to empowering youth. Recognizing that young people hold the key to the country’s future, the Robin Hood Foundation invests in programs designed to nurture people’s potential and provide them with opportunities for growth and development. Moreover, from educational scholarships to skills training initiatives, these efforts aim to break the cycle of poverty and unlock the untapped talents of South Africa’s youth.
Uplifting the Community
The foundation also supports grassroots organizations deeply embedded within their communities. By partnering with local initiatives, the Robin Hood Foundation ensures that its interventions are both helping the less privileged in the community and using the resources, knowledge and expertise of the community to best meet its needs. In an interview, Norcott explained that the goal of the foundation is to mobilize resources from businesses and individuals in the community and put them directly into the hands of the less fortunate in the community.
Addressing the Realistic Issues
One thing that stands out about this organization is the fact that it addresses very specific needs that it has identified in the communities in which it works. Child-headed households are one of the most underserved. On its website, the foundation creates a space where donors can sponsor a child-headed household for $54 per month. Furthermore, the Robin Hood Foundation has created a space where people can donate nonperishable food items, sponsor a truck and driver to transport goods to projects, donate clothes and shoes, donate dog and cat food and even knit or crochet beanies and blankets for those in need.
Food Security
One of the foundation’s flagship initiatives is its food security program, which aims to combat hunger and malnutrition in impoverished communities. Through its food donations and projects, the Robin Hood Foundation works to ensure that no one goes to bed hungry. During the 2022 floods in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region, the foundation could donate and distribute 14 tons of food and 1,3 tons of water to the individuals displaced and otherwise affected by the natural disaster.
Moreover, as an everyday solution, the Robin Hood Foundation has a project called the Sarmie Army. This project takes place weekly and includes multiple volunteers gathering weekly to make sandwiches and distribute them to impoverished schools in the area.
The Robin Hood Foundation embodies the impact of collective action, illustrating how small acts of kindness can lead to significant changes. It shines by providing critical support through educational programs, collaborations with local organizations, initiatives tailored to specific needs and strategies aimed at enhancing food security. Above all, this foundation not only offers essential aid to those in dire situations but also motivates the broader community to engage in efforts to combat poverty and inequality.
– Danielle Schaafsma
Photo: Unsplash
3 Nonprofits Providing Relief to South Sudanese Refugees
Seeking a life free from brutality, more than 4 million people, 65% of whom are children, have fled the country as refugees. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recognizes Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda as the primary host countries for South Sudanese refugees. The rest of this article will examine the nonprofits operating in these countries to deliver aid.
South Sudanese Refugees and Amnesty International
Amnesty International tackled the refugee crisis by documenting hardships and urging the global community to honor its financial pledges. In 2017, it emphasized Uganda’s crucial role in hosting 1 million South Sudanese refugees, underscoring the urgent need for improved support and resources.
In addition, the organization actively engaged in the refugee crisis by dispatching researchers to assess the situation in four refugee camps, highlighting the severe funding shortfall’s impact on necessities like food, water and shelter. It found a desperate demand for food, water and shelter. By May 2017, Amnesty International observed that 82% of the pledged funds to the UNHCR remained unmet, exacerbating the food scarcity and worsening living conditions in the camps.
However, the organization, with the UNHCR, the World Food Program and 57 other aid agencies, pushed for substantial improvements in funding increases. Consequently, UNHCR’s funding receipt improved to 46% by 2023, compared to the previous 18%.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Since 2006, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has been active in refugee aid, focusing on emergency response and programs addressing global displacement. It emphasizes support for African refugee camps, partnering with UNHCR to launch the Saving Newborn Lives in Refugee Settings project in countries including South Sudan, Kenya and Ethiopia, benefiting South Sudanese refugees.
In addition, the project emphasizes family planning and newborn health, equipping health facilities with essential equipment, supplies and oversight, along with offering training and mentoring. These efforts significantly enhance the capacity of health workers at refugee sites to deliver neonatal care services.
The program has been designed to provide knowledge in infant resuscitation and how to prevent post-partum hemorrhage. Knowledge of newborn care essential to its survival has also been disseminated, to decrease infant mortality rates in the two years after birth.
Furthermore, the Gates Foundation collaborates on initiatives to enhance sanitation at refugee camps. Its Waste-to-Value projects introduce advanced technologies, including container-based toilets that convert waste to energy. The UNHCR highlights these efforts as crucial for improving sanitation at refugee sites.
The International Rescue Committee (IRC)
Since 1989, the IRC has been a major aid provider in southern Sudan, focusing on health care improvement, including training health workers and enhancing nutrition and sanitation services. It has put South Sudan on crisis watch, dedicating efforts to strengthen health care infrastructure and support services.
Moreover, the program’s training encompasses collaboration with health workers on essential and reproductive care, enhancing community leaders and urging government officials to support survivors of sexual violence.
The IRC provided aid to 1.1 million South Sudanese refugees in 2019 through its nutrition services and well restoration, combating disease spread. The IRC’s comprehensive training programs aim to rebuild displaced lives and foster peace. Highlighting the importance of donations, the IRC underscores that continuous financial support is crucial for refugee families to survive, recover and rebuild.
– Kayleigh O’Brien
Photo: Unsplash
Revolutionizing Education in Rural India with Mobile Schools
Moreover, operating from buses outfitted with educational materials, technology and dedicated teaching staff, these schools bridge the gap, make education accessible and contribute to the fight against poverty through education. This article explores the inception, impact and future of mobile schools in India, underlining their significance in societal betterment and the innovative approach of mobile classrooms.
The Significance of Education in Societal Betterment
Education is universally acknowledged as a fundamental pillar for societal development and poverty alleviation. In India, where a significant portion of the population resides in rural areas, the disparity in educational access exacerbates the cycle of poverty.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) emphasizes that education is crucial for sustainable development, as it empowers individuals with the knowledge, skills and values needed to live and work sustainably. Mobile schools in India embody this principle by extending educational opportunities to marginalized communities, thus playing a vital role in societal upliftment.
The Innovative Approach of Mobile Classrooms
Mobile schools in India utilize buses converted into classrooms to reach remote villages. These buses are equipped with learning materials, digital technology and a team of educators, offering a comprehensive curriculum ranging from basic literacy and numeracy to environmental education and digital literacy. The Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, for instance, operates with the vision of holistic education and development in rural and tribal India, running numerous mobile schools that serve as a model for nonformal education.
One innovative example is the “School Bus Project” by the NGO Round Table India, which has successfully converted buses into mobile classrooms to provide education to children in slums and remote villages. These mobile schools are not only about academic learning but also focus on extracurricular activities and health education, ensuring a well-rounded development for the children.
New Developments in Mobile School Initiatives
The mobile school initiative in India is continually evolving, integrating new technologies and pedagogical approaches to enhance the learning experience. Some mobile schools incorporate solar power and satellite internet connectivity, exemplifying this evolution and enabling the use of digital learning tools and resources in areas without electricity or internet infrastructure.
Furthermore, partnerships with tech companies lead to the development of customized educational apps and platforms tailored to the needs of rural students, enabling personalized learning experiences.
Challenges and Limitations
Despite their success, mobile schools in India face several challenges. These include the maintenance of vehicles, scalability to more remote areas, and the adaptation of curriculum and teaching methods to the diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds of rural students. Additionally, it is crucial to sustain funding and support from governmental and nongovernmental organizations for the long-term impact of these initiatives.
Looking Forward
Mobile schools in India represent a remarkable innovation in education, offering a lifeline to children in rural areas who are otherwise deprived of learning opportunities. By overcoming geographical and socio-economic barriers, these mobile classrooms play a pivotal role in the fight against poverty through education.
Above all, as this initiative continues to grow and evolve, it holds the promise of shaping a brighter future for rural India, where every child has access to quality education. Moreover, the success of mobile schools underscores the importance of innovative solutions in addressing educational disparities and highlights the transformative power of education in societal betterment.
– Hosna Hossain
Photo: Unsplash
Haiti Remains Resilient
Today the country needs economic growth. Although humanitarian assistance could alleviate some urgent needs it does not address the root of the current economic and political paralysis Haiti faces. Eradicating poverty is vital to Haiti’s economic growth. The existence of poverty leaves Haiti open to corruption and impedes the growth of the economy. Poverty in Haiti is so excruciating that most of the Haitian population finds it almost impossible to meet their basic needs such as shelter, health care and food.
International Support
The United Solar Associates partnered with the Ministries of Aides International Organization and delivered an “Off-Grid Photovoltaic System” designed by the Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Massachusetts. The system was installed at the Port-Margot School Solar Project in Haiti to eliminate the existing problem of intermittent electricity. Students and residents will benefit from reliable service of electricity to their computers, copiers and printers in the computer learning center.
Furthermore, the Ministry of National Education registered “more than a million students, more than 17,000 schools and more than 30,000 teachers” in its 2023 data collection.
In addition, the University of Miami (UM) Miller School of Medicine physicians and staff treated more than 250 critically injured within 48 hours of arriving in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Subsequently, they have provided telemedicine consultations, fundraising and communications support.
Post-Earthquake Projects
Next, the World Bank provided support to Haiti following the 2010 earthquake and the 2016 hurricane has achieved significant results. Moreover, there are 18 active projects focusing on energy, education health, agriculture, water, infrastructure, disaster risk management and sanitation and the World Bank has invested more than $1.2 million as of October 2023, according to its website.
Finally, the International Development Association (IDA) financed 456,000 tuition waivers for Haiti residents and developed a school feeding program that will provide meals to over 23,000 students. IDA’s intervention also provided cholera education and prevention training to more than 3 million people. In 2011, there were 350,000 cases of Cholera. Since 2019, there have been “no laboratory-confirmed cases.”
“The Heart Has a Memory”
Scholars argue the truth to be found in Friedrich Nietzsche’s statement, “That which does not kill us makes us stronger.” Perhaps the memory of having once been the richest colony is the root of Haitian resilience. “The heart has a memory of its own and it has forgotten not one thing; and yet, all seems to slip away in the blink of an eye.”
– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash
Elderly Poverty in Brunei
Hajah Nor Ashikin binti Haji Johari, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), highlighted the profound economic impact of the aging global population, noting the substantial expenditures on health care, research and support services. Furthermore, Hajah pointed out the rapid growth of the aging population and its broad implications. During Brunei’s chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in 2021, Johari emphasized Brunei’s leadership in endorsing the ASEAN Comprehensive Framework on Care Economy.
Additionally, in 2017, an action plan spanning five years was adopted to enhance elderly development, welfare and protection, aiming to create a senior-friendly support system and reduce elderly poverty in Brunei. Unfortunately, an aging demographic compounded by an ominous surge in noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) such as heart disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease and diabetes challenges Brunei’s socio-economic development.
Addressing Poverty and Social Protection in Brunei
Bruneians who live in poverty prefer to use the phrasings “living in need” and “difficult life” over “poverty” and “poor.” This exchange of phrasings intends to protect an individual’s self-confidence and self-esteem. Yet this preference challenges officials’ attempts to accurately assess the severity of poverty and implement targeted interventions.
However, Brunei’s social protection schemes encounter challenges. These challenges include limited coverage, differential treatment between public and private sectors, exclusion of unemployed individuals and inadequate support for vulnerable groups such as divorcees, widows/widowers, single parents, orphans, the abused and disabled people.
The Dual Impact of an Ageing Society
Across developing countries, evidence showcases the productivity, creativity, vitality and participation of older adults in workplaces, communities, households and families. According to ageInternational, some of the pros of an aging society include:
In addition, the aging population significantly impacts the labor market. The dependency ratio, which compares the number of economically inactive individuals to those who are economically active, is set to increase. According to the International Labour Organization, some of the cons of an aging society include:
Brunei at a Demographic Crossroads
As Brunei Darussalam navigates through its complex demographic and health landscape, proactive and holistic measures become imperative for securing the future prosperity of its people. Moreover, by addressing the multifaceted challenges head-on, Brunei is poised to set a precedent for demographic resilience and health sustainability.
Above all, the nation’s commitment to comprehensive solutions promises not only to enhance the well-being of its aging population and reduce elderly poverty in Brunei but also to pave the way for long-term national growth. At this pivotal juncture, Brunei’s journey offers valuable insights into the power of foresight and action in shaping a thriving society.
– Pamela Fenton
Photo: Unsplash
How ActionAid International Is Improving Public Health in Kenya
ActionAid: An Overview
ActionAid is a global movement working toward improving public health in Kenya. It also aims to eradicate poverty and injustice by supporting people and communities to claim their rights and achieve sustainable change. The organization was founded in 1972 and focused on empowering developing communities and marginalized groups to advocate for access to health care resources. At the heart of the group’s approach is the belief that poverty is not simply based on lack of income but is also about community marginalization. The organization works in various Kenyan locations to address the root causes of poverty, including unequal distribution of resources, discrimination and lack of access to education and health care.
ActionAid’s methods and programs differ from the standard nonprofit approach, encompassing many overlooked issues, including women’s health rights, climate justice, humanitarian responses and economic justice. Through grassroots mobilization, advocacy campaigns and partnerships with other impactful organizations, the nonprofit is improving public health in Kenya. This society seeks to amplify the voices of affected populations by creating community-led initiatives and providing essential resources to influence policy changes that address the systemic inequalities faced by marginalized communities in the country. The organization focuses on three critical areas for improving public health in Kenya: empowerment, solidarity and campaigning for social justice.
The Response to Poverty and Rights
In addition to its programmatic work, ActionAid also conducts research plans, policy analysis and public awareness campaigns to raise awareness about the fundamental causes of poverty and advocate for changes at the national and international levels. One of these impactful plans, labeled “Strategic Objective 2,” involves facilitating young people and communities living in poverty and exclusion to advocate for their rights with democratic governance for access to the advancement of economic opportunities for young people. This plan aims to build capacity among youth and marginalized communities, providing them with the necessary skills, knowledge and resources to effectively engage with policymakers, demand accountability and participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.
The organization also works with various impoverished communities to provide them with essential resources, capacity-building initiatives and support to address specific needs and challenges. One of these impactful plans, labeled “Strategic Objective 3,” involves:
Through these collaborative efforts, the organization strives to foster resilience, self-reliance and dignity among communities facing poverty and exclusion. Furthermore, ActionAid is committed to maintaining long-term partnerships with local organizations such as the Foreign Ministry of Affairs of Denmark to ensure that interventions are culturally sensitive, contextually appropriate and sustainable in improving public health in Kenya.
Addressing Food Insecurity and Access To Clean Water
ActionAid, recognizing the critical importance of addressing food insecurity and lack of clean water access, has implemented several initiatives across Kenya to tackle these pressing issues. The organization aims to empower communities to secure their right to food and clean water through grassroots mobilization, advocacy campaigns and educational strategies. The organization has implemented these sustainable solutions in multiple locations nationwide, including Turkana, Garissa and Baringo.
In addition to addressing the immediate need for resource accessibility, ActionAid also recognizes the importance of education in influencing communities to break the cycle of poverty and achieve sustainable development. One of the most notable programs developed to address this issue is the “Education For Life Project (EFL),” which equips marginalized youth and adults with the essential skills and knowledge for personal and developmental growth.
The EFL project goes beyond traditional classroom education by incorporating practical, hands-on learning experiences tailored to participants’ and their communities’ specific needs and aspirations. The initiative is currently implemented in five regions of Kenya (Kisumu, Garissa, Kilifi, Migori and Isiolo) in partnership with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Leonard Cheshire (LC) to influence positive school and life skills for the most marginalized populations.
– Caleb Ilayan
Photo: Unsplash
Suicide Prevention in the Central African Republic
Factors Contributing to the Decline in Suicide Rates
Fortunately, the Central African Republic has seen a 3.91% decline in suicide rates per 100,000 individuals. Addressing other problems like drug abuse, unemployment and food scarcity helps relieve depressed individuals from further stress, contributing to this decline.
In addition, between 2004 and 2008, the United Nations (U.N.) reported multiple drug seizures of cocaine and other illicit substances from parts of West Africa. By 2024, Amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) and methamphetamine have become two of the most common forms of drug use in Africa, alongside cannabis.
Michael Groat, director of psychology at Silver Hill Hospital in New Canaan, explained that suicide and addiction stem from a desire to end pain. The combination of depression and drug use can be lethal, leading to addiction and possibly intentional or unintentional overdose.
Addressing Substance Abuse and Mental Health Issues
RehabPath has created a referral page for several treatment facilities for those struggling with substance abuse in the Central African Republic. Moreover, RehabPath recommends facilities like the Continental Brain Clinic and Synapse Azalea, which dedicate themselves to helping people recover from addiction and hopefully prevent some from committing suicide via drug overdose.
Drug use is not always the reason for suicide as mental health problems are considered one of the biggest factors for suicide. Mental health issues can include but are not limited to anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder which can be situational-based or even genetically linked. Not every individual who suffers from depression or another form of mental illness will commit suicide however, it is still recommended that those who are struggling seek help before their health deteriorates further.
Funding Challenges for Mental Health
Those struggling with mental health in the Central African Republic have limited options due to low government investments. The African government lends 311.53 XAF, the United States (U.S.) equivalent of $00.50, to mental health practices. Strong Minds Uganda is currently trying to raise awareness of Africa’s unfunded mental health care system. In addition, the organization has managed to raise enough awareness for an article on the World Health Organisation (WHO) website.
Success of Group Therapy Initiatives
Recently, both WHO and Strong Mind have provided group therapy sessions to more than 160,000 women and young people in both Uganda and Zambia. Fortunately, approximately 80% of these figures have reported a significant levity in their depression. Whilst this news is encouraging there are thousands more who need help, especially men as it has been reported more males are likely to commit suicide than females on a 3:1 ratio.
Socio-Economic Factors and Suicide Rates
The men living in Africa are not the only ones who struggle. It is reported suicide rates have become increasingly high in multiple black communities including countries such as the U.S.Psychiatrist Patricia Harris, who is Everyday Health’s chief health and medical editor suggests multiple reasons for the increase including cyber-bullying, pressure to live up to a ‘strong black person’ image and the lack of representation in mental health services.
Moreover, the Central African Republic has an abysmal lack of funding. With 70% of the country living in extreme poverty, it is no surprise that men fall into despair and want to end their lives. The World Bank has suggested strengthening the human capital of Central Africa to invest in agricultural pursuits thus boosting agriculture further to decrease poverty.
Furthermore, this could potentially save lives as the people of the country will feel less pressure regarding feeding their families and maintaining a healthy household. For now, both men and women rely on the compassion of others. Interaction with other individuals can be beneficial to a person’s mental health and prolonged isolation can worsen symptoms of depression. Isolation can be caused by feeling unwanted or like an outcast around a particular group of people.
Efforts to Combat Mental Health Stigma and Isolation
The World Health Organization (WHO) started World Mental Health Day in 2022. This day is dedicated to raising awareness of suicide and mental illness in the Central African Republic. This campaign aimed to reach 10 million African people, help them seek treatment for any of their medical conditions and support their families and friends in the interim.
In 2024, the Central African Republic has put new plans into place to help the most isolated citizens. Plans include efforts for suicide prevention in the Central African Republic. These plans include vital multisectoral assistance to 1.9 million vulnerable people and localizing humanitarian responses. Looking forward, these plans with the help of donations from humanitarian organisations, should provide those struggling with their mental health some form of hope to achieve a healthier, happier future.
– Phoebe Vaughan
Photo: Unsplash
How LFAM in Sierra Leone is Reducing Maternal Mortality
The Life for African Mothers Charity (LFAM) has been actively working on reducing the maternal mortality rate in Sub-Saharan Africa since 2005. LFAM is helping Sierra Leone through its essential programs and projects to lower the maternal mortality ratio.
What LFAM Does
In 2020, nearly 800 preventable maternal deaths occurred daily worldwide. A maternal death took place every two minutes; a further 95% of these deaths took place in low and lower-middle-income countries. LFAM provides tailored training to midwives in Sub-Saharan Africa through various means, such as skill-sharing workshops and medication distribution. The nonprofit has trained around 1,000 midwives and shipped five million tablets to date, contributing to the approximately one million women saved by the organization.
LFAM’s 15-Year Journey in Sierra Leone
In 2008, LFAM was called by the United Nations Population Fund to assist Sierra Leone and Liberia in reducing their Maternal Mortality Ratio. The U.N. had designated Sierra Leone as one of the most dangerous places on earth to have a baby. In 2009, LFAM started helping; medications to treat and prevent hemorrhages were sent to Sierra Leone and U.K.-based midwives traveled to share their skills and complete training programs.
LFAM is helping in Sierra Leone through its contribution to the resilience of the communities by empowering midwives and preventing post-partum hemorrhage. The initiative is positively impacting the country’s maternal health care.
LFAM’s Recent Workshop in Sierra Leone
In Sierra Leone, less than half of pregnant women receive care from experienced birth attendants. In response, the program has been helping the nation through several methods, including midwifery workshops. LFAM held a two-day event in January 2024, for midwives to attend. The event occurred at Kailahun District Hospital and 20 midwives and nurses participated in the workshop. This intense training event covered postpartum hemorrhage management, resuscitation scenarios and labor care guidance. The focus of these workshops is empowering individual midwives to save lives in low-resource settings.
Enhancing Service Reach
LFAM is helping Sierra Leoneans by distributing life-saving medications such as Misoprostol. However, this has been challenging. The nonprofit encountered challenges when ensuring these medications’ timely and safe delivery. Additionally, transporting supplies from the airport to the hospital and distributing them across the country posed logistical hurdles for several reasons, such as the state of the roads.
In a positive turn of events in January 2024, the organization received a contribution from a U.K. foundation for a new vehicle. This donation has allowed LFAM to revolutionize the way it transports medication and midwives as distribution efforts are simplified and accessibility is increased. This donation will hopefully lead to a further reduction in Sierra Leone’s maternal mortality rate as the effectiveness of LFAM’s work continually increases.
– Arabella Wood-Collins
Photo: Flickr
Empowering the Underserved With Technology: AI for Africa’s Poor
In a conversation with Karishma Muthukumar, a nongovernmental organization (NGO) leader and session panelist at the 2023 United Nations (U.N.) AI for Good Global Summit, The Borgen Project, explores insights and opportunities for leveraging AI to uplift Africa’s impoverished, aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). As the continent progresses, AI emerges as a beacon for positive change.
Employability of AI for Africa’s Poor
Despite the expansion in technology and infrastructure access, the scarcity of resources due to COVID-19 has outpaced growth in various regions of Africa. A stark reality persists as less than 20% of the continent has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address electricity shortages, with approximately 600 million people needing more basic access to electricity as of 2022. Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG-7) by 2030, which aims to ensure universal access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy, remains a formidable challenge.
The pivotal question no longer revolves solely around how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect people but how millions of individuals will harness AI for their benefit. As rightly indicated by Muthukumar, the disparities in technological advancements pose significant challenges. The effects of AI are poised to unfold differently in developing versus developed countries and the requisite investments and regulations these countries need are also likely to be different.
A critical determinant in this evolving landscape is pertinent data and infrastructure availability. Wealthier nations leverage their extensive datasets to develop sophisticated AI models and proposals. However, gaining access to reliable data in Africa is not trivial, creating a barrier for technological advancements to reach those who need them the most. Nevertheless, instances of innovation, such as Kenya’s M-Pesa, which has revolutionized the payment world through mobile data, serve as a reminder of the transformative possibilities that lie ahead.
Technological Challenges for AI Advancement in Africa
It is crucial to overcome technological challenges to make AI impactful for people experiencing poverty. Research stresses distinguishing short-term and long-term values in AI adoption. An important strategy involves customizing technology from developed nations for local use, facilitating the creation of solutions that resonate with the specific needs of diverse communities.
Another strategy involves decentralizing AI products to meet local needs. This not only has the potential to uplift incomes but can also stimulate economic growth. However, implementing such strategies is challenging, particularly in regions with trust issues, as easy code modification is possible in those cases. Society plays a vital role in monitoring new systems and highlighting abuses to ensure technology reaches those in need efficiently.
Cost Management and Innovation Take Center Stage in Health Care
With the automation of medical procedures, artificial intelligence can help health professionals do more and reach more people with limited resources. Currently, less than 30% of the applications deploy artificial intelligence in health care. AI has the potential to improve outcomes and decrease treatment costs, thus making diagnosis accessible to a larger group of the population.
Several African countries have adopted artificial intelligence today to automate radiology tasks, enabling more frequent tests to rule out the severity of diseases, thus actively assisting in medical diagnostics. The Artificial Intelligence for Good Global Summit extensively explored empathy-based artificial intelligence as a promising future to complement patient care. Muthukumar emphasized how artificial intelligence can empathize with patients, particularly in critical situations like wait times. This can lead to medical innovations and a significant enhancement in the meaningful connection between caregivers and those needing care.
Nurturing Hope for the Future of AI for Africa’s Poor
Successful adoption of AI for Africa’s poor hinges on strong foundations in data, infrastructure and governance. The potential transformative applications in Africa may not necessarily replace humans but rather create new opportunities for them.
In the quest for cost containment and improved infrastructure, African nations must carefully balance adopting foreign AI solutions with promoting local innovations and regulations. This approach promises to uplift underserved communities, especially in vital sectors like health care and employment.
Crucially, this strategy resonates with the region’s commitment to implementing secure and practical solutions, contributing to a digital transformation that narrows the digital divide toward achieving the SDG goals.
– Sudha Krishnaswami
Photo: Flickr
Emergency Response Rooms and Local Response in Sudan
Roots of the Conflict
Sudanese journalist Nesrine Malik attributes the April 2023 conflict to the 2003 Darfur genocide. The then-president Omar al-Bashir deployed the Janjaweed militia, later formalized into the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in the loss of approximately 300,000 lives in the Darfur region as they suppressed a burgeoning rebellion.
In 2019, a successful revolution and military coup brought an end to al-Bashir’s 30-year rule. However, the subsequent power-sharing agreement between the Sudanese Army (SAF) and the RSF only intensified and fueled the flames of the current war, as leaders from both sides vied for dominance and control.
Impact on Civilian Lives
As of October 2023, 5 million people face emergency-level food insecurity. In Bahri City, 38 soup kitchens that supported 200,000 people can no longer source or distribute food due to energy blackouts. Subsequently, a warning from a February 2024 Clingendael report suggests a potential worst-case scenario where famine could claim the lives of 1 million people.
Furthermore, with approximately 30 million people deprived of health care, vulnerability to diseases such as malaria, measles, dengue and cholera has escalated significantly. Widespread human rights violations persist, as a December 2023 United Nations (U.N.) report reveals that RSF members allegedly perpetrated 118 cases of sexual violence, including 19 involving children.
Impact on Aid
Once in Sudan, bureaucratic hurdles often prevent aid from reaching those in need. The U.N. refers to difficulties government authorities place on aid groups, including obtaining visas, transporting aid and importing supplies. In December, fighting engulfed a humanitarian hub in Gezira state, displacing the 800,000 people it supported.
In fact, only 40,000 of those displaced have received aid as 70 World Food Programme (WFP) trucks were stuck in Port Sudan for two weeks in January, awaiting clearance. Both sides in the conflict are weaponizing international aid. The leader of the SAF has expressed intentions to obstruct aid to RSF-controlled regions and prohibit cross-border humanitarian assistance from neighboring states. Meanwhile, the RSF has imposed telecom blackouts which have hindered the delivery of essential supplies.
Additionally, armed fighters have reportedly looted aid trucks and warehouses, exacerbating the challenges in providing critical support to those in need. Constant threat looms over individuals providing life-saving aid. The Aid Worker Security Database reported the deaths of 25 aid workers in 2023. Since April of that year, the World Health Organization (WHO) has registered 60 attacks on health workers.
Emergency Response Rooms and Localised Aid Efforts
The urgency of aid is clear but the response remains insufficient. The U.N. has appealed $2.6 billion to address the crisis, yet it has only secured 3.59% of this amount. The number of national NGOs, international NGOs and U.N. Agencies had dropped from 174 to 85, three months into the conflict. Recognizing this shortfall, highly localized and volunteer-driven efforts of Emergency Response Rooms (ERR) are filling the gap.
The ERRs ensure the availability of fundamental services by assessing local needs and mobilizing volunteers to address them. ERRs have a diverse range of responsibilities, including providing daily meals, assisting pregnant women and individuals with chronic diseases, coordinating with local electricians to repair damaged power lines, facilitating the return of medical staff to hospitals, sourcing fuel for ambulances and disseminating information about safe passages or reported conflict areas.
In addition, the impactful work of ERRs has reached more than 4 million civilians and evacuated 12,000 people. These organizations prioritize transparency in their operations, adopt a decentralized and horizontal organizational structure and adhere to democratic decision-making processes. These principles are aimed at delivering a person-centered response working to prevent Sudan from total collapse.
Challenges Confronting Emergency Response Rooms
The ERRs face challenges of being overstretched, underfunded and lacking resources. The Sudan Crisis Coordination Unit emphasizes a prevailing mentality that sees the local response as “not integral to the international humanitarian response.”
Supporting community-led responses saves lives and directly contributes to shaping a more representative and responsive Sudan that meets its citizens’ needs. The head of USAID has recognized the efforts of ERRs and expressed intentions to shift from a model dependent on the U.N. to one that acknowledges the role of community-based groups.
Strengthening the Emergency Response Rooms
A report from Shabaka in January 2024 offers guidelines for aiding Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs). It emphasizes several crucial aspects: providing ERRs with ample, adaptable funding for necessary staff, supplies and medicines; enhancing communication and coordination among ERRs, medical facilities and humanitarian groups.
Moreover, establishing security measures to shield ERRs from conflict, harassment and intervention; upholding medical neutrality and humanitarian principles to keep ERRs open to all in need; and endorsing training and capacity building for ERR staff in trauma care, infection prevention, mental health and psychosocial support.
Moreover, the Sudanese people show remarkable resilience in the face of war. However, there is a need for the international community to actively recognize and support the model that ERRs offer for humanitarian work, to bolster aid efforts in the country.
– Ben Miley-Smith
Photo: Unsplash