Malawi is a landlocked Southeast African country that borders Zambia, the United Republic of Tanzania and Mozambique. With an estimated population of 21,279,597 in 2023, the country is rife with poverty and has experienced stagnation in progress due to low education completion rates, slow infrastructure reform and the recurrent shocks of drought and flooding. High dependency on low-yield subsistence agriculture has resulted in high rates of food insecurity and limited the country’s potential for economic growth. Furthermore, limited investment in health care infrastructure, especially in isolated rural areas, has increased the population’s vulnerability to disease: in 2011, there were 1.3 hospital beds per 1,000 people and, as of 2020, Malawi’s health expenditure accounted for only 5.4% of its GDP.
Consequently, many in Malawi are at great risk of contracting and suffering from infectious diseases, including food and waterborne illnesses and diseases transmitted by animals. Malaria, typhoid and cholera are three of the most predominant diseases impacting Malawi. Fortunately, there has been ongoing progress in improving health care services in Malawi and reducing the spread of disease.
Malaria in Malawi
A life-threatening tropical disease, Malaria is caused by one of five species of parasites that can be transmitted to humans through infected mosquitos. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the primary symptoms include fevers and headaches. However, without fast and effective treatment, the disease can lead to more serious symptoms, including anemia, respiratory dysfunction and organ failure, resulting in death.
Difficulty in recognizing the primary symptoms of malaria has contributed to its fast spread. Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Malawi is highly susceptible to malaria outbreaks because much of the population depends on agriculture for income, and farmland and irrigation systems can provide favorable breeding habitats for mosquitos. Climate change is exacerbating the threat of malaria as rising temperatures, rainfall and humidity enable mosquitos to breed in new areas. Additionally, anti-malarial drug resistance, alongside mosquito resistance to insecticides, continues to increase, making it exceedingly difficult to prevent and eradicate the disease.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), “in 2021, there were 247 million malaria cases globally that led to 619,000 deaths in total.” Highlighting the inordinate risk that malaria poses in Malawi, the World Bank recorded 219.2 malaria infections per every 1,000 Malawian people in 2021. More recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) clarified, in its 2023 Malaria Operational Plan for Malawi, that the country’s entire population is at risk, with a projected 9,692,000 malaria cases afflicting the country in 2023.
However, there have been growing efforts to tackle the threat. In addition to USAID’s initiatives, scientists from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Lancaster University are collaborating to fight the spread of malaria in Malawi using drones. By collecting aerial data, they are able to identify, predict and reduce mosquito breeding sites, thus reducing the number of malaria infections.
Typhoid Fever in Malawi
Typhoid fever is caused by ingesting the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which multiplies in the human bloodstream. Easily contracted through contaminated food or water sources, the disease causes symptoms including chronic high fevers, headaches, nausea and diarrhea and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Poor sanitation and lack of access to safe water have made it prevalent in Malawi, recording an estimated 16,000 cases or more of typhoid each year. With children under the age of 15 accounting for about 64% of Malawi’s typhoid infections and 67% of its typhoid deaths as of 2017, increased drug resistance has made typhoid a growing concern in recent years.
A 2021 study found the WHO-prequalified Typbar-TCV vaccine to be not only longer-lasting and more effective than previous vaccines, but also 84% effective and safe for children that are six months and older. Accordingly, in 2022, the Malawian government launched a campaign to distribute the vaccine to all children between nine months and 15 years of age.
Cholera in Malawi
Cholera is another life-threatening disease that is transmitted by contaminated food or water, consequently posing a heightened threat to those who lack access to basic sanitation services and clean water supplies. While most infected people develop no or only mild symptoms, some become severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea, and this can cause death within hours if left untreated. Between March 3, 2022, and February 3, 2023, Malawi had 36,943 reported cases of cholera, with the outbreak causing a reported 1,210 deaths. Fortunately, oral rehydration solutions are effective for treating the disease, and improved hygiene and vaccinations can significantly reduce its spread. WHO and UNICEF have been supporting Malawi in the fight against cholera by promoting these and other forms of treatment and prevention.
For example, WHO has trained more than 800 health care workers to save lives and worked with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to increase surveillance of the disease, provide medical treatment and chlorinated water and improve community hygiene. UNICEF has provided water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and trained 480 Health Surveillance Assistants and community members to detect and report cases of cholera. Furthermore, the organization has supplied affected areas with cholera treatment kits. These include 25 Acute Watery Diarrhea kits, each of which can help treat over 2,000 cases. Working in conjunction with WHO and UNICEF, the Government of Malawi also initiated a national Oral Cholera Vaccination campaign that, as of August 2022, has helped provide life-saving vaccinations to around 1,136,643 people.
Looking Forward
These and other diseases impacting Malawi are placing pressure on the country’s limited health care services, with a lack of sanitation, clean water supplies and knowledge contributing to the escalation. While the situation urgently calls for further funding and support, WHO, UNICEF, the Malawian government and others are making steady progress in the fight to mitigate the spread of diseases in Malawi and alleviate the suffering of affected people.
– Isla Wright
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know about Weyak: Mental Health in Qatar
Weyak Helps More Than 249,000 People
Since 2014, more than 249,000 people have benefitted from Weyak’s services. Weyak’s training workshops for specialists, individuals and organizations are more than 8,000. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the organization played a vital role by running programs to help people in distress and struggling with feelings of uncertainty or anxiety.
Despite facing difficulties in their first year of service, the organization grew stronger, signing cooperations with several important institutions such as the Ministry of Public Health and the World Innovation Summit for Health (WISH).
The Signing of the Memorandum of Understanding
In 2017, at Doha’s Tornado Tower, Weyak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WISH. This establishes a cooperative framework to promote mental health in Qatar. It implements the best and latest international practices to achieve high standards of community mental health. MoU also allows the exchange of mental health information and ideas over various platforms, enabling WISH and Weyak to expand their networks within Qatar.
Further benefits of their collaboration include Weyak’s support of WISH at key mental health events. Its expertise within the community also aids the development of support groups for caregivers and those who suffer from mental health issues.
Weyak’s Free Tele-Counseling Service
As part of its service, Weyak provides free tele-counseling to those who need it. Promoted as a confidential and safe space, individuals can speak to a trained counselor who can offer support, as well as guide them to further resources. The service is available in seven languages: English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Malayalam, Tamil and Tagalog.
In March 2020, Weyak announced an extension of its phone counseling hours. Psychological support is now available for 12 hours daily, significantly increasing its accessibility from 12 pm – 8 pm to 9 am – 9 pm. The service remains free of charge.
Weyak’s Partnership with Oryx GTL
In early 2018, the synthetic fuel plant Oryx GTL provided financial support for Weyak’s psychological counseling program. With this financial aid, Weyak ran hundreds of counseling, educational and psychological sessions.
This is not the first time that Oryx GTL has partnered with Weyak. In 2015, the two organizations joined together to distribute a “self-construction map” to independent and private schools in Qatar. This map raised awareness of comprehensive mental health concepts among students and faculty. With such a partnership, Weyak continues to be able to expand its service to improve mental health in Qatar.
The Future for Weyak?
With increasing developments in Qatar’s mental health sector, organizations such as Weyak provide a valuable service. However, the organization is very reliant on sponsors and funding. Many sponsors and organizations tie funds to conditions and expect immediate results. And ever since the launch of its services in 2014, Weyak continues serving to provide an effective service for those struggling with mental health in Qatar.
– Grace Clay
Photo: Flickr
What Are Human Rights Cities?
According to the Raoul Wallenberg Institute, “Human Rights Cities are cities where local government, local parliament, civil society, private sector and other stakeholders are committed to ensuring the use and application of international human rights standards.” This means safeguarding the economic and social rights even of those living at the margins of society and making individual well-being the central focus of municipal policies.
Human rights include, but are not limited to: “the right to life, liberty and security of person; the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; and the right to an adequate standard of living.” However, despite their universal importance, human rights are often violated or ignored, especially when it concerns those who suffer most from poverty and inequality. By placing human rights at the center of local governance and decision-making, Human Rights Cities aim to create more just, equitable and sustainable societies. Such cities seek to address the root causes of poverty and inequality by empowering individuals to claim and exercise their rights.
History of the Human Rights Cities Movement
The People’s Movement for Human Rights Learning (PDHRE) introduced the Human Rights Cities initiative in 1993, following the World Conference on Human Rights held in Vienna in the same year. The aim was to mobilize communities to implement human rights principles at the local level, with a focus on mitigating poverty and improving standards of living, education and security for all. Early cities to adopt the approach included Rosario, Argentina (signed on in 1997) and Graz, Austria, which became the first European Human Rights City in 2001. Since then, cities including Vienna, Utrecht and Barcelona have followed suit.
Rosario
With a population of about 1.2 million people, Rosario is the largest city in Central Argentina’s Santa Fe Province. It became the world’s first Human Rights City when some 100 citizens and leaders, representing the interests of women, children, indigenous peoples and other groups, gathered to sign a proclamation supporting a human-rights-based approach to governance. The city formed a Citizen’s Committee with representatives from all social sectors to identify local human rights violations and address their root causes. Community members worked together to devise solutions based on the principles of “transparency, participation, accountability, reciprocity and a commitment to eliminate poverty.”
Since signing the proclamation in 1997, Rosario has seen great success. Although the city comprises only about 3% of Argentina’s population, as of 2017, the province that it anchors contributed 10% to the national GDP. Rosario continues to grow as a major hub for industrial and agricultural exports, making a strong impact on the country’s economic health.
Barcelona
The capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, Barcelona adopted a Human Rights City approach in 2016. The city has implemented policies aimed at reducing poverty and promoting social inclusion, including measures to ensure access to affordable housing, healthcare and education. In just a short time, these efforts have significantly helped to reduce poverty and inequality. For instance, between 2017 and 2020, Barcelona’s poverty rate dropped from 23.8% to 21.7%. Furthermore, in 2019, Barcelona’s GDP increased by 2.3% and the larger Catalonia region’s per capita GDP exceeded the European Union average by 12%.
Utrecht
Utrecht adopted Human Rights City standards in 2010 with a vision of protecting its inhabitants’ basic socio-economic rights and improving their quality of life. In 2013, the city formed a Local Human Rights Coalition that brought together civic organizations, businesses, leaders and activists. The coalition has worked with communities to develop and implement policies aimed at protecting personal freedoms and children’s rights, improving health, reducing poverty and ending discrimination. With a per capita GDP of $38,000, Utrecht and its rights-based approach to municipal governance have had a notable social and economic impact while improving its citizens’ overall well-being.
Human Rights Cities’ Impact on Poverty
These successes demonstrate that a Human Rights City approach can significantly help reduce poverty and improve lives around the globe. Through inclusive governance, Human Rights Cities engage all members of the community in the decision-making processes that affect their lives. These cities strive to ensure that everyone has a say in how resources are allocated and how policies are implemented.
Human Rights Cities recognize that poverty is not just a lack of income, but also a lack of the fundamental resources and opportunities that people need to live a dignified life. Despite globally rising poverty rates, the trends suggest that Human Rights Cities can help reduce social and economic inequities, protect rights and resources for those who need them most and give all individuals and communities a fair chance to succeed.
Sustained efforts and collaborations between governments, civic organizations and communities indicate that there is hope for another world (a Human Rights World) that works for all.
– Sarmad Wali Khan
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know About Elderly Poverty in Iraq
What is Elderly Poverty?
Elderly poverty is when people over the age of 65 live without a sufficient income or pension. In the countries belonging to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, approximately 14% of those over the age of 65 live in poverty. In comparison, the rate of poverty across the population of these countries on average is about 11.6%. Globally, elderly poverty is increasing, due to people living longer and having insufficient pensions.
Elderly Poverty in Iraq
Iraq has a population of approximately 41 million people, of which 5.1% (2 million people) are older than 60. According to the United Nations Population Fund, this number is expected to increase to around 7.5 million (10.6%) by 2050. While sources cannot reliably determine the exact rate of elderly poverty in Iraq, fewer than 20% of older people have a pension, which results in many working past retirement age.
In addition to this, literacy rates are lower among the elderly in Iraq, making jobs outside of manual labor difficult to obtain. Among those over 70 years, only 42% are literate; for those between 60 and 69 years, only 63% are literate. Although programs exist to improve literacy rates in Iraq, they focus primarily on the young.
The number of elderly workers has increased significantly in Iraq, making them commonplace, especially among those who fled and relocated due to ISIS. Obtaining work as an elderly laborer can be difficult, as younger workers are more desirable to companies, due to their physical strength and higher rates of literacy. The elderly population of Iraq needs the government to intervene to ensure there are job opportunities for all ages and skill sets.
Women in Iraq and the Impact of Elderly Poverty
Elderly poverty also negatively impacts women, as the care of elderly people usually falls to female family members, limiting their ability to get a job. According to the Iraq Women Integrated Social and Health Survey, 31% of the elderly women interviewed needed help to perform basic daily tasks. The majority of this help comes from their families, as less than 1% have access to external health care workers. This is likely due to costs, as only 59.7% of the interviewed women over 55 were able to afford health care.
In Iraq, aid for the elderly is primarily the responsibility of their families rather than the government, but the lack of government involvement frequently perpetuates the cycle. Many women cannot work due to looking after elderly or disabled relatives, and without work, they cannot gain a pension. This perpetuates a cycle of generational poverty among the elderly. Furthermore, many people in Iraq lost family members during the conflicts, resulting in a number of elderly people who have neither familial nor government assistance.
Organizations Help Solve the Elderly Poverty Issue in Iraq
Fortunately, organizations and programs are in place to improve elderly poverty in Iraq. HelpAge International is an organization centered around improving the lives of the elderly by advocating for greater social protection, better health care and the recognition of the needs and rights of the elderly during crises. Elderly people are often physically unable to flee during conflicts or natural disasters, but aid organizations frequently overlook their specific needs (such as accessible food distribution points or recovery loans). The Jiyan Foundation has partnered with HelpAge International in Iraq, where they provide support to those suffering from the effects of human rights violations and conflict.
The Social Protection Program for Iraq: Leveraging Effective Response and Accelerating Reform is an EU-supported program lasting from April 1, 2021, to December 31, 2025. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), alongside the Iraqi government, is working in collaboration with the World Food Program and the International Labor Organization to improve conditions for vulnerable people in Iraq. The program aims to encourage legislative reform around social protection, such as benefits and pension schemes while optimizing existing systems. The overall goal is to ensure that by 2024, vulnerable people such as the elderly, women, the young, the disabled and Internally Displaced People will be able to access income security and social insurance.
Shedding Light on Elderly Poverty Across the World
In recent years, elderly poverty has been gaining more recognition globally. Since 1990, October 1 has been celebrated as the International Day of Older Persons, and in 2010, the U.N. General Assembly created the Open-Ended Working Group on Aging. This group works to improve the human rights of elderly people within international law. Elderly poverty is also becoming more widely studied by academic institutions like Oxford and Harvard. In 2021, the World Health Organization and several U.N. departments published a report on ageism and the need to eliminate it from society.
Elderly people are among the most vulnerable in society, and it is essential that they are included in and protected by government legislation. As life expectancy continues to rise with advancements in technology and science, it is more important than ever to address elderly poverty. With further international support and government initiatives, elderly poverty in Iraq could be significantly reduced.
– Tasha B. Johnson
Photo: Unsplash
How War Impacts Education in Ukraine
The Impact of War on Education in Ukraine
The war has left children without the necessary education. During wartime, schools and other educational facilities became targets of Russian attacks. According to the official report of the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, 3,246 educational institutions, including kindergartens and universities have been damaged. In Eastern Ukraine, the destruction is most significant. The most affected educational institutions are in the Zaporizhzhia region where Russians destroyed 175 institutions. Russian troops tore down 69 institutions in the Donetsk region, 52 in the Kharkiv region and 23 in the Kherson region.
Air raid sirens during the day force pupils to go to the basement and continue studying there. When classes are online there are problems with the Internet due to regular blackouts. The situation in the east of Ukraine is unstable. Russians force Ukrainian teachers to conduct classes in Russian language and narrative. As a result, parents preferably choose not to let their children go to classes.
Ongoing Efforts
As a part of a solution to help maintain an educational level in the country, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine launched an initiative that aims to support children and parents and ensure that every kid gets an opportunity to learn. UNICEF also made provisions for 1,000 schools across Ukraine and help each one get ready for the winter period.
Ukrainian volunteers together with the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine have launched SchoolToGo. The project is offering free online school classes to everyone from 1st to 11th grade. The lessons developed by the teachers and psychologists are fully accredited and comply with a basic school program. Also, SchoolToGo offers psychological support for children if they need it. SchoolToGo defines its mission as “so that every Ukrainian child, with the help of our platform, gets into a class with Ukrainian-speaking teachers and classmates again, and does not feel lonely.”
Looking Ahead
Despite the devastating impact of the war in Ukraine on education, ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Education, UNICEF, and volunteers aim to provide support and opportunities for children. Initiatives like “Together to Study” and SchoolToGo offer shelter goods, winter preparation and free online school classes to ensure access to education. These projects prioritize the well-being and academic development of Ukrainian children, striving to overcome the challenges posed by the conflict and promote a sense of community.
– Anna Konovalenko
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Rights in Chad
Outcomes for Women and Girls in Chad
Chad has the highest rates of child marriage in the world. 67% of girls in Chad were married before age 18 and 30% before age 15. As of 2013, the adolescent birth rate was 179.4 per 1,000 girls aged 15 years to 19 years. In 2018, 16.2% of women and girls (15 years to 49 years) were subject to physical and/or sexual violence and 34.1% of girls and women in the same age groups had undergone female genital mutilation.
Female genital mutilation or FGM is a widespread practice in Chad. Unfortunately, it is a practice that violates human rights, and is one that is carried out on infant and under-15-year-old girls. A nonprofit organization, 28 TOO MANY, works with communities in Chad with the highest number of cases. On the bright side, there has been some progress in alleviating the issue, with The Reproductive Health Law awaiting support from the office of the President. Efforts to reduce poverty have also yielded positive results. In addition, the in-work poverty rate dropped from 47 % in 2011 to 42 % in 2018. As of 2021, this figure stood at 41%. The figure continues to remain relatively high because women do not have access to dignified work. They engage in activities like procuring water, cooking meals and looking after husbands and children. Women rarely inherit properties, and they mostly depend on men for security and prosperity.
Ongoing Work
Various organizations work to help women and girls in their pursuit of security. CARE International, for example, seeks to provide economic justice to women through access to financial services. CARE International defines economic justice as the ‘right to economic resources’.
These resources target women entrepreneurs, who account for 31% to 38% of small to medium size enterprises in the global south. As a result of this program, 270,000 women in 11 countries have seen their average business earnings increase by 91%. The management of run-off water and the construction of weirs in Chad’s Sahel region is among ongoing efforts. The Sahel is a vast, semi-arid region in Africa. In times of low rainfall, the area becomes highly susceptible to famine. A weir is crucial in these circumstances, as it ensures effective water run-off and consistent water availability. Between 2012 and 2018, the project created 64 weirs. As a result, feed available for livestock has increased ‘significantly’ and grass now grows on arable land for ‘longer periods’. Millet yields have doubled and vegetable yields have risen 23%.
Looking Ahead
Through programs supported by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, efforts are underway to address gender-based violence and improve outcomes for women and girls in Chad. These initiatives aim to tackle issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and maternal deaths, providing girls with skills, information and services to challenge societal taboos and promote gender equality. Additionally, organizations like 28 TOO MANY and CARE International are working to combat practices like female genital mutilation and provide economic justice to women through access to financial services, contributing to positive changes in Chad.
– James Durbin
Photo: Flickr
The Fisherwomen Oyster Harvesting in Ghana
Fisherwomen in Ghana
Fisherwomen in Ghana traverse the estuarine habitats of marshes, mangrove swamps and tidal flats and gather the mangrove oysters that reside within their mud, sand and roots by hand. This manner of oyster harvesting is common in many West African countries, including Benin, Senegal and Guinea-Bissau. As most of the shore-based fishers who collect invertebrates like oysters are female — which is a global pattern — collection-based oyster fisheries are particularly important for the lives and livelihoods of women living in the coastal regions of developing countries. Therefore, the radical decline of Ghana’s oyster population, due to a combination of population growth, increased strain on resources and loss of habitats, has potentially devastating consequences.
Tackling the Problem
In response to the decline, the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Sustainable Fisheries Management Project (SFMP) has partnered with a local NGO, the Development Action Association, and the Ghana Fisheries Commission to tackle the problem. The initiative focuses on the communities of Tsokomey, Tetegu and Bortianor in the Densu Delta of the Greater Accra region, where much of Ghana’s oyster harvesting occurs. Providing on-the-ground support since 2016, the project has helped local harvesters establish the Densu Estuary Women’s Oyster Pickers Association (DOPA), an organization of more than 150 women who are working to restore oyster habitats and implement sustainable harvesting practices. By providing leadership training to DOPA members and educating them on oyster ecology, reproductive cycles and sustainable aquaculture management, the project is empowering fisherwomen in Ghana to protect the fisheries on which they depend.
Restoring Hope
Restoring local oyster fisheries is critical for sustaining Ghana’s coastal population. For instance, in the Greater Accra region, income from oyster harvesting accounts for an average of 45% of total household income. The harvested oysters are steamed and sold at the local market, and some even sell the shells for use in road construction, poultry grit and lime flour.
Furthermore, oysters are an important part of local diets, especially for women. For example, a 2022 study found that women in Ghana’s Bortianor/Tsokomey region consume up to 1,700 grams of oysters, which is equivalent to about 470 oysters, per month. High in iron, zinc, omega-3 and other fatty acids, oysters are a rich source of protein and nutrients. Their high iron content, specifically, has been shown to reduce the risk of developing anemia, a condition that is alarmingly prevalent in Ghana, especially among pregnant women. In fact, Ghana’s coastal regions have the lowest recorded rates of anemia in the country, with anemia afflicting 4% of the coastal population, as compared to 5% of the population in Ghana’s forest regions and 15% in its savannah regions.
While the loss of important oyster stocks poses a severe threat to both the health and livelihood of fisherwomen in Ghana, USAID and its partner organizations recognize the importance of protecting Ghana’s oyster fisheries and habitats. Its work to support local communities to bolster oyster harvesting in Ghana is also helping to restore hope for the future.
– Amy McAlpine
Photo: Flickr
7 facts about poverty in Kosovo
7 Facts about Poverty in Kosovo
NGO Efforts
There are NGOs working in Kosovo to help improve these poverty metrics. One example is Caritas, a Catholic humanitarian organization that provides various services to vulnerable groups, including the poor, elderly and children. The organization’s programs focus on education, health, social protection and emergency assistance. Originally becoming active in Kosovo in 1992 to help tackle one of Europe’s highest poverty rates, Caritas continued its commitment and now employs more than 600 people in the country.
Another NGO working in Kosovo is the Kosovar Gender Studies Center (KGSC). The KGSC’s work includes advocacy for gender-responsive policies, training and education on gender-related issues, and awareness-raising campaigns. KGSC collaborates with government institutions, civil society organizations and international partners to advance gender equality in Kosovo. Through its activities, KCGS aims to improve the status of women and girls, combat gender-based violence, increase women’s political participation and promote women’s economic empowerment. The KGSC advocates for paid maternity leave and increased child support, often providing those facilities themselves.
Looking Ahead
Despite the significant challenges Kosovo faces regarding poverty and economic instability, there are organizations like Caritas working tirelessly to make a positive impact. Its dedication, alongside other NGOs, offers a glimmer of hope for the future and the potential for positive change in the lives of those affected by poverty in Kosovo.
– John Cordner
Photo: Pixabay
A Look at Elderly Poverty in Portugal
The Problem
The older demographic faces problems that younger generations do not experience, including elderly poverty in Portugal. As of 2021, the nation saw 17% of elderly people at risk of poverty compared to its 16.4% national average. Older women tend to be more affected by poverty than men, but both carry extra and strenuous burdens.
Older citizens tend to be less engaged in social and cultural activities, and this can result in reduced life satisfaction. In 2021, more than a third of people in the country, aged 16 years or above, reported health problems that limited their participation in activities.
Poverty exacerbates this condition as those with limited resources have less access to basic needs like water, food and health care. Many live in a dependent state without any means to support themselves or provide an independent source of income. Based on data from the statistical office of the EU Eurostat, 37.2% of the elderly population was dependent in 2022.
Being dependent prevents elders from seeking new opportunities and keeps them sedentary.
When the family is impoverished, then the elderly has even less of a chance to get the help they need because care service costs increase with age.
Only 16.8% of Portugal’s elderly population said their health was good or very good. The majority reported their health as fair, bad or very bad with about a third in the latter categories.
According to a study by ScienceDirect, lower income in Portugal correlates with lower life, happiness and health. However, an interesting finding shows that elderly adults in Portugal have high satisfaction with life, even with poor health standards and diminished material wealth. Older Portuguese citizens went through dramatic socio-economic structural changes during the world wars and withstood the Estado Novo regime until 1974. These lifelong experiences contribute to the elderly population’s outlook that they have today, with higher living standards and incomes nationwide.
Future Outlook
Elderly poverty in Portugal will continue for future generations unless continued steps reverse it. Even though the citizenry is getting smaller, the elderly community will rise.
In 2011, Portugal addressed the United Nations (U.N.) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, regarding “the rights of older persons.” The agency stood by its continued efforts to promote the safety, happiness and health of an aging country.
Senior programs make up a large share of government funding and are predicted to gain more support. As of 2021, old age made up 11.9% of total spending on social protection, which was the highest out of any other expenditure. This means more spending on pensions for the oldest citizens and attending to their special needs.
Portugal also has a financial support system for low-income recipients called Solidarity Supplement for the Elderly (CSI). Citizens are given financial assistance with incomes below the reference value of €488.21. The estimate paid to these recipients depends upon the difference between the reference value and the pensioner’s income. This allows for the most destitute people to receive more assistance.
More people are covered by the program than in past years. Previously, the reference value was lower at €438.21 which limits the scope of those covered. CSI now has a higher maximum and no longer considers children’s incomes when giving financial assistance.
Looking Ahead
There are challenges regarding elderly poverty in Portugal, but government programs and education on the problem aim to aid those in need. Recent improvements in the nation’s social assistance programs show a positive future for the elderly.
– Emma Ferschweiler
Photo: Flickr
Diseases Impacting Malawi
Consequently, many in Malawi are at great risk of contracting and suffering from infectious diseases, including food and waterborne illnesses and diseases transmitted by animals. Malaria, typhoid and cholera are three of the most predominant diseases impacting Malawi. Fortunately, there has been ongoing progress in improving health care services in Malawi and reducing the spread of disease.
Malaria in Malawi
A life-threatening tropical disease, Malaria is caused by one of five species of parasites that can be transmitted to humans through infected mosquitos. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the primary symptoms include fevers and headaches. However, without fast and effective treatment, the disease can lead to more serious symptoms, including anemia, respiratory dysfunction and organ failure, resulting in death.
Difficulty in recognizing the primary symptoms of malaria has contributed to its fast spread. Like other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Malawi is highly susceptible to malaria outbreaks because much of the population depends on agriculture for income, and farmland and irrigation systems can provide favorable breeding habitats for mosquitos. Climate change is exacerbating the threat of malaria as rising temperatures, rainfall and humidity enable mosquitos to breed in new areas. Additionally, anti-malarial drug resistance, alongside mosquito resistance to insecticides, continues to increase, making it exceedingly difficult to prevent and eradicate the disease.
According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), “in 2021, there were 247 million malaria cases globally that led to 619,000 deaths in total.” Highlighting the inordinate risk that malaria poses in Malawi, the World Bank recorded 219.2 malaria infections per every 1,000 Malawian people in 2021. More recently, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) clarified, in its 2023 Malaria Operational Plan for Malawi, that the country’s entire population is at risk, with a projected 9,692,000 malaria cases afflicting the country in 2023.
However, there have been growing efforts to tackle the threat. In addition to USAID’s initiatives, scientists from Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine and Lancaster University are collaborating to fight the spread of malaria in Malawi using drones. By collecting aerial data, they are able to identify, predict and reduce mosquito breeding sites, thus reducing the number of malaria infections.
Typhoid Fever in Malawi
Typhoid fever is caused by ingesting the bacterium Salmonella Typhi, which multiplies in the human bloodstream. Easily contracted through contaminated food or water sources, the disease causes symptoms including chronic high fevers, headaches, nausea and diarrhea and, in severe cases, can be fatal. Poor sanitation and lack of access to safe water have made it prevalent in Malawi, recording an estimated 16,000 cases or more of typhoid each year. With children under the age of 15 accounting for about 64% of Malawi’s typhoid infections and 67% of its typhoid deaths as of 2017, increased drug resistance has made typhoid a growing concern in recent years.
A 2021 study found the WHO-prequalified Typbar-TCV vaccine to be not only longer-lasting and more effective than previous vaccines, but also 84% effective and safe for children that are six months and older. Accordingly, in 2022, the Malawian government launched a campaign to distribute the vaccine to all children between nine months and 15 years of age.
Cholera in Malawi
Cholera is another life-threatening disease that is transmitted by contaminated food or water, consequently posing a heightened threat to those who lack access to basic sanitation services and clean water supplies. While most infected people develop no or only mild symptoms, some become severely dehydrated due to vomiting and diarrhea, and this can cause death within hours if left untreated. Between March 3, 2022, and February 3, 2023, Malawi had 36,943 reported cases of cholera, with the outbreak causing a reported 1,210 deaths. Fortunately, oral rehydration solutions are effective for treating the disease, and improved hygiene and vaccinations can significantly reduce its spread. WHO and UNICEF have been supporting Malawi in the fight against cholera by promoting these and other forms of treatment and prevention.
For example, WHO has trained more than 800 health care workers to save lives and worked with Malawi’s Ministry of Health to increase surveillance of the disease, provide medical treatment and chlorinated water and improve community hygiene. UNICEF has provided water, sanitation and hygiene supplies and trained 480 Health Surveillance Assistants and community members to detect and report cases of cholera. Furthermore, the organization has supplied affected areas with cholera treatment kits. These include 25 Acute Watery Diarrhea kits, each of which can help treat over 2,000 cases. Working in conjunction with WHO and UNICEF, the Government of Malawi also initiated a national Oral Cholera Vaccination campaign that, as of August 2022, has helped provide life-saving vaccinations to around 1,136,643 people.
Looking Forward
These and other diseases impacting Malawi are placing pressure on the country’s limited health care services, with a lack of sanitation, clean water supplies and knowledge contributing to the escalation. While the situation urgently calls for further funding and support, WHO, UNICEF, the Malawian government and others are making steady progress in the fight to mitigate the spread of diseases in Malawi and alleviate the suffering of affected people.
– Isla Wright
Photo: Flickr
Health care in El Salvador
National Health Strategy
In recent years, poverty and inequality rates have significantly decreased. From 2007 to 2019, the poverty rate fell by 17% and extreme poverty dropped by 11.5%, making El Salvador one of the most equitable countries in Latin America. A significant contribution to the decline was the launch of the National Health Strategy in 2009. This governmental initiative aims to enhance the quality of care, reduce inequalities in access to care and improve the Ministry of Health’s overall system management.
Strengthening Public Health Care System
In support of El Salvador’s health reforms, the World Bank created the Strengthening Public Health Care System project, which focused on responding to the evolving needs of the nation. The project poured investments into more than 51 primary care hospitals and 30 secondary and tertiary hospitals, and this allowed for greater maintenance of clinical infrastructure and medical equipment. Additionally, the funding strengthened the National Institute of Health and the National Reference Laboratory, both of which are responsible for conducting surveys and collecting data required for monitoring public health during outbreaks of infectious diseases.
Project Results
The project targeted 2.1 million people across 92 municipalities in El Salvador. In regards to strengthening the Ministry of Health’s institutional capacity, it was able to improve safety standards and environmental regulations surrounding biohazard waste disposal. With respect to vaccination rates, the goal was to immunize 92.8% of children with a pentavalent vaccine by 2016 and by 2014, the nation had reached 95%. Additionally, in terms of child delivery, the aim was to have 84% of births take place in health care facilities by 2018. By the end of 2017, 99.8% of births were occurring in a clinical environment. Due to improved neonatal care and hospitalized deliveries, the rate of maternal mortality massively decreased from 65.4 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2006 to only 31 deaths in 2017. Also, the rate of infant mortality declined from 26.9 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2000 to only 12.5 deaths in 2017.
Looking Ahead
El Salvador has made significant strides in poverty reduction and health care access through initiatives such as the National Health Strategy. With investments from the World Bank’s Strengthening Public Health Care System project, the country has improved infrastructure, increased vaccination rates and achieved high rates of facility-based childbirth. These efforts have resulted in a substantial decrease in maternal and infant mortality rates, demonstrating the positive impact of strengthened health care systems on the well-being of the population.
– Divya Swaminathan
Photo: Flickr