International diplomacy usually operates behind closed doors. However, it plays an invaluable role in shaping poverty-reduction strategies in nations, including Egypt. International partnerships frequently influence the funding, structure and sustainability of these efforts, while domestic ministries implement social protection programs and economic reforms.
Development initiatives with multilateral institutions and bilateral partners help align reform agendas with poverty reduction objectives, especially during periods of economic transition. The Borgen Project spoke with a senior Egyptian diplomat with direct experience in international development negotiations, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of his position. According to the diplomat, poverty reduction in Egypt depends not only on domestic policy choices but also on sustained international engagement.
“Egypt works closely with international partners such as the UNDP, JICA and USAID to support reform programs and strengthen social safety nets aimed at alleviating poverty,” the diplomat told The Borgen Project in an interview.
Diplomacy and Development Financing
International negotiations often determine how development financing supports poverty-focused reforms. Egypt has engaged with institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during economic reform periods, particularly when implementing fiscal adjustments and structural reforms. These negotiations generally include commitments to protect vulnerable populations.
Development financing packages often integrate social protection measures to help low-income households avoid the harsh economic shocks associated with inflation, subsidy reforms or currency adjustments. The diplomat emphasized that development discussions extend beyond budget allocations. “When we negotiate with international institutions, we are not only discussing fiscal targets. We are also discussing how to protect low-income households and ensure reform does not increase vulnerability,” they said.
According to the World Bank, Egypt has expanded targeted social protection programs in recent years, including conditional cash transfer initiatives and food subsidy reforms designed to shield vulnerable populations during economic transitions.
UNDP and Institutional Reform
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports Egypt by strengthening governance systems and improving public service delivery. UNDP Egypt specifically focuses on inclusive growth and sustainable development frameworks. By improving administrative systems and strengthening monitoring mechanisms, UNDP-supported reforms enhance the efficiency and reach of social safety nets.
These improvements ensure that poverty reduction programs better target low-income households. The diplomat explained that institutional reform plays a central role in poverty policy. “Effective poverty reduction depends on strong institutions. Through cooperation with the UNDP, Egypt has worked to modernize administrative systems that support social protection programs,” they said.
Bilateral Cooperation With Japan and the United States
Egypt’s diplomacy also includes partnerships with bilateral development agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). JICA supports Egypt through infrastructure investment, vocational training and economic modernization projects. Workforce development initiatives increase employment opportunities, especially for youth and low-income workers. Such initiatives positively affect poverty reduction outcomes.
USAID’s Egypt portfolio includes programs focused on economic growth, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and education. By promoting small business development and strengthening local governance, USAID-supported initiatives aim to improve long-term economic stability. The diplomat described these partnerships as complementary to domestic reforms.
“Our discussions with partners like Japan and the United States focus on aligning development cooperation with Egypt’s social protection and economic reform priorities,” they said. By mobilizing external expertise and financial resources, diplomatic engagement strengthens Egypt’s capacity to expand social safety nets and economic opportunity programs.
Poverty, Stability and Regional Implications
Poverty reduction and policy within Egypt carry broader regional implications. Economic vulnerability can increase social tensions, migration pressures and instability. International development partners often frame poverty reduction as both a humanitarian objective and a stabilizing strategy.
Research from international institutions indicates that countries experiencing high economic vulnerability face greater risks of social unrest and forced migration. Diplomatic cooperation, therefore, plays a preventative role by supporting reforms that reduce long-term instability. The diplomat noted that poverty policy frequently intersects with regional security considerations.
They shared that “reducing poverty strengthens resilience at both the national and regional levels. Stable communities are less vulnerable to economic shocks and instability.” By integrating social protection with economic reform, international partnerships aim to balance fiscal sustainability with inclusive development.
Implementation Challenges
Despite progress, translating diplomatic agreements into effective domestic outcomes remains complex. Administrative capacity constraints, regional disparities and economic volatility continue to challenge implementation. International support can strengthen systems, but long-term poverty reduction depends on sustained political commitment and institutional development within Egypt itself.
The diplomat acknowledged these limitations. According to them, “Diplomacy can mobilize resources and technical expertise, but domestic implementation determines long-term impact.” Ensuring that social safety nets reach the most vulnerable households requires continued investment in data systems, targeting mechanisms and public service delivery.</span>
Looking Ahead
International partnerships continue to shape poverty-reduction policy in Egypt by influencing financing decisions, institutional reforms and program design. While domestic policy drives implementation, diplomacy plays a key role in mobilizing resources, aligning priorities and strengthening social safety nets. As Egypt navigates ongoing economic reform and regional uncertainty, sustained diplomatic engagement with multilateral and bilateral partners will remain central to reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth.
– Hana Abulkheir
Hana is based in London, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.
Photo: Unsplash
Village Health Workers Close the Immunization gap in Lesotho
A Campaign Built Around Outreach
Lesotho began preparing early for the October 2025 campaign. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that the national drive ran from Oct. 20–24, followed by mop-up efforts from Oct. 25–27 in low-coverage areas. The campaign was expected to reach 196,308 children ages 0–59 months through four interventions: measles-rubella vaccine oral polio vaccine, vitamin A and deworming tablets.
The WHO also said 85 participants joined training beforehand, including district health officials and representatives from the education and local government sectors. This campaign also built on earlier progress. According to the UNICEF Lesotho Annual Report 2024, measles-containing vaccine first-dose coverage rose from 84% in 2023 to 93% in 2024. The same report stated that UNICEF supported the administration of 12,564 measles-rubella vaccines in hard-to-reach areas during Africa Vaccination Week. It also highlighted media partnerships and outreach efforts to improve vaccine confidence.
How Village Health Workers Closed the Gap
Lesotho’s immunization gap has narrowed because village health workers performed practical, local work that a central system alone could not. First, they went house-to-house. The WHO’s reporting from Qacha’s Nek stated that village health workers explained the importance of immunization directly to families and guided them to vaccination sites.
In places where households are scattered across steep terrain, door-to-door outreach helps families who might otherwise miss the campaign entirely. This approach is crucial for those who do not know where to go, when vaccinators will arrive or who cannot risk a difficult trip without clear information.
Second, they helped build trust. The WHO reported that in Mokhotlong, health teams used patient dialogue and accurate information to speak with parents who were initially hesitant about vaccination. Village health workers were central to that effort because they were known in their communities and could speak as trusted neighbors rather than as distant officials.
Third, they noticed who was missing. A Gavi VaccinesWork report described how a village health worker in Leribe realized that a mother’s children had not appeared at a temporary vaccination point and alerted nursing staff. That follow-up uncovered a deeper problem: the family had fallen behind on routine childhood vaccines because the mother could not afford the $1.50 medical booklet or the roughly $1.60 return fare to Motebang Hospital. The case showed how village health workers do more than spread information. They help health teams identify children whose absence is tied to poverty rather than refusal.
Why Poverty Keeps Children at a Distance
The Leribe case shows why the immunization gap in Lesotho is tied to poverty. According to the World Bank, Lesotho’s unemployment rate was at 30.1% in 2024 and about 45.7% of the population lived on less than $3.00 per day. In that context, even minor health-related costs can become real barriers to routine care. For families living that close to the edge, access is shaped not only by whether vaccines are available but by whether reaching them is affordable.
Partners Supported Local Action
Lesotho’s Ministry of Health led the campaign, but local efforts were strengthened by external support. Gavi, the WHO and UNICEF provided financial and technical support for planning, implementation and monitoring. UNICEF’s 2024 annual report also stated that it developed community-based health policies and standardized training toolkits for village health workers, helping strengthen care quality at the community level.
The campaign showed that inclusion matters. A December 2025 VaccinesWork report stated that Lesotho printed 400 braille information packets ahead of the campaign, the first time the country’s immunization system had made vaccine information available in braille. According to the same report, 110,733 children under 5 received the measles-rubella vaccine, polio drops, albendazole and vitamin A during the Oct. 20–24 campaign.
This matters because closing the immunization gap in Lesotho is not only about delivering vaccines. It is also about making sure information reaches parents in forms they can use.
Final Remarks
Lesotho’s October 2025 campaign did not erase every structural barrier in a single week. The immunization gap in Lesotho is still shaped by poverty, geography and the limits of routine service delivery. But the campaign showed what progress looks like in practice: village health workers who know which households have young children, local chiefs opening their homes as vaccination sites and health teams that follow up when children do not appear.
In mountain communities where exclusion can happen quietly, this kind of community-based effort makes health care more accessible to families who are most likely to be missed. If Lesotho continues investing in village health workers, outreach and inclusive communication, more children from low-income families will be far less likely to be left behind.
– Tom Basu
Photo: Rawpixel
International Partnerships & Poverty Reduction Policy in Egypt
Development initiatives with multilateral institutions and bilateral partners help align reform agendas with poverty reduction objectives, especially during periods of economic transition. The Borgen Project spoke with a senior Egyptian diplomat with direct experience in international development negotiations, who requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of his position. According to the diplomat, poverty reduction in Egypt depends not only on domestic policy choices but also on sustained international engagement.
“Egypt works closely with international partners such as the UNDP, JICA and USAID to support reform programs and strengthen social safety nets aimed at alleviating poverty,” the diplomat told The Borgen Project in an interview.
Diplomacy and Development Financing
International negotiations often determine how development financing supports poverty-focused reforms. Egypt has engaged with institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) during economic reform periods, particularly when implementing fiscal adjustments and structural reforms. These negotiations generally include commitments to protect vulnerable populations.
Development financing packages often integrate social protection measures to help low-income households avoid the harsh economic shocks associated with inflation, subsidy reforms or currency adjustments. The diplomat emphasized that development discussions extend beyond budget allocations. “When we negotiate with international institutions, we are not only discussing fiscal targets. We are also discussing how to protect low-income households and ensure reform does not increase vulnerability,” they said.
According to the World Bank, Egypt has expanded targeted social protection programs in recent years, including conditional cash transfer initiatives and food subsidy reforms designed to shield vulnerable populations during economic transitions.
UNDP and Institutional Reform
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports Egypt by strengthening governance systems and improving public service delivery. UNDP Egypt specifically focuses on inclusive growth and sustainable development frameworks. By improving administrative systems and strengthening monitoring mechanisms, UNDP-supported reforms enhance the efficiency and reach of social safety nets.
These improvements ensure that poverty reduction programs better target low-income households. The diplomat explained that institutional reform plays a central role in poverty policy. “Effective poverty reduction depends on strong institutions. Through cooperation with the UNDP, Egypt has worked to modernize administrative systems that support social protection programs,” they said.
Bilateral Cooperation With Japan and the United States
Egypt’s diplomacy also includes partnerships with bilateral development agencies such as the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). JICA supports Egypt through infrastructure investment, vocational training and economic modernization projects. Workforce development initiatives increase employment opportunities, especially for youth and low-income workers. Such initiatives positively affect poverty reduction outcomes.
USAID’s Egypt portfolio includes programs focused on economic growth, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and education. By promoting small business development and strengthening local governance, USAID-supported initiatives aim to improve long-term economic stability. The diplomat described these partnerships as complementary to domestic reforms.
“Our discussions with partners like Japan and the United States focus on aligning development cooperation with Egypt’s social protection and economic reform priorities,” they said. By mobilizing external expertise and financial resources, diplomatic engagement strengthens Egypt’s capacity to expand social safety nets and economic opportunity programs.
Poverty, Stability and Regional Implications
Poverty reduction and policy within Egypt carry broader regional implications. Economic vulnerability can increase social tensions, migration pressures and instability. International development partners often frame poverty reduction as both a humanitarian objective and a stabilizing strategy.
Research from international institutions indicates that countries experiencing high economic vulnerability face greater risks of social unrest and forced migration. Diplomatic cooperation, therefore, plays a preventative role by supporting reforms that reduce long-term instability. The diplomat noted that poverty policy frequently intersects with regional security considerations.
They shared that “reducing poverty strengthens resilience at both the national and regional levels. Stable communities are less vulnerable to economic shocks and instability.” By integrating social protection with economic reform, international partnerships aim to balance fiscal sustainability with inclusive development.
Implementation Challenges
Despite progress, translating diplomatic agreements into effective domestic outcomes remains complex. Administrative capacity constraints, regional disparities and economic volatility continue to challenge implementation. International support can strengthen systems, but long-term poverty reduction depends on sustained political commitment and institutional development within Egypt itself.
The diplomat acknowledged these limitations. According to them, “Diplomacy can mobilize resources and technical expertise, but domestic implementation determines long-term impact.” Ensuring that social safety nets reach the most vulnerable households requires continued investment in data systems, targeting mechanisms and public service delivery.</span>
Looking Ahead
International partnerships continue to shape poverty-reduction policy in Egypt by influencing financing decisions, institutional reforms and program design. While domestic policy drives implementation, diplomacy plays a key role in mobilizing resources, aligning priorities and strengthening social safety nets. As Egypt navigates ongoing economic reform and regional uncertainty, sustained diplomatic engagement with multilateral and bilateral partners will remain central to reducing poverty and promoting inclusive growth.
– Hana Abulkheir
Photo: Unsplash
The Importance of Midwife Training Programs in Liberia
Maternal mortality, or the instance of a mother dying during or immediately after childbirth, occurs for different reasons. Researchers estimate that 75% of maternal deaths are the result of hemorrhages, severely high blood pressure, infections and unsafe abortion.
MMR statistics from neighboring countries illustrate just how high Liberia’s numbers are. Immediate neighbors’ MMRs range from Cote d’Ivoire’s at 399 per 100,000 births to Guinea’s 553 per 100,000 births.
Midwife Training Programs in Liberia
These statistics show that lowering maternal mortality rates in Liberia is possible. While the solution is multifactorial, growing and strengthening midwife training programs in Liberia is a pivotal part of the solution.
Midwives are medical professionals with differing levels of training who provide support to women through pregnancy, childbirth and in the early postpartum period. They work alongside obstetricians and gynecologists and provide personalized care to women. In Liberia, midwives would support pregnancy, delivery and postpartum, and would also help educate patients. Another key part of a midwife’s role in Liberia is educating patients on things like preventing unwanted pregnancies, personal care and HIV prevention.
Currently, Liberia has only 200 trained midwives. With 400 health facilities and a population of 4 million, 200 midwives account for a small fraction of the population. For reference, Côte d’Ivoire has 2,627.
Midwife training programs vary in length, but a prospective midwife can obtain a certificate in a minimum of 12 months in this region. To significantly reduce the MMR in Liberia, global health authorities are looking to maximize midwife training.
Given these numbers, solutions that expand access to care, particularly through trained midwives, are the clear focus of the World Health Organization (WHO) and its H6 partners.
The Schools
The Danish Midwives Association has partnered with several organizations such as the WHO and its H6 partners (UNAIDS, UNFPA, UNICEF, U.N. Women and the World Bank), to fund and clone the Danish program and establish an accessible path to Liberian midwifery. This partnership both standardizes and strengthens the midwife training taught in Liberia, with three years of education and works to strengthen health care facilities. The partners will provide additional antibiotics and family planning supplies, teach methods to prevent and care for hemorrhages, educate community members and provide more sanitary conditions in health facilities.
Midwife training programs in Liberia are currently limited to six schools. The primary focus will be to strengthen those six schools. A key part of strengthening the program is to train and retain teachers. This is specifically where the Danish Midwife Association comes in. In order for the schools to work efficiently, staff need to be robust and skilled.
With only about 200 midwives in all of Liberia, most women in the country currently do not receive prenatal care and give birth without medical assistance. Adding significant numbers of personnel to medical facilities that can both educate women on healthy pregnancies and assist in labor and delivery would narrow the care gap women experience in Liberia. Narrowing this gap would directly affect the MMR in Liberia.
Looking Ahead
While MMR is high and midwife headcounts are low, global health authorities have developed a clear plan to change this. With involvement of groups like the WHO and its H6 partners and their partnership with the Danish Midwives Association, these global health authorities are working to increase midwife headcounts to bolster prenatal care and improve maternal health outcomes.
– Nicole Miller
Photo: Flickr
Improvements in Maternal Health Care in Timor-Leste
A lack of qualified specialists in maternal health care has partly explained how Timor-Leste has come to experience one of the highest mortality rates for new mothers in the Southeast Asian region. The rate stands at 195 per 100,000 births. However, a host of developments, both in national health planning and community organization efforts, have driven improvements in maternal health care outcomes.
Technology in Health Care: Liga Inan
Liga Inan, translated as “connecting mothers,” is a phone-based application first developed and implemented in the mid-2010s. The application facilitates communication between pregnant and postpartum mothers and their respective health care professionals specialized in maternal care. Its use was associated with increased staffing at birth and prompt postnatal care. Furthermore, this has led to its broader adoption within the public health network.
Upskilling: An Australian Training Program
In 2023, a dozen Timorese midwives and a nurse participated in a five-week training program in Queensland, Australia. The stated aim was to improve knowledge of maternal health care and, ultimately, reduce high maternal mortality rates. The participants were shown to possess improved knowledge and competence in several areas of maternal health care, including some emergency care, such as resuscitation.
One study showed that this type of upskilling could enhance knowledge in Timorese maternal health care if repeated. It sheds light on the impact of residential programs and provides a proven, effective framework.
Crisis Management: Mobile Maternity Clinics
The effects of humanitarian crises are felt acutely by the most vulnerable members of society, especially pregnant women. Following severe flash flooding in 2021, a collaboration between the Timorese Ministry of Health and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) erected mobile maternity centers. These centers support displaced mothers and their children.
This targeted support represents a strong prioritization of maternal health care in crisis planning and response procedures.
Prioritization in National Health Planning
Beyond crisis management and individual programs and organizations, Timor-Leste has solidified its commitment to improving maternal health care by integrating it into its national health planning. The country’s National Strategic Development Plan 2011-2030 prioritized “maternal care” and set specific targets for maternal health care. As such, Timor-Leste can continue making progress in maternal health care beyond spontaneous efforts.
Conclusion
The case of maternal health care in Timor-Leste demonstrates that a country with a high relative poverty rate and structural barriers in its health care system can make significant progress. This can be achieved through targeted, informed state planning, effective mobilization of community partners and leveraging new medical technologies.
– Phoebe Lang-Clapp
Photo: Flickr
5 Facts About the Fight Against HIV/AIDS in Suriname
Poverty is often a driver that increases vulnerability to HIV/AIDS infection, simultaneously creating significant barriers to accessing treatment. Despite this, the fight against HIV/AIDS in Suriname continues, with the understanding that social stigma can be as much a hurdle as access to medical care.
1. Expansion of Treatment Coverage
A steady growth in antiretroviral therapy (ART) access turns the tide of the fight against HIV/AIDS in Suriname. According to UNAIDS, it allows the treatment coverage rate to reach 70% of people living with the condition in Suriname by 2026.
Data from the HIV/AIDS Industry Outlook indicates the treatment coverage by the nation achieves an average year on year increase of 1.6 points. Continuing on this path upwards, the Ministry of Health has reaffirmed the commitment to meet the UNAIDS global targets for HIV care through decentralized testing and community based clinics.
2. Progress in Pediatric Health
In 2026, the HIV/AIDS prevalence rate for those aged 10-14 is expected to drop to 60 people, an 8% decrease compared to 2021 according to the Suriname HIV/AIDS Industry Outlook. Since 1995, the rate has had a staggering 13.1% year-on-year decline in pediatric prevalence. Health experts have attributed this success to the integration of prenatal HIV screening and improved preventions of mother to child transmissions (PMTCT) services.
3. Community-Led Support Systems
Poverty often acts as a barrier for those in rural Suriname. Treatment requires consistent clinical visits and access to pharmacies, and limited household income can make the cost of travel to centers prohibitive. The fight against HIV/AIDS in Suriname continues in community-led organizations like the Double Positive Foundation. The provision of psycho-social care and “peer buddy” support, and ensuring treatment reaches impoverished populations is led by advocates such as Ethel Pengel.
This acts as a beacon of light within socioeconomic barriers such as family rejection and social stigma. Walking beside young women and girls ensures that they remain in the healthcare system following a diagnosis.
4. State-Sponsored Medication Access
The Suriname Ministry of Health has provided HIV inhibitors at no cost to patients since February 2005. It sustains this through a financial partnership with the Global Fund, a worldwide partnership providing 26% of all international financing for HIV programs. In 2026, “person-centered care” is at the forefront of medical health; ensuring the treatment of other chronic conditions alongside HIV.
5. The 95-95-95 Path to Recovery
The recovery of Suriname relies on reaching the UNAIDS global targets: 95% of people living with HIV know their status, 95% of those diagnosed receive ART, and 95% of those on treatment achieve viral suppression.
Looking Ahead
While funding remains a challenge, Suriname is ensuring regional Caribbean partnerships to maintain a steady supply of biomedical interventions. By prioritizing long-acting preventions, HIV/AIDS no longer defines this nation’s future.
– Celine Dib
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Top Facts About Gender Violence in Morocco
Contributing Factors
Call to Action
To address gender-based violence, Morocco has implemented policies regarding child and forced marriage laws following the Amina Filali case. Filali was a 16-year-old who killed herself after being forced to marry her rapist. The Moroccan government reformed its penal code to raise the legal age of marriage, criminalize forced marriages and increase protections for victims of sexual violence.
Beyond legislation, Morocco has also established shelters for survivors, hotlines for reporting abuse and awareness campaigns to educate the public about gender-based violence. Furthermore, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) such as the Democratic Association of Moroccan Women provide legal aid, psychological support and vocational training to help survivors gain independence and escape abusive environments.
Conclusion
Violence against women in Morocco has prevailed for centuries. It dates back to historical social structures shaped by patriarchal family systems, tribal and kinship traditions and legal norms that gave men greater authority within households. For much of Morocco’s history, women’s economic dependence, limited access to education and social expectations around marriage and obedience reinforced unequal power dynamics.
Domestic matters were often treated as private family issues rather than legal concerns. However, recently, efforts have been made to change this, including the passing of Law 103-13 (Morocco) in 2018. The law criminalizes certain forms of violence against women and aims to improve protection and prevention efforts.
However, despite these legal reforms, historical social structures continue to influence attitudes toward domestic violence today.
– Veda Mungara
Photo: Flickr
Clinics on Wheels: Improving Health Care in Punjab
Urban slums pose a particular challenge to improving health care infrastructure in Punjab. The Punjab Urban Slum Survey, conducted by the Punjab Bureau of Statistics, notes that roughly 7.2 million people reside in urban slums across the district. These urban slum dwellers make up a significant portion of the 128 million people in Punjab.
According to the Punjab Demographic and Health Survey (PDHS) 2019-2020, this portion of the population may be characterized as having more limited access to preventive and curative health services. The PDHS also showed that only 57.2% of slum dwellers can access health facilities.
Improving Health Care Infrastructure in Punjab
The Clinics on Wheels program is improving the health care infrastructure in Punjab with free, quality health care provision. Launched in 2024 by the Punjab provincial government, the initiative sees mobile clinic vans serving underserved residents who have no access to basic health care in densely populated urban settlements.
The main aim of Clinics on Wheels is to reach those living in densely populated urban areas and remote regions where there are significant barriers to accessing health facilities. The mobile clinics aim to eliminate the barriers of distance, cost and availability, ensuring that timely medical services and a suitable health infrastructure are put into place in Punjab.
There are about 244 Clinics on Wheels operating across the district. Most of the vehicles, 202 of them, are mobilized for transporting medicines and staff to those in need. In addition, about 42 carry mobile ultrasound facilities. Initiatives offered include doctors, diagnostics and medicines delivered at the community level, as well as free medicines delivered to the doorsteps of underserved residents.
Tangible Results in Improving Health Care in Punjab
Dr. Ehsan Ghani, Chief Executive Officer of the District Health Authority Rawalpindi, said that the mobile clinics have resulted in timely diagnoses and provide an effective referral system that ensures complex cases reach major hospitals promptly. He added that each van is staffed with a vaccinator who administers missed or incomplete vaccines to children in the field, helping to bridge the gap between the growing population and immunization needs. According to Ghani, this has improved vaccination rates and supported progress in the fight against diseases such as polio.
Ghani has said that with expansion, Clinics on Wheels has the potential to bring health care services to even more people across Punjab. In January 2026, it was announced that the Punjab government would involve the private sector in the project to improve its performance.
Looking Ahead
The goal of equitable health care infrastructure is that no citizen has to go without medical provision and Clinics on Wheels offers a practical solution to make the transport of doctors and medicines accessible. The campaign has been promoted as care that reaches every doorstep, providing services regardless of income or location.
Improving health care infrastructure in Punjab through initiatives such as Clinics on Wheels may help reduce the health care burden and improve overall health outcomes for Punjab’s population. Clinics on Wheels sits alongside other health care initiatives, including the CM Insulin Program, which offers free insulin for children with Type 1 diabetes, and the Chief Minister’s Children Heart Surgery Program, which offers cardiac surgeries for children. Together, these programs reflect ongoing efforts to expand health care access across Punjab.
– Suneel Mehmi
Photo: Unsplash
How Humanitarian Aid in Cuba Is Keeping the Lights On
Cuba’s Power Grid Failures
Blackouts are not a new phenomenon for most Cubans; they have become accustomed to rolling power outages. The power grid infrastructure has been relied on far longer than intended. Many businesses have had to invest in solar panels to avoid losing power midday, rather than relying on the electrical grid. Over the last few years, this problem has been exacerbated, forcing citizens to adapt to living off-grid.
Day Zero
Despite these difficulties, life for Cubans has recently worsened. Earlier this year, Venezuela ceased sending oil to Cuba, causing massive shocks to the country’s power system. Nearly half of Cuba’s oil needs were previously supplied by Venezuela. This gap in power production has left Cuba effectively running out of fuel, creating the conditions for an island-wide blackout.
Unlike blackouts of the past, the entire island, aside from those with solar panels or generators, was without power for over a day. The Cuban national news network was even down for 1.5 hours, citing the blackout as the cause. Coupled with these problems is the loss of oil trade with Mexico, which has also halted shipments to Cuba.
Food Insecurity
The aging electrical grid and the massive oil shortage in Cuba have created a dire situation for many citizens. The United Nations (U.N.) warned that the country could be on the verge of a humanitarian collapse. Refrigerators have not been much help over the last two weeks, as they have remained shut off, leading to food spoilage.
Some Cubans have resorted to buying food daily to prevent spoilage. Government officials have encouraged citizens to conserve food, fuel, water and even phone batteries. Hospitals can operate for only two to five hours during this energy crisis.
In response to the bleak situation, Cubans have protested by gathering in the streets of central Havana, the country’s capital and banging pots and pans.
Flotilla Provides Necessary Humanitarian Aid in Cuba
Nonetheless, hope arrives at the ports in the form of aid-bearing flotillas providing humanitarian aid to Cuba. The Nuestra America Convoy to Cuba (NAAC), an “international coalition of individuals and organizations dedicated to delivering critical aid to the Cuban people,” launched on March 21, 2026. The NAAC brought food, medical supplies and solar panels to help Cubans cope without their electrical grid.
Individual countries have also sent aid, with Canada pledging $8 million in food aid to Cuba. Another North American contributor, Mexico, has already sent more than 1,000 tonnes of food aid in the last two weeks. Chile, China and Italy have also pledged support. These efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Cuba play a major role in preventing the situation from becoming even more critical than it already is.
Conclusion
With an aging power grid and the failure of multiple oil trade agreements, Cuba has suffered. Two island-wide blackouts have occurred in the last two weeks, along with daily power outages nationwide. These problems can be addressed through long-term investment in energy infrastructure and diplomatic trade discussions.
However, humanitarian aid to Cuba is helping citizens caught in the crisis. Envoys from around the world have descended on the country, bringing the supplies Cubans lack.
– Zaccheri Morra
Photo: Unsplash
Digital Poverty in Papua New Guinea
Despite technological advances, the country grapples with low internet adoption, underscoring how geography and economics perpetuate exclusion. Addressing digital poverty in PNG demands urgent, tailored strategies to unlock its potential.
Who Has Internet and Who Doesn’t?
Internet access first reached PNG in 1997. Yet after three decades, the nation trails far behind other Asia-Pacific neighbors in connectivity. At first, rates align closely with smartphone access and about 60% of adults report having used the internet at least once. Still, only 36% of people have a mobile connection. In comparison, true internet penetration is limited to 32%, equating to 3.3 million users.
PNG’s immense land area, mountainous terrain, limited road network and consequent high service costs create formidable obstacles. Rural regions, where 86% of the population resides, suffer the most, often lacking both power grids and networks. On the other hand, according to a 2020 World Bank analysis, cities like Port Moresby and Lae host just a fraction of the population, even though they account for 70% of all internet users.
Smartphone access tells a similar story: 62% of adults can use one, whether their own or shared. But disparities run deep across groups. Rural dwellers, seniors and lower-income households lag well behind national averages in device ownership. Internet habits mirror this, with added gender differences: only 32% of women aged 45–74 and 48% of rural women have gone online, compared with 50% of men in that age group and 54% of rural men.
The Government’s Path to Digitalization
In recent years, PNG’s government has pursued ambitious reforms to expand internet access. Key initiatives form a forward-looking regulatory backbone:
Despite these steps, the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) landscape remains constrained. State-owned enterprises dominate the market with little rivalry, controlling everything from infrastructure to delivery. This environment scares off private players and stalls innovations in speed and affordability.
The World Bank highlights how this monopoly enables tactics that block competitors, creating a “vertical squeeze.” Such dominance jeopardizes PNG’s target of connecting 70% of its citizens to electricity by 2030, which could increase internet access, as outlined in the PNG Development Strategic Plan 2010–2030. Without broader competition, digital poverty in Papua New Guinea persists, undermining national goals.
Public-Private Partnerships and Open-Source Innovations
Tackling these issues requires collaborative, cost-effective approaches. A Lowy Institute analysis suggests public-private partnerships (PPPs) in telecommunications, backed by robust competition rules and pricing oversight, could be a solution. These alliances could dismantle monopolies, drive down costs and extend coverage to remote areas, much like successful models in neighboring nations, such as Vanuatu.
PPPs are not the only tool, though. Open-source software (OSS) offers powerful and inclusive means. By providing free access to essential software, OSS democratizes digital tools across education, commerce and administration.
Mainstream OSS options include the Firefox browser for secure web surfing, Linux for flexible operating systems and LibreOffice for productivity. This software is openly licensed, allowing users to download, modify and deploy it without fees. In contrast, proprietary rivals like Microsoft Office charge subscription fees that can consume nearly 100 hours of minimum-wage earnings annually.
In PNG’s context, when backed by the development of a solid digital infrastructure, OSS can slash barriers for schools in highland villages and entrepreneurs in coastal regions, fostering self-reliance. Success depends on political will, training programs and affordable devices. By prioritizing equity, PNG can transform digital poverty into digital prosperity, fueling sustainable growth.
The PNG government is making great efforts to address these issues and bring the country closer to regional standards. However, this work will require greater flexibility and collaboration with third parties.
– Riccardo Chiaraluce
Photo: Flickr
Fragility and Rule of Law in Nigeria
In response, institutional reforms and active interventions are underway with a focus on police professionalization, human-rights-based policing and justice system capacity building. Complementary civil society initiatives work to expand access to justice, reduce pre-trial detention and improve legal awareness among vulnerable populations. Together, these efforts illustrate ongoing attempts to strengthen rule of law and reduce fragility in Nigeria. However, their long-term effectiveness will depend on sustained political commitment, adequate financing and coordinated implementation.
Fragility and Rule of Law in Nigeria
According to independent assessments, Nigeria’s rule of law remains weak by global standards. In the 2025 World Justice Project (WJP) Rule of Law Index, Nigeria ranked 120th out of 143 countries and 23rd out of 34 sub-Saharan African countries. This highlights systemic challenges in accountability, public security and the protection of rights.
The Index evaluates eight key dimensions: Constraints on Government Powers, Order and Security, Open Government, Absence of Corruption, Regulatory Enforcement, Civil Justice, Fundamental Rights and Criminal Justice. Nigeria’s particularly low performance in Order and Security reflects widespread insecurity and limited state control over violence.
These findings align with broader governance indicators. The Mo Ibrahim Index ranks Nigeria 33rd out of 53 African countries, with a score of 45.7. It notes a decline in security and rule-of-law indicators between 2014 and 2023.
Security Crises Undermining Rule of Law
Fragility in Nigeria is most visible in the security sector. Armed groups, including Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram, alongside criminal networks, continue to operate across regions such as the northwest and north-central. These groups contribute to killings, kidnappings and widespread instability.
In February 2026, an attack in Kwara State reportedly resulted in the deaths of more than 170 villagers during clashes involving militant groups attempting to impose extremist control. The actions of state actors have also raised concerns. In December 2025, Nigerian Army personnel opened fire on protesters in Adamawa State, killing nine women and prompting condemnation over excessive force and lack of accountability.
These incidents demonstrate how both nonstate violence and state impunity erode legal structures and public confidence in governance institutions.
Structural Challenges Within Governance and Justice
Multiple structural weaknesses continue to undermine Nigeria’s rule of law. Corruption and impunity remain significant barriers. The World Justice Project estimates that corruption has cost Nigeria more than $550 billion since independence, weakening both legal enforcement and economic development.
Institutional capacity gaps further complicate enforcement. Security agencies, courts and law enforcement bodies often lack adequate resources, training and accountability systems. The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) notes that high crime levels and limited capacity overburden Nigeria’s justice system.
Civil liberties concerns also persist. Restrictions on dissent and shrinking civic space have been identified as threats to democratic governance and the rule of law. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality before the law and fair hearing, judicial delays and weak enforcement mechanisms continue to undermine legal legitimacy.
Active Solutions and Institutional Reforms
Efforts are underway to strengthen Nigeria’s rule of law through institutional reforms and civil society engagement. The UNDP, through its Global Program for Strengthening the Rule of Law, Human Rights, Justice and Security (2022–2025), has partnered with Nigerian authorities to enhance institutional capacity, promote human-rights-based policing and support legal reforms.
In 2023, the UNDP collaborated with the Police Service Commission to implement a strategic plan (2024–2025). The plan included training approximately 1,200 police trainers in human rights, gender-sensitive policing and intelligence management. Nigeria has also drafted a National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, integrating rights-based governance into national policy frameworks.
Civil society organizations are also contributing significantly:
These initiatives strengthen accountability and expand access to justice across Nigeria.
Policy Implications and Prospects for Stability
Strengthening judicial independence, improving rights-based policing and expanding civic participation are essential for reversing Nigeria’s fragility trends. However, progress will depend on sustained political will, consistent funding and effective coordination across institutions. Without these, structural challenges, particularly insecurity, fiscal constraints and governance inefficiencies, will continue to hinder the full realization of the rule of law.
– Felix Umeobi
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