Biological and gender-related discrepancies influence health significantly more in developing countries than in developed ones. For example, due to sociocultural factors, women’s health in South Africa is jeopardized. Some of the reasons for this include unequal relationships of power between women and men, social norms bolstering the decrease in girls’ education and job opportunities, as well as the encouragement of the importance of women’s reproductive role.
Maternal Mortality
Compared with other African countries, South Africa has one of the lowest rates of maternal mortality. The sub-Saharan nation has seen a decline in such deaths from 150 per 100,000 births in 1998 to 113 per 100,000 in 2019. Nonetheless, the leading causes of maternal mortality in South Africa are major obstetric hemorrhage (MOH), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related infections.
MOH – mostly occurring postpartum – is characterized by severe blood loss and provokes anemia, multi-organ failure and hysterectomy, disseminated intravascular coagulation and long-term trauma. Unskilled or understaffed birth attendance, delivery in poorly equipped facilities and lack of necessary obstetric care supplies (e.g., blood transfusion) are all factors that increase the likelihood of maternal death by MOH.
Hypertension is the most common disorder that occurs during pregnancy, with four types: chronic, gestational, (pre)eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed (pre)eclampsia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines it as “clinic maternal systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg on two or more occasions at least four hours apart.”
HIV is a sexually transmitted, lifelong condition that harms the body’s immune system. Many people experience flu-like symptoms, but others do not show any signs at all. The virus can be treated with effective medical care; nevertheless, if left untreated, it can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and ultimately lead to death. The virus indirectly causes maternal mortality, as it triggers increased susceptibility to infections (e.g., pneumonia, malaria and tuberculosis). Many pregnant women are dying in South Africa because they do not attend antenatal care services for fear of having their HIV status revealed.
Former Secretary General of Amnesty International Salil Shetty, said: “It is unacceptable that pregnant women and girls are continuing to die in South Africa because they fear their HIV status will be revealed or because of a lack of transportation or basic health and sexuality education. This cannot continue”. “The South African government must ensure all departments work together to urgently address all the barriers that place the health of pregnant women and girls at risk,” said Shetty.
HIV Education and Testing
There is a lot of stigma surrounding HIV-related topics in many communities – which increases women’s fear of discriminatory treatment if they test positive for the virus. South Africa has the highest rate of HIV in the world, with approximately 7.5 million infected inhabitants in 2021 – 60% of whom were women. Young women aged 15-24 are at greater risk of contracting the virus; in fact, they are four times more vulnerable than men in that age range. HIV education in schools can not only enhance safer sexual intercourse, but it can also incite pregnant young girls to get tested for disease and if the result comes back positive, prevent mother-to-child transmission by taking medication.
However, gender inequalities, as well as conflicting cultural and traditional beliefs, significantly affect the teaching of and discussion about sexuality in the classroom. For example, teachers must follow guidelines implemented by the school, which include language use. More specifically, they cannot use terminology that might be deemed vulgar to the audience. As such, sensitive topics, such as sexual health, are not openly discussed, thereby compromising women’s health in South Africa.
In many health clinics, women and girls living with HIV are treated differently than those who are not. That is, they must stand in separate queues for their antiretroviral medication, schedule different days for medical appointments and have other colored antenatal files.
Shetty said: “While HIV testing is an important public health intervention, it must be done in a manner that respects the rights of women and girls and does not expose them to additional harm. It is deeply worrying that the privacy of pregnant women and girls is not respected in health facilities. The South African government must take urgent steps to correct this.”
It is vital that health care workers in South Africa receive additional training on providing quality care that is both free of judgment and stigma and that women and girls accessing sexual and reproductive health services can trust that their confidentiality will be respected,” said Shetty.
Accessing Healthcare Services in South Africa
Most South Africans live within a 7km radius of a health care facility, while others are based 2km away from one. Despite the proximity, transport to health services is a struggle for women due to the shortage of available public transport services. In the rural provinces, some roads are impassable, especially after rainfall and even when the ground is dry, most ambulances will not drive beyond a certain point on specific routes. “The South African government must build better road networks in these rural provinces to guarantee access to healthcare facilities. The government must also ensure that ambulances are always available to transport those who are in need,” said Shetty.
Looking Ahead To Improve Women’s Health in South Africa
The South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (SASOG) strives to achieve excellence and equity in the health of South African women. To achieve this, SASOG puts the promotion of the highest standards in clinical practice, training and research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the support of continuous professional development at the forefront. Overall, SASOG pledges to redress healthcare injustices by eradicating gender oppression and inequality to enhance women’s health in South Africa.
– Abigail Roch
Photo: Pixabay
How China’s Investment in the Middle East Is Helping Poverty
China’s investment in the Middle East is making a notable impact on alleviating poverty, particularly in the areas of trade, infrastructure and energy. With more than half of its oil supply originating from the Persian Gulf, the nation stands as the largest global importer of oil. The Persian Gulf region contributes nearly a third of the world’s oil production and hosts more than half of the global reserves of crude oil and gas.
Trade and Economic Partnerships
Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) show China’s proactive involvement with the Middle East and highlight an attempt to strengthen economic ties. The cooperative frameworks promote economic growth and improve connectedness. The diversification of local economies helps Middle Eastern nations grow more and more integrated into China’s wider economic network. Increased trade and economic ties show how Chinese investment is helping tackle poverty by creating the foundation for equitable and sustainable economic growth.
China’s engagements with the countries involved in the initiative stood at $59.5 billion in 2021 and $60.5 billion in 2020. Additionally, the report reveals that China and Iraq are collaborating on several other projects, including the $5 billion Al-Khairat heavy oil power plant in the province of Karbala. Egypt holds a pivotal role in the Belt and Road Initiative, having signed multiple contracts amounting to $18 billion with China in 2018. Beijing is actively engaged in significant projects such as the new administrative capital of Cairo and the Economic-Technological Development Area within Egypt’s Suez Canal Economic Zone in Ain Sokhna.
Infrastructure Investments
China’s involvement in infrastructure development is reshaping the landscape of the Middle East, positioning the nation as the region’s primary economic partner. Through the creation of an environment that fosters business growth, job creation and increased economic opportunities for the local population, improved infrastructure catalyzes increased trade, tourism and overall economic development. This strategic involvement highlights China’s commitment to fostering sustainable growth and mutually beneficial partnerships in the Middle East.
In an official statement, a notable Chinese company proposed investing up to $10 billion in infrastructure projects in the Autonomous Kurdistan region of northern Iraq in 2023. Mohammed Shukri, Chairman of the Kurdistan Investment Commission, stated, as cited by Aliqtisadi News and other Iraqi outlets, “This Chinese group has made an offer to invest $10 billion in projects in Kurdistan, covering rail networks, power, roads, water dams and other sectors.”
Energy Sector Investments
China’s significant energy sector investments in the Middle East, especially in gas and oil, indicate a strategic alignment of economic interests and cooperation between the two regions. Notably, China has emerged as the largest non-oil trading partner for both Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a global scale. Furthermore, the UAE has maintained its position as China’s second-largest trading partner.
These investments go beyond securing a stable energy supply to offering substantial benefits to the governments and economies of the Middle East. The influx of capital into the energy industry, facilitated by joint ventures and partnerships, can lead to increased job opportunities and the growth of auxiliary sectors. Additionally, the significant profits made from these energy projects serve as a crucial source of funding for Middle Eastern governments. This financial support enables them to allocate funds for infrastructure, social programs and initiatives aimed at poverty reduction.
Future Outlook
China’s investment in the Middle East plays a vital role in addressing poverty and catalyzing revolutionary developments in the region. These investments have the potential to significantly alleviate poverty by fostering economic growth, job creation and technological advancements.
To guarantee that the advantages are equitable and sustainable, however, rigorous assessment of environmental and social aspects will be essential, along with efficient governance. Sustained observation, communication and flexible policies are necessary as China and the Middle East work together to create a prosperous future.
– Ellen Jones
Photo: Flickr
Everything You Need to Know About Poverty in Yemen
Here is everything you need to know about poverty in Yemen.
1. The Yemeni Civil War has destabilized the government
The Yemeni Civil War is a conflict primarily between Yemen’s internationally recognized government and the Houthi rebel movement, which claims its stronghold in Yemen’s northern territories. In 2011, uprisings forced Yemen’s authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, to cede power to his deputy, Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi. However, Hadi struggled to address the country’s corruption, food insecurity and militant incursions. In 2014, the Houthi rebel movement, allied with former president Saleh, seized control of Sana’a, Yemen’s capital and most populous city. The Houthis are an Iranian-backed Shiite group that has long undermined Yemen’s predominantly Sunni government. In 2015, Saudi Arabia and 8 other Sunni states with the help of U.S., U.K. and French aid, launched air attacks, hoping to restore president Hadi to power. The ensuing civil war has prompted a large-scale humanitarian crisis and has claimed the lives of over 15,000 civilians. Those remaining have been challenged with famine, poverty and disease outbreak.
2. The Yemeni economy continues to fail
Even before the outbreak of its civil war, Yemen struggled to keep pace with changing markets. Political corruption hampered Yemen’s economy, while revenues from oil and gas reserves continued to decline. The civil war has further damaged economic infrastructure, contributing to high unemployment and poverty rates, while also alienating international investment. Since the conflict’s onset, the Yemeni economy has shrunk by half.
3. Many Yemenis have been displaced by conflict
Civilian vulnerability to military attack has forced an estimated 4.5 million people or 14% of Yemen’s population to flee their homes. Many Yemenis have been displaced multiple times since 2015, ranking Yemen in the top six of internal displacement crises worldwide. As Yemenis continue to live in exile, they strain already limited food, water and sanitation resources.
4. Yemen nears famine
As a food-deficient country, Yemen has often relied upon imports to nourish its population. However, its civil war has stymied international trade and weakened its access to food supplies. Food prices have soared, hindering accessibility for Yemen’s poverty-stricken population. As a result, hunger is rampant, with many Yemenis forced to skip meals or to severely restrict portion size. Some have pawned belongings and sold assets to raise money for adequate food supplies. Oftentimes, Yemeni women struggle the most, giving portions to children and family members at the expense of their own nourishment.
5. Poverty in Yemen affects women and girls disproportionately
Women and children make up 80% of Yemen’s displaced population, with women heading 26% of displaced households. In the midst of such upheaval, women and girls are especially vulnerable to gender-based violence, often falling victim to child marriage and human trafficking. Widespread food insecurity and an eroding health care system have led to a severe increase in the maternal mortality rate: one woman dies in childbirth every two hours.
6. Communities are vulnerable to infectious diseases
Both the civil war and COVID-19 have strained Yemen’s already fragile healthcare system. 46% of healthcare facilities across the country are only partially functioning or completely defunct, due to insufficient staff, funding and medical resources. Similarly, large-scale displacement and infrastructure collapse has hampered access to clean water and sanitation facilities, with 9.4 million people in acute need of water, sanitation and hygiene services. As a result, communicable diseases have run rampant, including measles, diphtheria and polio. Yemen is also reporting an unprecedented cholera outbreak. From 2012 to 2021, Yemen reported an estimated 2.5 million cholera cases, with 4,000 cholera-related deaths.
7. Humanitarian aid combats poverty in Yemen
The crisis in Yemen has caught the attention of the international humanitarian community. With 21.6 million Yemenis in need of aid, the UN has designated Yemen the worst humanitarian crisis in the world. Despite Houthi attempts to block aid packages, several leading organizations have joined the effort to improve food access, water availability and medical services. For instance, UNICEF is supplying therapeutic food to treat acute malnutrition in children. Similarly, the United Nations Population Fund hopes to allocate $7 million to improve women’s access to reproductive and neonatal care, reaching an estimated 3.9 million people.
A Look Ahead
Though the civil war in Yemen continues to deny the Yemeni population economic security, adequate food supplies and basic health services, there is some chance of peace. In 2022, the UN brokered a ceasefire between Houthi rebels and the Yemeni government, which was renewed to extend from April to October 2022. Though the truce has technically expired, a mutual diplomacy has slowed the conflict, allowing back-channel discussions between Saudi and Houthi representatives to continue, albeit slowly. As the negotiations unfold, civilians hope for an escape from hunger, violence and poverty in Yemen.
– Sydney Verdi
Photo: Flickr
Community Initiatives in Malawi Are Fighting for Women’s Rights
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Malawi
UNFPA Malawi is a U.N. agency initiated by the United Nations Development Assistance Framework, which is a planning process offering financial and technical assistance to support Malawi’s development. UNFPA Malawi’s Gender Equality and Women Empowerment program is currently supported in 13 districts, working alongside the Malawi Government and nongovernmental organizations to empower young girls and women.
UNFPA’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights program advocates for increased access to reproductive and health care services for women in Malawi. The program introduced Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care within multiple community health services, an initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates among young women.
Girls Not Brides Malawi
A recent roundtable discussion saw Amal Clooney, Melinda French Gates, Michelle Obama, representatives from Girls Not Brides Malawi and a high court judge from the Women’s Lawyers’ Association speak about forced child marriage in Malawi. Mrs. Clooney presented several advocacy routes with the help of Girls Not Brides Malawi to aid the country’s legislation in ending child marriages and allocate financial resources within the Government of Malawi’s national budget.
Following the roundtable, President Chakwera’s announced an increase in his efforts to end forced child marriage. President Chakwera plans to work with the Minister of Gender and the Minister of Justice to adjust laws not in accordance with the minimum marriage age. Furthermore, Mrs. Clooney met with President Chakwera to standardize domestic legislation in accordance with the standards upheld by the SADC Model Law on Eradicating Child Marriage and Protecting Children Already in Marriage.
Mlirima Development Network
The Mlirima Development Network is a UNFPA-supported group that combats gender-based violence and child marriage across Malawi. The network trains community leaders on the importance of advocating for gender equality through UNFPA’s Safeguard Young People program. Currently, the program empowers survivors of child marriage and domestic violence while raising awareness of the dangers of brutality against women in each district.
The network has rescued 30 girls from child marriage, using resources at their disposal to finance the girls’ education and enroll them in schools. Group Village Heads such as Group Village Head Fraiton Pintu in Chikwawa work alongside the network to dismantle harmful traditions hindering the future of young girls in their communities. Presently, Group Village Head Pintu is implementing bylaws to reform traditional initiation ceremonies by choosing progressive young women to teach the next generation of girls.
Community Action Groups
Community Action Groups are cohorts created to counter domestic and sexual violence against women in Mangochi, a township in southern Malawi. The absence of efficient reporting systems prompted UNFPA and the Embassy of Iceland in Malawi to support 44 CAGs across three traditional villages in Mangochi: Chowe, Lulanga and Makanjira. Furthermore, the establishment of CAGs encourages more women to speak out against their abusers, with 208 cases of violence reported through the groups since 2022.
A Look Ahead
Local communities continue to build on the initiatives in Malawi conducted by the UNFPA, advocating for the rights of women and girls across the country. On the other hand, the importance of this work is not lost upon the citizens of Malawi, many of whom recognize gender equality as a human right and strive to empower the next generation of young people willing to fight for women’s freedoms.
– Megha Gupta
Photo: Flickr
Poverty and Air Pollution in Tajikistan
Air pollution hurts everyone, but those experiencing poverty are hit the hardest. Developing countries such as Tajikistan rank the highest for deaths linked to air pollution, likely due to weaker laws surrounding pollution control and vehicle emissions and the prevalence of coal power stations. Additionally, low-income groups are exposed to more pollutants through highway-adjacent housing and outdoor occupations. A green taxi project offers a solution to the problem of air pollution in Tajikistan by introducing electric vehicles as an alternative mode of transportation.
The Adverse Effects of Air Pollution
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that air pollution causes 7 million premature deaths per year globally. With an air quality index of 111 PM2.5 at the time of writing, Tajikistan’s air pollution is 7.4 times higher than the recommended limit that the WHO has set. An air quality index above 100 is considered unhealthy. Among cities in Tajikistan, Kulob scores the highest on the index (232 PM2.5), followed by Khorugh (198), Isfara (195) and the capital, Dushanbe (193).
PM2.5 stands for fine particulate matter and it is defined as particles measuring 2.5 micrometers or smaller in diameter. A significant portion of outdoor PM2.5 originates from emissions associated with the combustion of gasoline, diesel fuel, oil or wood. According to the WHO’s Global Burden of Disease Project, PM2.5 is linked to the greatest proportion of air pollution-related health complications worldwide. Its ability to penetrate deep into the lungs regularly results in premature mortality, heart and lung disease complications, bronchitis, asthma and other dangerous respiratory symptoms.
The Poorest Suffer the Most
About 716 million people living on $1.90 per day are exposed to unsafe levels of PM2.5. It is a well-known fact that developing countries that are industrializing depend heavily on polluting industries. This dependence poses a serious risk to the health of low-income groups, who are more likely to work outdoors and live in poor communities near busy roads or industrial plants, which increases their exposure to PM2.5. Air pollution exacerbates health issues such as asthma and limited access to adequate health care increases mortality rates in poor communities.
Beth Gardiner, an environmental journalist and author of “Choked: The Age of Air Pollution and the Fight For A Cleaner Future,” elucidates on the theme of poverty observed in her air pollution research. She notes, “While dirty air affects anyone who breathes it, communities of color and poorer people suffer more exposure and therefore more harm. Of course, those with less money to spend on housing very often end up living near busy roads or polluting ports, factories and power plants.” Tajikistan is no exception to this link between poverty and pollution. It is known as one of the poorest countries in Central Asia, with roughly 26.3% of its population living below the poverty line. Cement and coal power plants are widespread in Tajikistan, particularly in Dushanbe and represent the biggest contributors to air pollution in the country.
The Impact of the Dushanbe-2 Plant
Tajikistan relies mostly on hydropower for electricity but routinely suffers from energy shortages, especially in winter when water levels are low. This has made the country resort to burning fossil fuels to stabilize the electricity grid. The Dushanbe-2 plant began operating in 2016 and continues to burn 6,000 tons of coal daily, providing 60% of the electricity used in Dushanbe. As the largest thermal power plant in the country, Dushanbe-2 consumes approximately 45% of the coal mined in Tajikistan. Consequently, filtration systems have been installed at the plant to mitigate combustion emissions released into the atmosphere. However, the effectiveness of these quality filters has been a subject of intense debate. Locals have complained about the dust polluting the neighborhood and even a nearby amusement park.
Green Taxis: A Step in the Right Direction
Vehicle emissions in Tajikistan have doubled in the past decade. Carbon dioxide (CO2) production from vehicles is now 340,000 to 540,000 tons per year. In response to the rising air pollution in Tajikistan, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has funded a project to reduce the environmental footprint of the popular Sayohon taxi company. The project allocates $45 million to the acquisition of 100 electric vehicles and 30 charging stations, with some funds going to the construction of necessary charging infrastructure. This aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 1,240 tons per year. By replacing dated internal combustion engines with electric ones, the project is also expected to reduce dangerous pollutants, such as nitrogen dioxide and sulfur dioxide emissions.
While those experiencing poverty face the worst consequences of air pollution in Tajikistan, conditions are changing. The introduction of electric taxis paves the way for the establishment of cleaner alternatives in many aspects of city life. As Gardiner puts it, “Even incremental improvements in air quality translate directly and almost immediately into lives saved and health spared.”
– Isabella Rothe
Photo: Flickr
Women’s Health in South Africa
Maternal Mortality
Compared with other African countries, South Africa has one of the lowest rates of maternal mortality. The sub-Saharan nation has seen a decline in such deaths from 150 per 100,000 births in 1998 to 113 per 100,000 in 2019. Nonetheless, the leading causes of maternal mortality in South Africa are major obstetric hemorrhage (MOH), hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related infections.
MOH – mostly occurring postpartum – is characterized by severe blood loss and provokes anemia, multi-organ failure and hysterectomy, disseminated intravascular coagulation and long-term trauma. Unskilled or understaffed birth attendance, delivery in poorly equipped facilities and lack of necessary obstetric care supplies (e.g., blood transfusion) are all factors that increase the likelihood of maternal death by MOH.
Hypertension is the most common disorder that occurs during pregnancy, with four types: chronic, gestational, (pre)eclampsia and chronic hypertension with superimposed (pre)eclampsia. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) defines it as “clinic maternal systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg on two or more occasions at least four hours apart.”
HIV is a sexually transmitted, lifelong condition that harms the body’s immune system. Many people experience flu-like symptoms, but others do not show any signs at all. The virus can be treated with effective medical care; nevertheless, if left untreated, it can develop into acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and ultimately lead to death. The virus indirectly causes maternal mortality, as it triggers increased susceptibility to infections (e.g., pneumonia, malaria and tuberculosis). Many pregnant women are dying in South Africa because they do not attend antenatal care services for fear of having their HIV status revealed.
Former Secretary General of Amnesty International Salil Shetty, said: “It is unacceptable that pregnant women and girls are continuing to die in South Africa because they fear their HIV status will be revealed or because of a lack of transportation or basic health and sexuality education. This cannot continue”. “The South African government must ensure all departments work together to urgently address all the barriers that place the health of pregnant women and girls at risk,” said Shetty.
HIV Education and Testing
There is a lot of stigma surrounding HIV-related topics in many communities – which increases women’s fear of discriminatory treatment if they test positive for the virus. South Africa has the highest rate of HIV in the world, with approximately 7.5 million infected inhabitants in 2021 – 60% of whom were women. Young women aged 15-24 are at greater risk of contracting the virus; in fact, they are four times more vulnerable than men in that age range. HIV education in schools can not only enhance safer sexual intercourse, but it can also incite pregnant young girls to get tested for disease and if the result comes back positive, prevent mother-to-child transmission by taking medication.
However, gender inequalities, as well as conflicting cultural and traditional beliefs, significantly affect the teaching of and discussion about sexuality in the classroom. For example, teachers must follow guidelines implemented by the school, which include language use. More specifically, they cannot use terminology that might be deemed vulgar to the audience. As such, sensitive topics, such as sexual health, are not openly discussed, thereby compromising women’s health in South Africa.
In many health clinics, women and girls living with HIV are treated differently than those who are not. That is, they must stand in separate queues for their antiretroviral medication, schedule different days for medical appointments and have other colored antenatal files.
Shetty said: “While HIV testing is an important public health intervention, it must be done in a manner that respects the rights of women and girls and does not expose them to additional harm. It is deeply worrying that the privacy of pregnant women and girls is not respected in health facilities. The South African government must take urgent steps to correct this.”
It is vital that health care workers in South Africa receive additional training on providing quality care that is both free of judgment and stigma and that women and girls accessing sexual and reproductive health services can trust that their confidentiality will be respected,” said Shetty.
Accessing Healthcare Services in South Africa
Most South Africans live within a 7km radius of a health care facility, while others are based 2km away from one. Despite the proximity, transport to health services is a struggle for women due to the shortage of available public transport services. In the rural provinces, some roads are impassable, especially after rainfall and even when the ground is dry, most ambulances will not drive beyond a certain point on specific routes. “The South African government must build better road networks in these rural provinces to guarantee access to healthcare facilities. The government must also ensure that ambulances are always available to transport those who are in need,” said Shetty.
Looking Ahead To Improve Women’s Health in South Africa
The South African Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (SASOG) strives to achieve excellence and equity in the health of South African women. To achieve this, SASOG puts the promotion of the highest standards in clinical practice, training and research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology and the support of continuous professional development at the forefront. Overall, SASOG pledges to redress healthcare injustices by eradicating gender oppression and inequality to enhance women’s health in South Africa.
– Abigail Roch
Photo: Pixabay
Penta Medical Recycling: Repurposing Prosthetics From the US
Penta Medical Recycling
Founded in 2016, Penta Medical Recycling provides affordable prosthetic care to amputees in low-income countries through repurposing what might otherwise be deemed medical waste in the United States. Penta works alongside governments and health care operators to provide prosthetics to 17 countries most affected by a lack of prosthetic support.
Penta recognizes the significant financial burden faced by all amputees, considering that prosthetics can range from $5,000 to more than $50,000. These costs do not even include the drastically increased health care costs for amputees due to regular check-ups, hospital appointments and operations.
The financial strain is particularly acute for individuals in lower-income countries. Therefore, it seems wasteful to throw away artificial limbs that could be beneficial to so many. In response, Penta has implemented a program to collect and recycle used, yet faultless, prosthetics. This initiative not only helps clinics by relieving them of unwanted artificial limbs but also provides amputees with the opportunity to walk, run, work and, most importantly, thrive.
Since its establishment, the nonprofit has helped more than 1,000 people. In 2022 alone, the organization donated more than 1,841 prosthetic components to partner countries and organizations. These components include feet, adapters, leg liners and artificial knees.
Interview With Pollyanna Hope
The Borgen Project spoke to Pollyanna Hope, an amputee and Global Mobility Ambassador for Penta from Hertfordshire, England. Hope had her right leg amputated below the knee as a result of a road collision when she was 2 years old. Now 18, she is a passionate dancer and one of the first amputees to receive an en-pointe prosthesis.
“Penta’s work is incredibly important because it creates a livelihood for people in developing countries to be included in their communities,” said Hope when The Borgen Project asked why she believes Penta’s work is important and unique. “I know from my own experience. My leg allows me to feel liberated. Prosthetics mean amputees feel more included in their communities and are able to live a more active and healthier lifestyle,” she added.
Hope emphasizes the significant quantity of usable prosthetic legs that are often discarded unnecessarily. She highlights that “artificial limbs typically need replacing every 3-5 years,” with a higher frequency for young individuals who are still growing. In her own experience, there were periods during her childhood when she “needed a new leg every six months.”
With more than 2.1 million amputees in the U.S. and more than 300,000 artificial limbs replaced annually, the inability to reuse or resell these limbs due to certain health regulations indeed raises concerns about wastefulness. Penta’s mission, therefore, becomes particularly vital in addressing this issue and contributing to a more sustainable and impactful approach to prosthetic care.
Conclusion
Even the most affordable and readily available prosthetic limbs can pose a substantial financial challenge and be deemed out of reach for many amputees and their families in lower-income countries. Penta does more than only provide these prosthetics. It gives vital physical mobility, facilitating the integration of amputees into their societies both economically and socially. The value and indispensability of Penta’s work cannot be understated.
– Sapphire Hope
Photo: Pexels
Extreme Poverty Fell to Pre-Covid Levels in 2023
COVID-19 in the Developing World
For many in the developed world, the detrimental impact of COVID was limited to restrictions on social gatherings, school and office closures and the cancellation of music and sports events. Of course, there were many tragic cases of lives lost too early, leaving a lasting impact on many. But thankfully for the majority of those in the West, society had the structural and digital frameworks to overcome the enormous shock that was the pandemic.
In contrast, COVID-19 in the developing world brought about different levels of devastation. It may have taken longer for the virus to seep into these countries, but when it did eventually hit, populations were more financially vulnerable and health systems were not ready.
It was apparent even amid the pandemic, that the least-developed countries were more vulnerable socioeconomically than the rest of the world. Where governments, businesses and individuals in developed countries may have had savings to fall back on allowing them to self-sustain and support one another, this was less often the case among the poorest countries in the world.
Moreover, certain disadvantaged groups such as women and less-educated workers were disproportionately affected by COVID-19, in middle and low-income countries in particular. As an aftereffect, millions more were plunged into extreme poverty during the year 2020.
COVID-19 and Extreme Poverty
The World Bank states that extreme poverty will mean people ‘are more likely to be malnourished, they have less access to services like education, electricity, sanitation and healthcare, and they are more vulnerable to conflict and climate change.’
Last year, the World Bank found that those in extreme poverty worldwide increased from around 700 million to more than 760 million in the year 2020. While this may not seem a seismic change, consider that this set us back to extreme poverty levels not seen since 2016. Only last year was it found that extreme poverty fell to pre-COVID levels. Although positive, the World Bank points out that considering these measures, we have lost three years in the fight against poverty worldwide.
Low-Income Countries Behind on the Road To Recovery
In many ways, to say that efforts to eradicate extreme poverty are back on track would be false. This is because all of the recovery has taken place in high- and middle-income countries. Many low-income countries are still experiencing increases in extreme poverty due to their incapability to roll out social welfare programs to counter the effects of COVID-19. This poses a huge problem for the aid sector as donor countries look to cut fiscal spending following the pandemic, but much of the developing world is now in need of aid more than ever. With the worst impacts of the climate crisis still to come, some have gone as far as suggesting that the aid system is running empty.
Aid Can Go a Long Way – How Extreme Poverty Fell
Back in 2020, researchers recommended that one way to reduce extreme poverty is to allocate more aid to low-income countries (LICs). This is because lower unit costs in those countries mean that development aid can go further and benefit more people. The Borgen Project has identified numerous examples of aid being extremely successful at delivering the desired results in LICs. Take the case of Legacy Manufacturers Limited covered in an article from April last year. A small grant of $50,000 from The Visa Foundation helped this business overcome import and manufacturing difficulties, allowing them to successfully deliver their soya, corn and maize products to the national market in Zambia. Without smart investments in local organizations such as Legacy, LICs have few opportunities to make these kinds of developmental steps which will help them overcome external shocks going forward.
The Role of Official Development Assistance
Foreign aid in the form of grants has been classed as Official Development Assistance (ODA) since the late 1960s. To be classified as ODA, donations must fulfill certain criteria. The U.N. recommends that donor countries commit 0.7% of their gross national income (GNI) to ODA.
Since the onset of COVID-19, there has been an overall increase in ODA, largely due to the worldwide refugee crisis. In 2022, the figure hit a record high of $204 billion. However, there has not been a unanimous move towards the U.N.’s 0.7% target. U.S. ODA still languishes at 0.23% of GNI. The U.K.’s ODA/GNI% fell from 0.7% to 0.5% from 2020 to 2022, amounting to around $3 billion in aid lost. Moreover, the number of countries meeting the U.N. target of giving 0.7% of GNI in aid fell from six countries to four in the same period.
Improved ODA figures can go a long way in combating extreme poverty conditions globally.
– Alex Finch
Photo: Flickr
6 Organizations Bringing Clean Water to Burundi
Water for Development
Water for Development is a nonprofit led by Burundian youth, employing point-of-water chlorine dispensers to reduce the prevalence of diarrhea to less than 10% in operational areas. The dispenser design alleviates the need to build fires for water boiling, a responsibility that falls primarily on women and children. This task, along with water collection, can consume between 3-10 hours a day for populations located more than 30 minutes away from a water source. The nonprofit is based in the Cibitoke Province, where community-elected “promoters” refill the dispensers and teach others how to use them. This organization has been especially impactful for children in Burundi, a quarter of whom suffer from illnesses related to dirty water.
The Gazelle Foundation
The Gazelle Foundation is a nonprofit organization formed in response to the story of Gilbert Tuhbonye, a retired professional Burundi runner and a survivor of the Hutu/Tutsi civil upheaval in the ’80s and ’90s. The organization is dedicated to constructing clean water systems across Burundi using tanks and PVC pipelines. It also invests in the local economy by sourcing supplies locally and providing employment opportunities to residents in the communities where systems have been installed. Thanks to local Burundian programs and fundraising from “water runs” held in Austin, Texas – where the Foundation is headquartered – 125,000 more people in Burundi now have access to clean water.
Sanitation and Water for All
Sanitation and Water for All (SWA) is a multi-government-stakeholder partnership hosted by the United Nations (U.N.). It works with organizations from across the public and private sectors to garner political support for clean water and sanitation. Burundi joined the partnership in 2010 and with the support of SWA partners, the government developed National Water (PNEau) and National Sanitation Policies (NAP). These programs and policies led to a substantial increase in funding for water and sanitation in the country. Through this partnership, the Burundian Government established the objective of achieving universal access to safe drinking water by 2030.
Amazi Water
Amazi Water, founded by John Peake in 2015, is a Christ-centered organization headquartered in Burundi. The organization installs solar-powered, fully submersible pump systems with higher yields and lower labor costs when compared to hand-pump systems. The organization has installed more than 900 systems nationwide, providing clean drinking water to an estimated 2.5 million people. The organization also offers employment opportunities to locals and is one of the most impactful water projects in Burundi.
Beygood4burundi
BeyGood4Burundi is a collaborative program involving Beyoncé’s philanthropy arm, BeyGOOD and UNICEF. The organizations joined forces in 2017 to give women and girls in Burundi access to safe drinking water. Globally, women and girls spend 200 million hours daily collecting water, leading to them missing out on education. To address this, BeyGood4Burundi has aided in building and rehabilitating 80 water points, bringing water to 30,000 Burundians.
Join for Water
Join For Water is a nonprofit based in Belgium, operating in nine countries across Africa, Latin America and Europe. The organization has been active in Burundi since 1997, focusing mainly on the provinces of Bubanza and Isare. It collaborates with numerous local institutions to build more robust water systems, coordinating resources to provide support and training on how to manage existing systems. Join For Water also works to improve sanitation in Burundi, focusing on sanitation facilities in rural areas.
These are but a handful of the many organizations working to improve health and wellbeing outcomes in Burundi through buoyed access to clean drinking water. For a country with a large percentage of its population below the poverty line, organizations that provide clean water and employment opportunities can save lives.
– Ava Johnson
Photo: Pexels
5 Charities Operating in Nepal
The Small World
The Small World supports local development projects across Nepal, focusing on improving childhood education, enhancing women’s rights and empowerment and supporting health care facilities. For instance, The Small World has established female education centers in rural Nepal, where young girls who are born into poverty are often at risk of trafficking, child marriage, violence, poor health, and subsequent poverty. In a country where more than 35% of women are illiterate, providing women with a formal education means they are more likely to acquire future employment and earn a living.
Other projects include a health care facility providing free services to 32,000 people living in rural Nepal and the Friends of Arhaus Children’s Home which acts as a safe home to orphaned children in the Everest region, who would otherwise be subject to a life in poverty. Since its establishment, The Small World has built homes, classrooms and sanitation facilities, providing more than 300 families with clean water and educating more than 150 children.
Nepal Water For Health Foundation
In Nepal, “3.5 million people do not have access to basic water services” with a further 10.8 million people lacking access to adequate sanitation facilities. With more than 70% of all water facilities being contaminated with bacteria, water-related illness is a leading cause of death in Nepal.
The Nepal Water for Health Foundation (NEWAH) aims to provide WASH facilities to Nepal’s poorest communities, “irrespective of gender, caste, class, and belief.”
Since its establishment in 1992, NEWAH has provided WASH services to over 2.1 million people in Nepal through various projects such as community-led sanitation, improved menstrual hygiene and even helping communities adapt to natural disasters. As well as implementing clean water facilities in communities, NEWAH also educates Nepali citizens on proper hygiene and sanitation and researches developing new, innovative WASH technology to ensure sustainable water supplies in the future.
The Nepal Red Cross Society
As the largest humanitarian organization in Nepal, the Nepal Red Cross Society (NRCS) began its journey in 1963 and is an independent charity providing immediate relief to those who require it. The NRCS provides a wide range of short-term and long-term services such as emergency health care and immediate natural disaster relief, as well as supporting community development projects and fighting gender discrimination, poverty and inadequate health care services.
In 2023, Nepal suffered major natural disasters in the form of earthquakes which caused a significant amount of damage. The NRCS helped ensure communities have sufficient emergency preparedness to minimize human suffering in the event of future disasters. For example, following the 2023 earthquake, the NRCS implemented the Earthquake Response Operation which efficiently deployed emergency services to most affected areas.
Rural Women’s Network Nepal
Established in 2007, Rural Women’s Network Nepal (RUWON) is a non-profit organization focussing on improving the lives of women in Nepal’s rural and poorest regions. According to RUWON Nepal, Nepalese society is “deeply patriarchal” and women are significantly more likely to be poor as well as face other human rights issues, suffer discrimination and have poor education.
RUWON Nepal aims to reduce the size of such gender disparities and improve the status and rights of rural women across the country. RUWON Nepal has implemented means of providing rural women with education, such as funding and supporting the education of more than 300 girls in the Sindhuli district in Kathmandu. The organization is also providing financing for women to set up their self-sufficient businesses, allowing women to both make a living and be empowered through independence. Other projects include providing free English lessons, the provision of sanitary products and sewing lessons to rural women, allowing women to have the opportunity to develop skills, gain an education and earn a living.
Prayas Nepal
Established in 2003, Prayas Nepal aims to improve the lives of those living in poverty in Nepal, particularly focusing on the welfare of children, with the charity’s initial project being a home for disadvantaged or orphaned children. Since then, Prayas Nepal has extended the focus of its work to support underprivileged children, women and the elderly.
Since 2003, Prayas Nepal has provided education scholarships to more than 2,000 people as well as implemented a vast number of community development projects across the country. Such projects include a Women’s Empowerment Project, COVID-19 relief projects, free health care centers, childhood education and elderly education programs. Due to the threat of natural disasters, Prayas Nepal has also developed almost 1,400 disaster management projects that provide emergency relief and rehabilitation to regions most impacted.
Making a Change
Although Nepal still stands as a “Least Developed Country” the work of local, national and international charities operating in Nepal, such as the five discussed here, has meant that poverty is steadily declining, with many people being lifted out of poverty between 2014 and 2019.
Nepal now aims to graduate from this status by 2026, according to the World Bank. However, economic, social and environmental issues are ever-prevalent in Nepal making the possibility for poverty alleviation challenging.
– Lucy Jacks
Photo: Flickr
The Organization Advancing the Rights of Tamils in Sri Lanka
At the fall of the British Empire, many Tamils found themselves stateless under the Citizenship Acts of 1948-49 and promises made by the Indian government to confer citizenship upon 600,000 Tamils were not fulfilled. Minority Rights Group, an NGO working with indigenous people around the world, states that, by the year 2000, about 300,000 Tamils were still stateless.
This situation and a desperation to be treated equally, both socially and politically, has resulted in severe conflict since the fall of the British Empire. The Sri Lankan Civil War was fought from 1983-2009 in which the political group Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam or the Tamil Tigers, fought to create an independent Tamil state but were defeated after thousands of deaths on both sides. The result has been the continued oppression and marginalization of Tamils in Sri Lanka.
What Is the Current Situation?
In September 2023, nine different human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, published an open letter criticizing the Sri Lankan government’s proposed National Unity and Reconciliation Commission. They wrote that the commission was unlikely to achieve any meaningful change for minority groups, asking instead for the government to recognize the widespread discrimination and inequalities Tamils still face.
Human rights groups in recent years have deeply criticized the 1979 Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), with the Guardian calling it “a stain on Sri Lanka’s human rights record” as it enables the arrest, forced confessions and torture of anyone suspected of terrorism. In 2020, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka reported widespread torture and excessive use of force by the police. Additionally, more than 130 Tamil politicians and activists were documented to be in detention despite government denials. The government argued that these individuals were imprisoned for violent crimes. In 2022, Amnesty International reported that Muslims and Tamils are disproportionately affected by the PTA in Sri Lanka. This situation highlights ongoing concerns regarding human rights issues, particularly about Tamils in Sri Lanka.
What Progress Is Being Made Today?
Despite this, various groups throughout Sri Lanka and the world have been fighting for Tamil rights and the Tamil Rights Group (TRG) is taking steps to hold the Sri Lankan government accountable for their actions against Tamil people. In December 2023, TRG engaged in in-person discussions with the International Criminal Court (ICC) in the Netherlands. The discussions centered on crimes against humanity, particularly the persecution of Tamils and the role of the military, exploring potential legal actions.
A follow-up submission is currently being prepared to continue addressing these critical issues. In a statement about the meeting, TRG emphasizes its commitment to “pursuing all available legal avenues to hold the Sri Lankan state and individual perpetrators accountable.” This holds the promise of legal change for Tamils, shedding light on their plight and potentially advancing justice for the affected communities.
Final Remark
The end of 2023 saw a rise in global awareness and recognition of the crimes committed against Tamils. This will likely lead to tangible changes that may address the plight of those most affected.
– Alice Brayford
Photo: Flickr