In 2004, serial entrepreneur and mental health care practitioner Zane Maureen Wilson was scrolling through the headlines of the infamous international business newspaper, “Wall Street Journal.” As she was browsing, a unique story caught her attention. The story was about a talking book designed to provide health care education in Afghanistan. However, as she sifted deeper into the details, she discovered that each of these books cost $62.50, which was unaffordable for many Afghan families. Inspired by the article, Wilson launched the company Speaking Books in 2005. The company provides free audiobooks on health care to illiterate and struggling communities across the globe.
Wilson’s Eventful Journey
In 1969, Wilson embarked on her entrepreneurial odyssey when she moved to South Africa from her hometown in Lincolnshire, England. First, she introduced Top Girl, the first-ever female executive placement agency in South Africa. This business quickly skyrocketed and in 1975, she sold it. In 1994, she launched the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which became Africa’s most recognized mental health initiative. However, as a hectic entrepreneur, Wilson encountered many panic attacks, which expeditiously escalated into an undiagnosed acute panic disorder. Wilson explained these attacks as, “They can be very unpleasant. I was feeling acutely suicidal in some stages.”
Nonetheless, her biggest concern of all was that she was not able to find a support system. At the time, South Africa was not exactly the country that welcomed people with mental illnesses with open arms. According to a SADAG study, 1 in every 6 South Africans faces mental health conditions. Consequently, around 22 South Africans commit suicide daily and 10 times this amount attempt it. Witnessing this problem first-hand, Wilson transformed SADAG into a support structure for both urban and rural underprivileged South Africans facing mental health diseases. Since then, the SADAG has formed more than 180 support groups and assisted 45,000 patients. Additionally, it operates a 16-line counseling and referral call center and spreads awareness of mental health issues.
Another booming issue in South Africa is teen suicide rates. Statistics show that 17.8% of teenagers in South Africa have attempted to commit suicide in 2011. The SADAG also tackles this problem by connecting with South African high schools and teenagers. Although Wilson experienced immense success through SADAG, she arguably made her most eminent impact through her next venture, Speaking Books, addressing a global solicitude.
A Global Predicament
In this modern day and age, reading is a superpower crucial to thrive. Words and letters are present ubiquitously everywhere. From guiding to self-security, reading offers many benefits, including providing the opportunity to interpret and extract information about the external world. However, 785 million people globally are unable to read. In other words, 1 in every 5 people are illiterate and two-thirds of illiterate people are women.
This inability prevents these people from accessing and comprehending many imperatives such as health care, education and job opportunities. Furthermore, people with low or no literacy abilities tend to face more diseases and adversities like poverty and have low life expectancy rates. As illiterate families expand and parents give birth to offspring, they may be unable to prevent or hinder the incessant cycle of growing illiteracy in the world. On the bright side, Speaking Books presents a simple yet potent solution to this evolving problem.
Speaking Books
Speaking books are an “edutainment tool” providing illiterate and low literacy families and homes with access to audiobooks typically spoken by local celebrities on global necessities, primarily health care. In addition, it targets mental health issues like depression, suicide, bipolar, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS and provides awareness as well as disease education. Each book utilizes the latest sound chip technology to provide a soundtrack spoken in a local language.
The books consist of 16 pages filled with flamboyant illustrations and easy-to-understand text. These multilingual learning tools are also tailor-designed for different countries and cultures. Most of all, it is affordable to low-income communities and families and interpreted by anyone despite their reading ability.
In 2005, the first and second speaking books were released at the Global Health Conference in Washington, D.C. After encountering success, Speaking Books expanded by supporting global health organizations such as The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children. It grew from a once South African solution to a global resolution, reaching 35 other developing countries. Speaking Books has launched more than 200,000 books on 100 topics in 40 languages.
– Sai Sidharth Kanyaboena
Photo: Flickr
Changemaker: Fighting for Refugee Children in Zambia
The Experience of Refugee Children in Zambia
The nature of being a refugee or asylum seeker involves plenty of travel. As such, many organizations, including the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), have identified many violations of basic human rights during this process. In particular, refugee children seem to be dramatically affected by the process of claiming asylum. Challenging discrimination against refugee children in Zambia is one of the key case studies in UNICEF’s research on the issue. Others range from child marriage, child labor and gender-based violence.
A New Approach by UNICEF
To tackle these issues, UNICEF Zambia decided to organize what it calls a “Changemaker Workshop” in Lusaka. These workshops are designed to foster inclusion with refugee children in Zambia to directly address the unique problems they face daily, as well as canvassing for solutions.
The initiative involved 20 children aged 13 to 19 who shared their personal experiences as refugees living in Zambia. They were encouraged to highlight adversities faced while navigating the asylum process, detailing instances of discrimination and the challenges of living as orphans or being raised in child-headed households, typically led by an older sibling. As a UNICEF Changemaker, these refugee children can actively participate and consult on issues that directly affect them. Furthermore, they can provide better information to charitable organizations like UNICEF to develop a better outcome for them.
The Impact of the UNICEF Changemaker Program
As a direct result of this initiative, UNICEF has compiled valuable feedback from the participants. Many have proposed practical solutions to various challenges they face, including:
UNICEF Zambia says that these workshops enable a greater level of participation from refugee children in Zambia in a meaningful way. Consequently, the organization is expanding this initiative by collaborating with partners to establish additional safe spaces for children. This aims to amplify the voices of more adolescent refugees, fostering a platform where their perspectives are heard and solutions are envisaged.
– Domenico Palermo
Photo: Flickr
Tackling Poverty With Renewable Energy in the Bahamas
Job Creation and Economic Opportunities
The Family Islands Solarization Program is making significant strides in combating poverty by creating jobs and fostering economic opportunities. The program’s development, installation and maintenance of solar-fueled power systems on the islands of Andros, Bimini, Eleuthera, Inagua and more created a surge in demand for labor. Local residents have access to increased employment opportunities, ranging from solar panel installation to ongoing system maintenance, bolstering the economic well-being of the communities involved and creating a new skilled labor force in the area.
Affordable and Reliable Electricity
Recognizing the critical importance of resilience in a changing climate, the Government of the Bahamas implemented solar-plus-storage solutions as part of the Family Islands Solarization Program. This strategic move enables the retention of solar energy for use during evening hours and stormy weather. It also paves the way for future selling of its excess solar energy to other island nations, potentially reducing its reliance on tourism as the sole export of the region. By diminishing dependence on imported fossil fuels, the program effectively reduces the overall cost of electricity generation.
Community Empowerment and Education
The Family Islands Solarization Program places a robust emphasis on community involvement, education and empowerment. Actively engaging local residents in solar energy projects, from planning to implementation and maintenance, the program fosters a sense of ownership within communities. This hands-on involvement provides valuable renewable energy skills and knowledge, empowering community members to pursue entrepreneurial opportunities in the sector. As community members become more proficient at understanding and managing solar-powered systems, they are better equipped to break the chains of poverty and create a sustainable pathway to economic empowerment.
Conclusion
The Family Islands Solarization Program serves as a catalyst for sustainable, positive change in the Bahamas. By actively addressing poverty through job creation, affordable electricity and community empowerment, the program sets a precedent for sustainable development.
As the nation strides towards achieving its goal of 30% renewable energy by 2030, the socio-economic benefits of the Family Islands Solarization Program encourage continued development of this sector throughout the area. This groundbreaking initiative not only propels the nation toward a greener future but also uplifts its communities, firmly establishing renewable energy in the Bahamas as a beacon of hope in the fight against poverty.
– Madeleine Norris
Photo: Pixabay
Speaking Books: A Dynamic Educational Antidote
Wilson’s Eventful Journey
In 1969, Wilson embarked on her entrepreneurial odyssey when she moved to South Africa from her hometown in Lincolnshire, England. First, she introduced Top Girl, the first-ever female executive placement agency in South Africa. This business quickly skyrocketed and in 1975, she sold it. In 1994, she launched the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), which became Africa’s most recognized mental health initiative. However, as a hectic entrepreneur, Wilson encountered many panic attacks, which expeditiously escalated into an undiagnosed acute panic disorder. Wilson explained these attacks as, “They can be very unpleasant. I was feeling acutely suicidal in some stages.”
Nonetheless, her biggest concern of all was that she was not able to find a support system. At the time, South Africa was not exactly the country that welcomed people with mental illnesses with open arms. According to a SADAG study, 1 in every 6 South Africans faces mental health conditions. Consequently, around 22 South Africans commit suicide daily and 10 times this amount attempt it. Witnessing this problem first-hand, Wilson transformed SADAG into a support structure for both urban and rural underprivileged South Africans facing mental health diseases. Since then, the SADAG has formed more than 180 support groups and assisted 45,000 patients. Additionally, it operates a 16-line counseling and referral call center and spreads awareness of mental health issues.
Another booming issue in South Africa is teen suicide rates. Statistics show that 17.8% of teenagers in South Africa have attempted to commit suicide in 2011. The SADAG also tackles this problem by connecting with South African high schools and teenagers. Although Wilson experienced immense success through SADAG, she arguably made her most eminent impact through her next venture, Speaking Books, addressing a global solicitude.
A Global Predicament
In this modern day and age, reading is a superpower crucial to thrive. Words and letters are present ubiquitously everywhere. From guiding to self-security, reading offers many benefits, including providing the opportunity to interpret and extract information about the external world. However, 785 million people globally are unable to read. In other words, 1 in every 5 people are illiterate and two-thirds of illiterate people are women.
This inability prevents these people from accessing and comprehending many imperatives such as health care, education and job opportunities. Furthermore, people with low or no literacy abilities tend to face more diseases and adversities like poverty and have low life expectancy rates. As illiterate families expand and parents give birth to offspring, they may be unable to prevent or hinder the incessant cycle of growing illiteracy in the world. On the bright side, Speaking Books presents a simple yet potent solution to this evolving problem.
Speaking Books
Speaking books are an “edutainment tool” providing illiterate and low literacy families and homes with access to audiobooks typically spoken by local celebrities on global necessities, primarily health care. In addition, it targets mental health issues like depression, suicide, bipolar, malaria, tuberculosis, HIV and AIDS and provides awareness as well as disease education. Each book utilizes the latest sound chip technology to provide a soundtrack spoken in a local language.
The books consist of 16 pages filled with flamboyant illustrations and easy-to-understand text. These multilingual learning tools are also tailor-designed for different countries and cultures. Most of all, it is affordable to low-income communities and families and interpreted by anyone despite their reading ability.
In 2005, the first and second speaking books were released at the Global Health Conference in Washington, D.C. After encountering success, Speaking Books expanded by supporting global health organizations such as The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Save the Children. It grew from a once South African solution to a global resolution, reaching 35 other developing countries. Speaking Books has launched more than 200,000 books on 100 topics in 40 languages.
– Sai Sidharth Kanyaboena
Photo: Flickr
Agriculture and Poverty in Mozambique
Political Context of Mozambique
A former Portuguese colony to whom it provided many agricultural products, Mozambique gained its independence in 1975 but quickly plunged into civil war afterward. The new government, under President Samora Machel, established a one-state party based on Marxist principles, receiving some military and diplomatic support from Cuba and the Soviet Union. Internal conflicts tore Mozambique as it “battled anticommunist forces funded by South Africa and the former Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, for control of the country,” according to Britannica. This resulted in the displacement and death of many, and in turn, hindered economic development and discouraged foreign aid. “Despite having one of the fastest-growing economies in sub-Saharan Africa from 2000 to 2015, job creation, poverty reduction and human capital accumulation are still issues in the country,” according to the World Bank.
Poverty, Natural Disasters and Disabilities Mozambique
Of the 27 million people living in Mozambique, 60% live in poverty and more than 70% live in rural areas where access to basic resources is scarce, according to the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). Farmers and fishers generally make enough to sustain their households, but incomes are limited. The agricultural sector represents 85% of people’s incomes and there is little opportunity outside of it, with the remaining 15% working in industry and services. Poverty is highly concentrated in these rural areas, creating a large divide between the rich and poor.
Natural disasters such as droughts, floods and cyclones have affected the country, especially in recent years. In 2019, tropical cyclone Idai caused catastrophic damage and created a humanitarian crisis in Mozambique, Malawi and Zimbabwe. The cyclone killed more than 1,000 people and destroyed around 100,000 homes. Since then, tropical cyclone Eloise and tropical storm Chalane have hit the same areas causing further damage to rebuilding progress since 2019.
According to a 2017 census, 2.6% of the population in Mozambique lives with a disability. According to UNICEF, 14% of children between the ages of 2 and 9 live with a disability and often experience discrimination at school and their everyday lives, such as their own families hiding them.
Solutions to Poverty in Mozambique
The agricultural sector remains the key to moving people out of poverty. International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) study found that “a 1% growth in the agriculture GDP results in a 2.6% reduction in poverty, compared to 1% overall GDP growth resulting in only 0.25% reduction in poverty.”
While farming is the main source of income for the majority of those living in Mozambique, there is low productivity due to farmers still relying on traditional farming techniques, according to IFAD.
In Mozambique, IFAD “to integrate small-scale producers into profitable and accessible markets,” according to its website. Its result-based strategic networks focus on “improving access of smallholder farmers and artisanal fishers to technologies and services that increase productivity; increasing participation in markets for an equitable share of profits; and increasing access to sustainable financial services in rural areas.”
Similarly, USAID’s Feed the Future Mozambique Promoting Innovative and Resilient Agriculture Market Systems activity focuses on increasing agricultural-based income and market competitiveness to promote economic growth along the Nacala corridor of Northern Mozambique, according to its website.
Action on Poverty trained more than 600 farmers, 60% of whom are women, on how to grow sweet potatoes to increase nutrition. Additionally, it connects smaller farmers with local markets to earn more income, according to its website.
Looking Ahead
Mozambique’s rich resources and economic structure are inextricably linked. The 2023 IGM Annual Conference hosted in Maputo, Mozambique, brings hope to the future of inclusive growth and development and bridging the gap between the needy and the fortunate. Innovations in agriculture and market accessibility are key to promoting economic growth and stability, in turn lowering poverty.
– Elisenne Stoller
Photo: Flickr
The Sanctuary Scholarship and Poverty Alleviation in Iraq
Empowering Through Education
The Sanctuary Scholarship program at the University of Exeter is pivotal in empowering individuals facing asylum or refugee challenges and addressing persistent issues in Iraqi education. Despite advancements, numerous challenges persist, including limited access to basic education and high dropout rates, particularly among children from the poorest quintile, constituting 38% of all school dropouts. The program covers a broad range of academic disciplines, encompassing full-time undergraduate and doctoral programs in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. This comprehensive approach enables scholars from Iraq to pursue their academic passions, contributing to vital fields essential for their home country’s holistic development.
The initiative tackles these issues by providing valuable educational opportunities, contributing to poverty alleviation and empowering individuals to shape a brighter future for Iraq. The program equips recipients with essential knowledge and skills for meaningful contributions to Iraq’s socioeconomic development by imparting education. The significant disparity in global rankings between the University of Exeter (143rd) and Iraq’s leading university, the University of Technology Iraq (801-1000th), underscores the impactful role of international educational support in addressing educational disparities and fostering positive change.
Addressing Financial Barriers
The Sanctuary Scholarship significantly aids in poverty alleviation by addressing financial barriers hindering access to higher education, particularly evident in Iraq’s declining gross national income per capita, reducing from $5,940 in 2012 to $5,270 by 2022. Recipients, including those from Iraq, benefit from a full tuition fee waiver for undergraduate and doctoral programs. Additionally, living cost grants and supplementary bursaries ease the financial burden of pursuing a degree, enabling scholars to concentrate on their studies without the strain of economic constraints.
Building Future Leaders
The Sanctuary Scholarship program at the University of Exeter catalyzes developing future leaders in Iraq through strategic investments in education. With unemployment in Iraq nearly doubling from 7.96% in 2012 to 15.55% in 2022, the program plays a crucial role in addressing this challenge. Iraqi scholars benefiting from the initiative gain exposure to a global learning environment, engaging with diverse perspectives, innovative research and valuable networking opportunities. This international exposure equips them with essential skills to drive positive change and tackle the multifaceted challenges of poverty upon their return to Iraq.
Simultaneously, Iraq’s middle class has dwindled from 61% in 2007 to 30% in 2020, accompanied by rising poverty levels, impacting the country’s stability, fueling extremism and heightening ethnic and sectarian tensions. The Sanctuary Scholarship program actively counters these trends by fostering international collaboration among students from diverse backgrounds. This collaborative environment is a unique platform for Iraqi scholars to build global connections, leveraging them for collaborative efforts in poverty alleviation and sustainable development in Iraq.
Conclusion
The Sanctuary Scholarship at the University of Exeter stands as a beacon of hope for individuals from Iraq seeking refuge. This program empowers scholars to become agents of change in the fight against poverty by dismantling financial barriers and providing a world-class education. As recipients return to Iraq armed with knowledge, skills and a global perspective, the impact of the Sanctuary Scholarship resonates not only within the individual lives it transforms but also in the broader context of contributing to a more prosperous and equitable future for Iraq.
– Madeleine Norris
Photo: Flickr
Rainwater Harvesting in Papua New Guinea
The State of Earth’s Water
Water, essential for human life, is a basic need for survival. Despite 71% of the Earth’s surface being covered by water, water scarcity is a present reality, not a future problem, for many worldwide. Despite the large bodies of water on Earth, a mere 3% of water on Earth is fresh water. Even more startling, is that this statistic includes water inaccessible to humans, such as fresh water in the form of glaciers, icecaps, permafrost and water trapped deep within the Earth’s layers. With all of these barriers to freshwater access, it leaves humans with around 1-1.2% of the world’s water supply to supplement drinking water.
As the global population surpasses 8 billion, the quest for sustainable water sources becomes critical. This has led to innovative solutions like rainwater harvesting, a method that collects rain for various uses, demonstrating a practical approach to addressing the freshwater challenge.
Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea, a nation on Oceania’s continent, consists of a mainland and numerous islands. Its surrounding waters and significant biodiversity rank it among Earth’s most geographically diverse locations. Nearly ten million people call Papua New Guinea home, with most living in the highlands and rural areas.
Living in rural areas largely contributes to water insecurity, with estimates indicating that only 40% of Papua New Guinea’s population can access safe water sources. This percentage reflects not only the individuals lacking access to clean drinking water but also those without proper sanitation facilities.
In Papua New Guinea, women and girls usually bear the responsibility of collecting water for their families, undertaking dangerous walks across rugged terrain. They carry thirty-pound jugs of water home in scorching temperatures. Waiting for nightfall might offer cooler temperatures, but it also increases the risk of exposure to violence. Despite the grueling journey that can take hours, they must fetch water for bathing, drinking, or even hospital visits.
Rainwater Harvesting in Papua New Guinea
To address these and other problems associated with water collection, rainwater harvesting is gaining popularity. It enables people to collect rainwater, creating a freshwater source right at their homes. Additionally, rainwater harvesting benefits the environment by reducing runoff, which in turn lessens erosion and contamination of other water sources typically resulting from standard rainfall.
Rainwater harvesting is transforming life for entire communities in Papua New Guinea. Individuals or families can implement it by channeling water from their rooftops into a collection system. With most people living outside urban areas, this method significantly reduces the need to walk long distances for fresh water. It also ensures that community resources like schools and hospitals have access to clean water, allowing them to operate in a higher-quality environment.
In the settlement of Kunu, implementing a rainwater harvesting system brought water to the community and completely changed the way of life for its residents. Before this, water for bathing, drinking, cleaning or any task that required water necessitated a three-hour walk in each direction. The women and children of the settlement responsible for this task would expose themselves to not only a physically difficult journey but one filled with potential for danger and violence.
To provide clean water access within Kunu, 14 water tanks holding 9,000 liters each were placed throughout the settlement, providing people with access to water in a way they have never had before. Residents of the settlement now have the ability to access water outside of their homes, without the risk of violence or victimization, something to be celebrated around the world. Rainwater harvesting in Papua New Guinea has continued to reach other settlements and hopefully, other settlements like Kunu will eventually have access to water through this system as well.
The Future of Fresh Water Access
The success of this project on a grand scale highlights the immense potential of rainwater harvesting to transform lives not only in Papua New Guinea but globally. In places like Kunu, reliable access to water has ushered in a joyous new way of life. Families no longer worry about the safety of their daughters and mothers and clean drinking water is now seen not as a privilege but as a fundamental human right. This shift marks a significant step toward ensuring that everyone enjoys the basic necessities of life, setting a precedent for similar initiatives worldwide.
– Alexandra Straumann
Photo: Unsplash
Community fridges: Feeding The Globe
Feeding India: Happy Fridges
Feeding India, a Delhi-based Nongovernmental Organization (NGO), is dedicated to ensuring the well-being of its community. The initiative’s mission extends beyond alleviating hunger to actively addressing and improving issues of malnutrition in India. Although “Happy Fridges” are just one small part of what this organization does, the organization is in charge of more than 500 fridges throughout more than 100 cities in India. These fridges reportedly help to provide anywhere from 1,500 to 20,000 meals a month for hungry people. The organization is also committed to environmental consciousness, discouraging the storage of food in plastic containers within their community fridges.
Fridge Restock Community SG
The Fridge Restock Community SG was an initiative started by Daniel Yap, an owner of a grocery store in Little India, Singapore. Upon finding two individuals going through his garbage bins one day in search of thrown-out vegetables to be “rescued.” These individuals were “freegans,” seeking edible food waste to reduce global levels of waste. Upon this encounter, Yap decided to educate himself on food waste and figure out what he could do to help eliminate it.
This launched his idea for the Fridge Restock Community, which began in 2018. The group collects what they call “ugly vegetables” or those that are unsellable and distributes them to community fridges throughout Singapore. Initially, they focused their collection on Yap’s store, but the initiative has grown to rescue food from wholesale centers. Currently, they distribute to more than 14 fridges in the community, meeting with 50+ volunteers to provide weekly distributions. In 2022, the group rescued more than 301 tons of produce from the trash and redistributed it to the fridges.
Freedge
Freedge is an organization working globally to mobilize people towards creating their community fridges. The mission behind the organization is to “promote equal access to healthy food” and “reduce food insecurity and food waste, building a stronger community.” The freedge team has installed more than 30 fridges in parts of the U.S., Brazil and Slovakia.
Additionally, Freedge offers a wealth of resources for individuals in need. Their website features a global map showcasing all the free fridges in various communities worldwide, including those established by other organizations or individuals. This serves as a valuable resource for those seeking access to free food. The organization also provides detailed information on starting up one’s own free fridge through a dedicated webpage.
– Sophia Lovell
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Ending period poverty in Low-Income Countries
Rita Jalali, a CAS professor, states that “research has shown that period poverty exacts a heavy toll on education, income and physical and mental health, even in wealthier countries. The use of unhygienic materials can become a risk factor for infection and a lack of menstrual-friendly toilets at workplaces can increase absenteeism.” Improving access to quality menstrual health and hygiene services worldwide is a crucial step toward advancing gender equality by addressing and combating period poverty. That said, here are three low-income countries working toward ending period poverty.
Kenya
One study found that 95% of Kenyan school girls experiencing menstruation miss one to three school days per menstruation cycle. Despite the Kenyan Government’s removal of value-added tax (VAT) on period products and making other policy changes, the price reduction was minimal, offering limited relief to those facing economic challenges, the price reduction was minimal, offering limited relief to those facing economic challenges.
To address this, the Kenyan Government, in 2020, launched the National Menstrual Hygiene Management Policy (2019-2030). The policy provides a map to ensure that individuals experiencing menstruation have access to the information, products, services, facilities and disposal methods they need.
Mozambique
In 2019, Mozambique launched the Urban Sanitation Project, a marketing and hygiene promotion campaign to improve menstrual health and hygiene for girls and women in the country. Interventions in schools and education centers are also among the objectives of this project. As of May 3, 2023, the Urban Sanitation Project has made substantial progress, achieving key end goals ahead of its June 2025 deadline:
Ghana
Ghana launched the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area Sanitation and Water Project in 2013. This initiative involved an in-depth qualitative study with the specific goal of understanding the impacts of menstrual health interventions in schools on the educational engagement of adolescent girls.
With major goals ending in December 2024, several goals have been achieved, with further goals well on their way to being fulfilled. One successful goal of particular interest in ending period poverty is the 261,922 females trained to improve hygiene behavior and sanitation practices, surpassing the goal of 260,000.
– Charlotte Campion
Photo: Pxhere
Mental Health in Tuvalu
Threats of Isolation
A current and life-threatening issue for Tuvalu and its government in recent years has been the with impending effects of the weather changing patterns. Surrounded by nothing but the roaring sea, the worsening elements slowly rip Tuvalu apart. A study highlighted the direct links between weather issues and mental health, as a result of people fear toward the issue. The impact of such stress can cause an increase in heightened cases of psychological distress and increased rates of psychiatric disorder, alongside issues such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and alcohol abuse.
Lack of Access to Mental Health Care
Although direct informative links detail mental health statistics, there is limited knowledge and support for islanders affected by various mental health issues. Although laws exist protecting those suffering from mental health, medical support nears nothing. No mental health hospitals stand on the island, nor do mental health nurses or psychiatrists assist those suffering. The remoteness of the Island heavily contributes to the lack of resources. There is a great lack of nurses and doctors, specifically zero mental health nurses and psychiatrists to treat and administer help for mental health issues for the 11,000-strong population.
The rates of mental health issues in Tuvalu compared to other nations appear relatively low. The lack of support and medical financing likely causes lower rates of mental health conditions. For depressive rates, 3.1% of the population has received a diagnosis with depressive disorders as of 2015, a stark difference from a nation such as Australia which sits at 5.9%, a nation with much more support for those with mental health issues. Although no direct links seem to exist between mental health and poverty, the two fail to assist each other well. If the people struggle, the country continues to struggle. Due to the small size of Tuvalu, there is a risk of those with mental health issues being forgotten about, as there is a lack of resources to help them.
Mental Health and Poverty
Various studies have shown that there is a clear relationship between mental health and poverty; with there being various reasons pertaining to why, such as depression and anxiety being the most common. Due to Tuvalu’s geographical location, natural disasters heavily affect it. Due to the remoteness of Tuvalu, there is a lack of sufficient evidence regarding poverty and issues such as homelessness which is a contributing factor to mental health across the globe. However, some research suggests there is a strong correlation between these two issues.
Financial Aid for Tuvalu
Despite the harsh, current conditions that Tuvaluans are experiencing, largely related to a change in the weather patterns, in 2021, The World Bank directors approved a $17.5 million commitment which would give Tuvalu greater and important access to essential resources, which may alleviate mental stresses due to changing weather. The money also aims to improve access to education for the children of Tuvalu, specifically children with disabilities. Additionally, the aid will help improve public health, funding it appropriately.
New Zealand has a long friendship with Tuvalu, assisting it and its economy in many ways; particularly through trading and hopefully the help will allow Tuvalu to further thrive. The combined efforts of the Tuvaluan government, organizations and countries alike are slowly relieving the strain on the economy and may help address mental health challenges as well.
Initiative to Address Mental Health
Alongside the financial assistance, the nation has received $15 million in grants to fund its health service. The money largely aims to improve general health services but will also assist those who suffer from mental health issues in Tuvalu. The grant could allow the nation to build a new ward in the capital’s hospital and from that, possess the ability to help hundreds more people. Mental health issues are often worsened through general suffering, disease and stress. Hopefully, the financial support can alleviate these issues.
– Lily Thornhill
Photo: Flickr
Poverty Innovations in Zambia
The Zambia Agribusiness and Trade Project (ZATP)
ZATP is an initiative with a focus on enhancing Zambia’s economy. This project provides financial aid through grants and business development services to make the country’s small-scale agriculture more competitive. It also aims to encourage partnerships between farmers and buyers. This allows smallholder farmers to have access to much larger markets. As of September 2023, the project has supported 98,000 beneficiaries directly, thus helping to eradicate poverty.
Availability of Safe Water and Sanitation
Out of Zambia’s population (19.6 million), 32% lack access to basic water services and 53% lack access to basic sanitation services. Hence, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) investments aim to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. This is part of an initiative called “The First 1,000 Most Critical Days Program”, referring to the first 1,000 days of life after birth, where access to water and sanitation is most vital for physical and mental development. USAID supports the research of this project, providing financial aid to water supply and sanitation companies to improve the efficiency of their delivery and the extent of their reach as an initiative towards poverty eradication in Zambia.
Benefitting Girls and Women
The Girls’ Education and Women’s Empowerment and Livelihoods Project (GEWEL) promotes societal inclusion for women. It has received trust fund grants from Irish Aid, the U.K.’s Foreign, Common and Development Office and the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency. The second phase of the project runs from 2020 to 2024 and has, thus far, benefitted 75,000 women in 51 Zambian districts, providing them with life and business skills as well as a cash grant. Additionally, GEWEL will expand bursary coverage from 14,000 girls in 27 districts to 43,000 girls in 39 districts to provide girls with access to secondary education, helping to set up the future of Zambia’s fight against poverty.
Household Energy Usage
The Zambian government, with the aid of the World Bank, introduced initiatives to improve access to electricity across the nation. The Electricity Service Access Project (ESAP) has been active since June 2018 and has been operational since June 2018 and is slated to continue for five years. The ESAP aims to benefit 22,000 low-income households and 1,000 rural Small Enterprises by subsidizing the cost of grid connection. As of January 10, 2022, the ESAP successfully connected 40,346 beneficiaries, helping to aid poverty innovations.
The Power Africa project, funded by USAID, increases access to clean energy sources in rural areas. Zambia often experiences national power blackouts because 85% of electricity comes from hydropower, which is often impacted by droughts and flooding. As a result, the Government of Zambia has set a goal of universal electricity access for all Zambians by 2030. Therefore, Power Africa encourages investment in other energy sectors, for instance, solar energy use in health clinics. This initiative has aided the development of 208 megawatts of electricity generation projects in the nation.
Health Care
The Southern Africa Tuberculosis and Health System Support Project was established as a regional center to help those suffering from occupational lung diseases. The project supports laboratories in meeting regional procedure standards, thereby improving the efficiency of monitoring Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis. The project also gives case notifications, which have been particularly vital in recent years, when tuberculosis case notifications rose from 27,700 to 29,700 per year (2021) in targeted geographical locations.
Zambia’s poverty innovations have also focused on eradicating undernutrition, which is responsible for 20% of maternal deaths and 45% of child deaths. With support from USAID, the 1,000 Most Critical Days Project aims to advocate the importance of good nutrition and integrate food security and economic growth into all community activities. This program has made vital progress in health and nutrition, as well as supporting the production and consumption of food, which provides nutrition in all of the 42 districts of Zambia.
– Eva McMonigle
Photo: Flickr