Haiti has had major struggles with cholera since the devastating earthquake occurred in 2010, with minimal resources at the impoverished nation’s disposal. The cholera epidemic ended in January 2019, and by January 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Haiti free from cholera. But, in September 2022, Haiti saw a resurgence of cholera. As the cholera outbreak in Haiti continues, organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Partners in Health (PIH) are working tirelessly, offering not just medical aid but also education, a tool to empower and establish resilience.
Background
Haiti is an unstable country, with social and political unrest, a weak economy, and a high rate of natural disasters. In 2021, Haiti had the lowest gross national income of all countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, standing at just $1,420 per capita. In 2021, Haiti ranked 163 out of 191 on the UN Human Development Index. Meanwhile, in 2021, an earthquake caused $1.6 billion in damage and losses, which equated to 11% of Haiti’s GDP. And, in the same region in 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused losses and damages estimated at 13% of the country’s 2015 GDP. The recurring natural disasters are constantly battering an already impoverished country.
This instability carries to Haiti’s health care system, which has faced numerous challenges, with health care workers leaving Haiti due to low wages. For the health workers remaining in the country, high fuel prices make it challenging to travel to work.
Haiti experiences shortages of essential medicine and a lack of access to facilities due to geographical and financial barriers. According to the World Bank, Haiti is the poorest country in the LAC region and one of the poorest countries in the world. As of 2023, 59% of Haitians live below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. As of 2020, about 50% of the country’s rural population lacked access to drinkable water, and about one-third of Haitians had access to basic sanitation. These statistics mean the country’s people are extremely vulnerable to experiencing outbreaks of cholera.
Haiti had been declared cholera-free on February 4th, 2022, but in October 2022, 12 years after their battle with cholera began and after three years of no reported cases, there was a new cholera outbreak in Haiti. It is currently unclear how this new wave of cholera began, but lack of health care infrastructure, lack of clean water, and extreme poverty are the primary culprits.
The Caseload
Based on the most recently published update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in August 2023, there have been 3,696 confirmed cases, with 77% of the patients being younger than 10 years old. There are a suspected 58,230 cases in the whole of Haiti, which is almost 15 times more than the confirmed cases supply. Cholera is a disease with a high rate of survival, especially outside of the younger population, so that is likely why so many of the confirmed cases are so young- they are those who have to receive professional treatment.
Many patients have to walk long distances to access care, especially with gas prices on the island skyrocketing. As of 2017, there were seven hospital beds per 10,000 people in Haiti. They also have to walk long distances to get to clean water, with access points ever-changing. People fight over water on busier days, and bottled water is not very affordable for most as a primary water source. Unclean water that has microscopic amounts of feces of a cholera carrier is how cholera spreads, and Haitians who are unable to afford bottled water, which is a majority of the extremely impoverished country, have to struggle to find water, which is largely unclean due to lack of funding for water infrastructure or reliable plumbing within Haiti.
Taking Action
Current strategies are varied. Largely, the challenge is in strengthening health infrastructure in a country facing rapid political changes. PAHO is working to provide an oral vaccination against the disease, as well as water purification tablets. The organization is attempting to teach improved hygiene practices in hospitals.
Partners in Health (PIH) is working diligently in Haiti as well. PIH opened University Hospital of Mirebalais in 2013, which has opened the door for more Haitians to get health care certifications, and 98% of the people who graduate from residency stay to work in Haiti instead of going to work abroad as Haitians with medical training often decide to do.
PAHO is training medical staff across Haiti on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) procedures, as well as evaluating communities and 14 different prisons on their WASH policies. It has been and continues to distribute supplies that will support WASH in the communities that are most harmed by the cholera outbreak in Haiti. PAHO, in collaboration with WHO, had evaluated 68 cholera treatment centers, providing training to 126 service providers, when their last report was published in August 2023. About 916 residents had received vaccinations as well.
Ultimately, the cholera outbreak in Haiti has strong links to poverty as impoverished people lack access to potable water, proper sanitation and education. The long-term solution goes beyond providing clean water to meet immediate needs. Humanitarian organizations are working to garner lasting change and build a strong, resilient health care force in Haiti. This means that even when aid organizations leave the country, Haiti’s people will have the skills, knowledge and resources to properly manage disease outbreaks.
– Ren Pratt
Photo: Flickr
Unraveling Homelessness in Andorra: Challenges and Solutions
Andorra, a small European nation nestled in the Pyrenees, lacks specific homelessness regulations but is committed to providing social housing and assistance to those in need. While homelessness regulations remain rare in the country, thanks in part to its robust service-based economy, which helps keep poverty levels low, non-governmental organizations such as Caritas Andorrana extend their support to non-resident homeless individuals, offering counseling, information dissemination and direct assistance. Additionally, the government has unveiled an extensive COVID-19 recovery plan, comprising more than 100 initiatives spanning social welfare, economic recovery and innovation.
Although 8% of Andorra’s population reportedly lives below the poverty line, it is essential to distinguish between poverty and homelessness. Severe material deprivation affects 5.7% of the population, but this does not equate to homelessness. Overall, while homelessness is not a significant issue in Andorra, some individuals may be at risk of homelessness or living in poverty.
Nonprofits Supporting the Homeless
Caritas Andorra, a prominent nonprofit organization in Andorra, stands at the forefront of assisting homeless individuals and families. Its comprehensive services encompass counseling, information dissemination and direct aid for those navigating challenging social situations. Additionally, the organization provides critical legal and therapeutic support to those in need. Caritas Andorrana strongly emphasizes the essential role of such nonprofit organizations in addressing homelessness in Andorra.
Local–International NGO Partnerships
Local groups in Andorra, including the commendable Caritas Andorra, play a crucial role in assisting disadvantaged populations, notably non-resident homeless individuals. Such partnerships bolster local capacity, enhance access to resources and effectively augment interventions.
Successful Collaborations
Andorra has effectively forged collaborations both within its borders and on the international stage. These collaborations encompass diverse sectors, such as innovation and sustainability. Entrepreneurship and innovation are significant focal points of Andorra’s economic development, evidenced by the recent launch of a sport-tech startup program. The Andorran Women’s Association actively works to combat domestic abuse. Additionally, collaborations with Endesa, a Spanish energy firm, have resulted in sustainability initiatives tailored to the region’s unique needs. Notably, the Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative engages Spanish and Andorran citizens in confronting the climate crisis through various initiatives. This collaborative effort not only promotes climate resilience and sustainability but also strengthens bilateral relations and fosters community engagement.
Factors Contributing to Success
Several factors have contributed to the success of various projects within Andorra. Collaboration involving government agencies, non-governmental organizations and international entities has played a pivotal role in the successful implementation of various initiatives. Moreover, innovation, often resulting from partnerships with international centers and entities, has enhanced the competitiveness and sustainability of Andorra’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Collaborative projects, including those with Endesa, have yielded sustainability initiatives attuned to local needs. Engaging the community in initiatives like the Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative promotes climate resilience and sustainability. These efforts collectively address various challenges, including homelessness, through collaborative endeavors.
Empathizing with Andorran Homeless
While specific homelessness empathy campaigns are scantily documented, Andorra’s various initiatives demonstrate empathy toward vulnerable populations. Caritas Andorra’s provision of primary care, psychiatric support, legal counsel and clothing to homeless non-residents showcases a commitment to helping those in need. The Andorran Women’s Association actively aids domestic abuse victims, addressing the needs of marginalized groups with empathy and compassion. Furthermore, Andorra’s status as one of the safest countries, marked by its efficient police force and low crime rate, indirectly fosters empathy and community engagement, promoting a secure environment for all residents.
Andorran Campaigns and Initiatives
Andorra’s focus extends beyond homelessness, encompassing sustainability, social welfare and community engagement. Endesa’s collaboration with local stakeholders in developing community-specific sustainability projects underscores Andorra’s commitment to environmentally responsible growth. Caritas Andorrana plays a pivotal role in promoting dignity, growth and social welfare among vulnerable populations. The Spain & Andorra Climate Resilience Leadership Initiative exemplifies community engagement in addressing changing weather patterns. These initiatives collectively promote social, economic and environmental well-being, although specific homelessness-focused measures are lacking.
Andorran Sustainability Initiatives
Andorra actively promotes sustainability and environmental protection. The Sustainable Andorra Centre, a government platform, is dedicated to environmental education and promoting sustainability principles. Comprehensive recycling plans have been implemented to minimize waste and improve sustainability. Moreover, Andorra’s participation in global sustainable development accords, including the Paris Agreement to combat changing weather patterns and the Convention on Biological Diversity, underscores its commitment to global sustainability standards. These initiatives engage the community in environmental awareness and foster sustainability.
Conclusion
Andorra’s collaborative efforts and empathetic initiatives promote inclusivity, sustainability and a compassionate society.
– Robert Gaziano
Photo: Flickr
Addressing the Cholera Outbreak in Haiti
Haiti has had major struggles with cholera since the devastating earthquake occurred in 2010, with minimal resources at the impoverished nation’s disposal. The cholera epidemic ended in January 2019, and by January 2022, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Haiti free from cholera. But, in September 2022, Haiti saw a resurgence of cholera. As the cholera outbreak in Haiti continues, organizations like the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and Partners in Health (PIH) are working tirelessly, offering not just medical aid but also education, a tool to empower and establish resilience.
Background
Haiti is an unstable country, with social and political unrest, a weak economy, and a high rate of natural disasters. In 2021, Haiti had the lowest gross national income of all countries in the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, standing at just $1,420 per capita. In 2021, Haiti ranked 163 out of 191 on the UN Human Development Index. Meanwhile, in 2021, an earthquake caused $1.6 billion in damage and losses, which equated to 11% of Haiti’s GDP. And, in the same region in 2016, Hurricane Matthew caused losses and damages estimated at 13% of the country’s 2015 GDP. The recurring natural disasters are constantly battering an already impoverished country.
This instability carries to Haiti’s health care system, which has faced numerous challenges, with health care workers leaving Haiti due to low wages. For the health workers remaining in the country, high fuel prices make it challenging to travel to work.
Haiti experiences shortages of essential medicine and a lack of access to facilities due to geographical and financial barriers. According to the World Bank, Haiti is the poorest country in the LAC region and one of the poorest countries in the world. As of 2023, 59% of Haitians live below the poverty line, according to UNICEF. As of 2020, about 50% of the country’s rural population lacked access to drinkable water, and about one-third of Haitians had access to basic sanitation. These statistics mean the country’s people are extremely vulnerable to experiencing outbreaks of cholera.
Haiti had been declared cholera-free on February 4th, 2022, but in October 2022, 12 years after their battle with cholera began and after three years of no reported cases, there was a new cholera outbreak in Haiti. It is currently unclear how this new wave of cholera began, but lack of health care infrastructure, lack of clean water, and extreme poverty are the primary culprits.
The Caseload
Based on the most recently published update from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) in August 2023, there have been 3,696 confirmed cases, with 77% of the patients being younger than 10 years old. There are a suspected 58,230 cases in the whole of Haiti, which is almost 15 times more than the confirmed cases supply. Cholera is a disease with a high rate of survival, especially outside of the younger population, so that is likely why so many of the confirmed cases are so young- they are those who have to receive professional treatment.
Many patients have to walk long distances to access care, especially with gas prices on the island skyrocketing. As of 2017, there were seven hospital beds per 10,000 people in Haiti. They also have to walk long distances to get to clean water, with access points ever-changing. People fight over water on busier days, and bottled water is not very affordable for most as a primary water source. Unclean water that has microscopic amounts of feces of a cholera carrier is how cholera spreads, and Haitians who are unable to afford bottled water, which is a majority of the extremely impoverished country, have to struggle to find water, which is largely unclean due to lack of funding for water infrastructure or reliable plumbing within Haiti.
Taking Action
Current strategies are varied. Largely, the challenge is in strengthening health infrastructure in a country facing rapid political changes. PAHO is working to provide an oral vaccination against the disease, as well as water purification tablets. The organization is attempting to teach improved hygiene practices in hospitals.
Partners in Health (PIH) is working diligently in Haiti as well. PIH opened University Hospital of Mirebalais in 2013, which has opened the door for more Haitians to get health care certifications, and 98% of the people who graduate from residency stay to work in Haiti instead of going to work abroad as Haitians with medical training often decide to do.
PAHO is training medical staff across Haiti on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) procedures, as well as evaluating communities and 14 different prisons on their WASH policies. It has been and continues to distribute supplies that will support WASH in the communities that are most harmed by the cholera outbreak in Haiti. PAHO, in collaboration with WHO, had evaluated 68 cholera treatment centers, providing training to 126 service providers, when their last report was published in August 2023. About 916 residents had received vaccinations as well.
Ultimately, the cholera outbreak in Haiti has strong links to poverty as impoverished people lack access to potable water, proper sanitation and education. The long-term solution goes beyond providing clean water to meet immediate needs. Humanitarian organizations are working to garner lasting change and build a strong, resilient health care force in Haiti. This means that even when aid organizations leave the country, Haiti’s people will have the skills, knowledge and resources to properly manage disease outbreaks.
– Ren Pratt
Photo: Flickr
Everything to Know About Dengue Fever in Jamaica
Like many tropical island nations, Jamaica is susceptible to frequent outbreaks of dengue and other mosquito-transmitted diseases. However, a long history of viral epidemics has provided Jamaica with a plethora of guidance and information on how to minimize an outbreak of dengue fever in Jamaica effectively.
Life in Jamaica
Jamaica is the third largest island located in the Caribbean Sea, after Cuba and Hispaniola – the land mass containing Haiti and the Dominican Republic. With a history of both Spanish and British colonialism, Jamaica once possessed the highest wealth disparity in the world. To this day it is one of the poorest countries in North America despite receiving the label of upper-middle-income country. In recent decades, however, the country has been taking successful steps towards strengthening the economy and increasing GDP. This resulted in a recorded GDP increase of 4.4% between 2021 and 2022, and a consequent decline in the poverty rate by 10% since 2020.
Despite having an approximate population of only 2.8 million on an island that is 10,990 square kilometers in size, residents often live in densely populated areas with nearly a third of the whole population residing in the country’s capital – Kingston. Often, these closely confined living conditions become the epicenters of outbreaks and exacerbate the rate at which the disease spreads.
Historic Dengue Outbreaks in Jamaica
Over the past 30 years, Jamaica has had seven previous dengue outbreaks, with the first case in 1995. Dengue fever is a virus spread to humans through the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito and common presentations of the disease include muscle and joint pain as well as a headache and other fever-related symptoms. In 2019, dengue received the classification as one of 10 global health threats following an outbreak across the American continent.
By the end of the outbreak, dengue in Jamaica was responsible for 86 deaths and 10,411 cases. By comparison to the previous outbreaks of 2007 and 2012 in which there were reports of 5,462 and 5,903 cases, respectively, the 2019 outbreak was much more severe. In addition, in the 2019 outbreak, 0.83% of afflicted individuals required medical intervention, almost double that of the two previous outbreaks. Experts thought the severity of this outbreak was a consequence of the 2014 Chikungunya and 2016/2017 Zika outbreaks depriving the countries of resources for disease control.
Recent Outbreaks
As of Sept 23, 2023, dengue in Jamaica has reached a prevalence in which the country confirmed an outbreak. This declaration is on the back of the Jamaican Ministry for Health and Wellness announcing earlier in the month that the number of reported Dengue cases in July and August has surpassed the threshold for an epidemic. Furthermore, predictions determined that a similar number of cases would occur in September.
As it stands there are 565 cases of dengue in Jamaica, however, only 78 have been confirmed with the majority of those being in just four parishes – Kingston, St Catherine, St Andrew and St Thomas. Fortunately, there have been no confirmed deaths, but six previous deaths are undergoing investigation. Although the current statistics do not suggest that this outbreak will be as devastating as those previously, there are concerns surrounding the potentially detrimental impact this epidemic will have on the tourism industry which the Jamaican economy is so reliant upon.
Despite this, Jamaica has implemented several measures to help curb the impact of this outbreak. These include deploying an additional 500 workers to high-risk areas, extending the opening hours of health care facilities as well as establishing national centers in all 14 parishes to help monitor localized outbreak sources. In addition, since the previous 2019 outbreak of Dengue in Jamaica, the government has invested $300 million JMD ($1.9 million) in a disease control program to better prepare the country against future outbreaks.
Despite the recent declaration of a dengue fever outbreak in Jamaica, the current statistics do not suggest that this outbreak will be as severe as previous outbreaks. Furthermore, the country appears to be in a position to overcome the epidemic without causing economic instability or a great loss of life.
– Holly Coop
Photo: Flickr
Addressing Food Insecurity in Armenia Amid a Humanitarian Crisis
The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is an ethnically charged territorial dispute between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Nagorno-Karabakh is a contested region by both countries with an ongoing conflict that has lasted for over three decades, with two wars in the early 1990s and 2020. Ethnic Armenians predominantly populated this region until 2023. As of 2023, the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has resulted in the displacement of 100,000 individuals who have sought refuge in Armenia. This exacerbates the strain on an already insecure economic situation. Furthermore, this influx of displaced persons has created food insecurity in Armenia, adding significant pressure to the country’s fragile economy.
The Current State of Poverty in Armenia
According to UNICEF, one out of every three children in Armenia resides in impoverished conditions. Additionally, “recent data from 2017 (34.2% child poverty rate, with 2% extreme child poverty rate) is showing that there was no reduction compared to the lowest level of poverty in 2008.”
The World Food Programme’s (WFP) fifth Food Security and Vulnerability Assessment (December 2022 to January 2023) unveiled concerning statistics regarding Armenia’s food security situation. It revealed that 30% of households in the country were grappling with food insecurity. An additional 44% of the surveyed households fell into the category of marginal food secure. This implies that more than half of the population remains susceptible to food insecurity. Only one in every five households in Armenia, or 20%, fell into the category of food secure.
These findings underscore the nature of the food security challenge in Armenia, requiring targeted interventions and policies to address the specific needs of vulnerable groups and regions.
Action Against Hunger
There has been an increase in organizations providing assistance to Armenia in light of its present circumstances. The mission of Action Against Hunger revolves around safeguarding families affected by conflict. The organization has aided Armenian citizens in need since 2018. In collaboration with local organizations, Action Against Hunger extends protective services to more than 3,000 children and their caregivers in Armenia. It goes beyond these measures by empowering people with entrepreneurship and vocational skills, facilitating connections with potential employers and alleviating food insecurity in Armenia. Furthermore, the organization offers critical support to those uprooted by conflict, delivering essential services such as health care, access to clean water and affordable housing options.
The Armenian Food Bank
The Armenian Food Bank, a humanitarian organization with a clear mission to aid Armenian refugees, has stepped forward to provide crucial assistance. Established in 2020 by Michael Avetikyan, the Armenian Food Bank Charitable Foundation has actively delivered vital humanitarian support to underprivileged families with children and veterans. In 2020 alone, this organization rendered assistance to more than 200,000 Armenian and Artsakh citizens. Furthermore, it facilitated the collection and transportation of 12 tons of humanitarian aid to Artsakh.
The World Food Programme (WFP)
In an effort to support displaced individuals in meeting their nutritional and essential requirements, the World Food Programme (WFP), with backing from the European Union, United States, France and the Belgian region of Flanders, extended cash assistance to more than 13,000 individuals in June 2021. These beneficiaries are registered on the government assistance platform and presently reside within Armenia’s borders. WFP had the opportunity to meet with several families who received cash assistance from both Armenia’s government and WFP. This assistance plays a pivotal role in making sure each individual has fulfilled their daily needs. The organization ensures that Armenians have food on their tables so that they can address other immediate needs.
Food for the Future
Organizations are redirecting their resources and focusing their endeavors on alleviating food insecurity in Armenia during the ongoing humanitarian crisis. This situation demands immediate attention to address the pressing needs of the affected population. These organizations are mobilizing their expertise, manpower and resources to provide vital assistance, including food, shelter and health care, to those grappling with the devastating consequences of the crisis. Collaborative efforts among international and local organizations, governments and communities are not only alleviating the current crisis in Artsakh but also helping Armenia build a more stable and secure future for its people.
– Susanna Andryan
Photo: Flickr
How Sustainable Development Lowers Poverty in India
Home to more than 1 billion people, India has recently been one of the big players on the global stage, both economically and diplomatically. Sustainable development lowers poverty in India and has shown how this practice can help lower poverty on a global scale.
India’s rapid sustainable development has turned many heads over the last few years. Environmentally sound, sustainable infrastructure development projects can help spur the economy and lower poverty in many ways, and India has exemplified several of these.
1. Swachh Bharat Abhiyan
Claimed to be the “most significant cleanliness campaign by the Government of India, the Clean India Act, known more commonly as the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, is committed to reducing urban, suburban and rural waste to improve sanitation and overall cleanliness in the country.
Led by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the campaign has made significant strides against poverty. Since its establishment in 2014, India has reduced sanitation-based flaws. Open defecation, which led to disease, has been replaced by plentiful access to toilets. The country’s 603,175 villages have been fully open defecation–free since 2019.
India has significantly reduced waste as well. In just 10 days, the Clean India Drive managed to collect more than 3 million kilograms of waste. Clearing waste significantly improves sanitation and creates cleaner environments where businesses can attract more customers.
2. Solar Power
Solar power can create employment opportunities for skilled and unskilled workers in India, and efforts in the nation have expanded the scope to a more global stage.
Started in Gurugram, India, the International Solar Alliance is a global organization dedicated to deploying solar power throughout the globe. Running programs from agricultural solar applications to solar parks, the ISA has created improved energy access like never before.
Not only does solar power create job opportunities and improve energy access for the poor, but it also reduces overall costs for energy use. This reduces the strain on households and businesses, allowing them to use funds for other needs.
3. Water Conservation
Water conservation measures, such as the Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA), which encouraged citizens to “catch the rain,” have been essential players in the battle against poverty. The JSA has completed more than 500,000 works in water conservation and rainwater harvesting and has renovated more than 89,000 traditional water bodies.
What such initiatives achieve is not limited to the environmental issues they immediately solve. The JSA and other such organizations have improved livelihoods by enhancing water management practices. By promoting asset creation and awareness in the most stressed districts of the country, the JSA’s efforts to improve irrigation have meant enhanced agricultural productivity for farmers.
However, the JSA has a long way to go to fully solve the issue of water conservation. One major criticism of the campaign is that such short-term efforts fail to address the root cause of India’s water problem: groundwater depletion. More than 80% of groundwater in India is over-exploited, and the JSA has made no focused effort to solve this long-term issue, which would help farmers efficiently irrigate crops, considerably benefiting the economy and alleviating the nation’s poverty.
India’s efforts to develop sustainability have not only helped India’s poor, but it has also set an example for other countries in the world to follow. India has a lot of work to do in regard to poverty, and other means of development besides those in this article, such as reforestation efforts, may help create even more job opportunities for the nation’s massive population. India’s strong efforts to lower poverty are, therefore, a good start to fighting poverty on the world stage.
– Advait K. Mishra
Photo: Flickr
Greece’s Nigerian Aid Program
August 31 marked a watershed event in Greek diplomacy as Ioannis Plotas, the Greek Ambassador to Nigeria, declared that Greece would actively work to uplift Nigeria’s populace out of poverty. Plotas explained that “in order to alleviate poverty and to provide whatever we can in the domain of humanitarian efforts, our government is ready to contribute either financially or in kind with certain materials.”
About Poverty and the Economy in Nigeria
Nigeria ranks amongst the five most poverty-stricken nations according to the World Bank, with around 30% of the population earning less than the extreme poverty threshold in 2019. Nigeria’s poverty has persisted since this point with UNICEF reporting in January that around 25 million Nigerians may have had inadequate food consumption from June to August. What led Nigeria to the brink of starvation with a crippling economy?
According to UNICEF, there is an array of causes of Nigeria’s mass famine and poverty, including economic shocks and a lack of human capital. The World Bank’s 2022 report on the nation’s poverty cited a lack of educational infrastructure, sanitation and electricity as leading contributors to a near 40% of the nation lying below the national poverty line. Despite this crisis persisting for years, government aid to those in need is scarce. The government has scaled back on spending on education and food production, which hinders the long-term growth of human capital.
Although Nigeria may be scaling back in certain infrastructure, the World Bank affirms that the government is implementing policies that enrich the long-term future of the nation, such as investing in agricultural efficiency and sanitation. These investments in infrastructure have the potential to be the catalyst for a prosperous Nigerian economy, including a plethora of job opportunities and reliable social services.
Greece’s Nigerian Aid Program
Greece’s intervention in Nigerian affairs is a departure from its conventional passive foreign policy. The nation famously restricted Syrian refugees from entering the nation in 2015 as they fled the bloody Syrian Civil War. Greece then stood firm on its refusal to send funds to aid those the Turkey-Syria Earthquake affected, which took the lives of more than 50,000. This explicit lack of involvement in foreign affairs made Greece’s aid to Nigeria more puzzling yet profound.
Plotas’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s economic transformation through the Nigerian aid program is the second part of Greece’s involvement in rebuilding the nation. In May, Plotas held the second Nollywood Travel Film Festival in Athens to promote the Nigerian movie industry. By exposing the Greek people to Nigerian film and culture, Plotas hoped to cultivate a “cultural tie between the two countries.”
Building upon this, Plotas has pledged that the Greek government will provide financial aid to the Nigerian government to help fund the aforementioned projects to build infrastructure. Partnering with the Greek Red Cross Society, Plotas claims that Greece’s Nigerian aid program will assist the nation “financially or in kind with certain materials.” Plotas has affirmed that Greek aid will be sustained and steady as “we are targeting as many people as possible to lift them out of poverty.”
Looking Ahead
There are several other organizations supporting Nigeria such as the United Nations, Save the Children and Action Against Hunger. They are all raising funds to provide financial assistance to impoverished families and address malnutrition in the nation. Through these foundations and foreign involvement, Nigeria’s economic crisis may be quelled, marking a new age of prosperity in the nation.
– Dimitri Lykidis
Photo: Flickr
How renewable energy in Syria is helping with the electricity crisis
Bordering the eastern Mediterranean Sea, solar radiation in the Syrian Arab Republic is abundant. The number of hours of sun a year varies from 2,820 to 3,270. In comparison, sunlight on overcast days varies between 38 and 45 per year. This makes the region well-suited for solar energy harnessing. Starting in 2021, regions under government control have been addressing a significant power shortage due to a scarcity of fuel and a sharp increase in diesel prices. As a result, the government has resorted to solar panels to ease the emergency, as renewable energy in Syria is “the magic solution” to the crisis.
The Syrian Conflict (2011-2021)
The conflict in Syria has been ongoing for a decade, involving President Bashar al-Assad, as well as both domestic and foreign forces. The UN estimates that more than 306,000 civilians lost their lives during this 10-year period from 2011 to 2021. In 2008, the country produced 406,000 barrels of oil per day, generating $3.2 billion in oil sales in 2010. However, with the uprising and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) seizing the oil infrastructure, production collapsed to only 24,000 barrels daily. Furthermore, following the onset of the conflict, the country’s power generation capacity has decreased by roughly 75%.
The ceasefire has not improved living conditions for Syrians, as they are still dealing with runaway inflation. In fact, about 90% of the population lives below the poverty line. Many people have to push their cars on foot because they can’t afford fuel. Those who can afford it often spend hours waiting in long queues at the petrol station.
From Fossil Fuels to Renewable Energy
The Syrian Ministry of Electricity raised electricity prices significantly (100% to 800%) in November 2021 due to high production and support expenses. As a result, some regions in the country experienced frequent power cuts. In light of this, Bashar al-Assad amended Law No. 32 of 2010 on the Syrian electric sector, allowing the government to buy electricity from renewable energy schemes in the private sector. As companies generating electricity from solar energy have excess electric production, instead of storing the surplus in batteries – which is expensive for them – it is optimal for them to distribute the excess through the government’s electricity network.
The Introduction of Solar Panels
Committed to transforming the electricity landscape and increasing the adoption of renewable energy in Syria, the government is aiming to have 10% of electricity generated from solar power by 2030.
The Syrian Ministry of Electricity is currently managing the construction of a 100kW solar power plant in the town of Sargaya, which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2023. The project is estimated to cost more than SYP 81 billion (equivalent to around GBP 125 billion) and to have an annual production of 150,000 panels. It aims to generate enough electricity to power approximately 100 houses – bringing reliable energy to the local residents.
International Intervention
On September 2, 2013, the Federal Republic of Germany, the United States of America and the United Arab Emirates – along with the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (SOC) – signed The Syria Recovery Trust Fund (SRTF). Over the following months, multiple European countries joined the SRTF which aims to finance projects in sectors such as health, water, electricity and food security, to name a few.
With an increased demand for health care services, there’s an urgent need for reliable access to electricity and clean water. Responding to this demand, the fund approved a new project in February 2023, titled “Provision of Solar Power and Clean Water to Healthcare Facilities in Ar-Raqqa and Deir-ez-Zor.” This initiative aims to provide a stable and eco-friendly source of solar energy to 14 health care facilities through the installation of solar panels on their premises. The total budget for this project is approximately SYP 242 million, which is roughly equivalent to GBP 372 million. The project is expected to benefit more than 58,000 residents living in the vicinity of these health care facilities for a duration of 12 months.
Looking Ahead
The recent installation of solar panels is bringing about positive changes in the Syrian Arab Republic. The use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, is improving access to clean water and health care services for the residents. Additionally, it’s creating new employment opportunities and decreasing the country’s reliance on imported resources. These advantages spell hope for greater achievements with renewable energy in Syria.
– Abigail Roch
Photo: Pixabay
Update on SDG 14: Life Below India’s Waters
All member states of the United Nations (UN) adopted the Sustainable Development Goals in 2015 to ensure a collective global effort toward meeting urgent environmental, social and economic needs. The UN adopted 17 such goals, ranging from no poverty and zero hunger to clean energy and decent work, in pursuit of developing every country together in a holistic way. One of these goals is SDG 14: Life below water, broadly focusing on the conservation and sustainable usage of oceans, seas and marine resources. It includes the sustainable management and conservation of coastal and marine ecosystems, reduction of marine pollution, minimization of the effect of ocean acidification, prohibition and limitation of certain forms of fisheries and increase in the economic benefits to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), among many other concerns.
India and Its Need for SDG 14
In a country as populous as India, water is an in-demand resource. With approximately 18% of the world’s population residing in India, the country faces challenges in ensuring its citizens have access to safe and clean drinking water. According to the Composite Water Management Index that the Indian government published in 2018, India is undergoing the worst water crisis in its history, with more than 600 million people already facing acute water shortages. India has a coastline that spans more than 7,500 kilometers. Although this position allows it to utilize oceanic resources, it also leaves the country susceptible to overexploiting the same resources and contributing to marine pollution.
A study in Science Journal reports that India ranks 12th, amongst 192 countries, for disbursing the maximum amount of plastic waste into the high seas from their coastline. According to UNEP, 60 major Indian cities generate 15,000 MT of waste per day which ends up in the South Asian seas. In light of this, the need to address and make progress on SDG 14 becomes even more pressing for India.
The Intersection of Water and Poverty in India
The unavailability of water has become one of the most important issues affecting India’s poor. Out of India’s population, 6% of the people lack safe water access and more than 50% lack access to safely managed household sanitation facilities. This makes the Indian population, particularly the poor, more vulnerable to numerous waterborne diseases such as cholera, acute diarrhoeal diseases, typhoid and viral hepatitis (which have caused 10,738 deaths in the period between 2017 to 2022). Toxic waste in water bodies, such as pesticides and fly ash among others, affects the ecology and the marine population and poses a challenge to fishermen and other communities, resulting in a loss of livelihood.
Furthermore, rapid industrialization and pollution of groundwater have also become a looming crisis for the country and its people.
Efforts for Betterment
The Indian government has consistently been making efforts to address the issues of sanitation, water pollution and water availability. The country has come up with a State SDG Index, modeled after the international SDG Index, which allows for a decentralized and area-specific plan to emerge to achieve SDG targets within the country. India has also come up with a Marine Protected Area (MPA) network which is used to manage and conserve marine biodiversity. In 2021, the Indian government notified Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules, banning the use of single-use plastics in the country, in an effort to reduce the plastic waste generated.
Furthermore, India has initiated various projects to enhance water quality and safety, notably through initiatives like the National Mission for Clean Ganga. This program concentrates on activities such as wastewater and effluent treatment, the management of solid waste and the development of riverfront areas. Another such project was a 75-day-long coastal clean-up drive called “Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar” which aimed at reducing 1,500 tonnes of garbage from the coast. The Indian government has partnered with the World Bank on various initiatives, including the Atul Bhujal Yojana, to enhance groundwater management and provide clean drinking water to rural Indian communities.
The Indian government has also been working to reduce open defecation in the country through the Swachh Bharat Mission (Clean India Campaign), through which the number of people defecting in the open has been significantly reduced by an estimated 450 million.
Looking Ahead
India still has a long way to go to fully achieve the goals highlighted under SDG 14, but the country has made notable progress. The initiatives undertaken by the Indian government in this direction indicate hope that the country is on a path to sustainable development and that the SDG targets might see improvement, if not fulfillment, in the near future.
– Manasvi Kadian
Photo: Flickr
5 Sanitation Projects in Myanmar
Background
In the last decade, water sanitation in Myanmar has improved significantly; around 82% of households have access to essential drinking water. Despite promising numbers, up to 9 million people, of whom 3 million are children, have no access to potable water sources. With some of the world’s most isolated populations, external aid has provided sustainable water solutions in Myanmar. The military coup of February 2021 has posed significant challenges to existing humanitarian corridors. Topographical vulnerabilities in Myanmar also result in swathes of land particularly vulnerable to natural disasters, including rain-induced landslides and cyclones.
With over 100,000 internally displaced civilians in the wake of resurgent political violence, international aid groups are fighting to provide solutions for water sanitation in Myanmar. Here are five organizations leading sanitation projects in Myanmar.
5 Sanitation Projects in Myanmar
In conclusion, sanitation projects in Myanmar are crucial for improving public health, reducing the spread of diseases, and ensuring access to safe and clean water and sanitation facilities for all. These initiatives play a vital role in addressing the country’s sanitation challenges, particularly in underserved areas.
– Cara Jenkins
Photo: Flickr
Enhancing Food Security in Bangladesh
In Bangladesh, approximately 40 million people face the harsh reality of food insecurity, including 11 million individuals dealing with acute hunger. Natural disasters have increased food insecurity, leading to a reduction in essential crop yields as follows: rice by 17% and wheat by a substantial 61%. The enhancement of rural agriculture initiatives offers practical solutions. These solutions are effectively improving food security in Bangladesh, while also having significant positive impacts on the entire nation.
Enhancing Agriculture for Food Security
From 2019, crucial programs sought to improve food security in Bangladesh, addressing the pressing issue of food poverty in the region. More than 225,000 farmers received support to adopt modern agronomic practices, focusing on irrigation, livestock management and pest and disease control. The leveraging of $2.2 million to enhance the business performance of high-value crop producers, thereby significantly increasing agricultural productivity and improving livelihoods in rural areas and further contributing to the alleviation of food poverty, complemented this effort. Additionally, these programs empowered 75,000 women, enabling them to apply improved management practices and technologies, both on and away from the farm, which played a vital role in the fight against food poverty.
Weather-Resilient Agriculture for Increased Food Security
In a recent collaboration between the government of Bangladesh and the World Bank, a $120 million financing agreement was signed to advance food security through the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project. This project modernizes flood management, drainage and irrigation infrastructures to enhance climate resilience in agriculture. It reduces crop damage from floods by 60% across 120,000 hectares of land.
Empowering 100,000 farmers with knowledge and skills related to climate-smart agricultural technologies, crop diversification and post-harvest management was also another goal of the Climate-Smart Agriculture and Water Management Project, aiming to fortify their resilience against weather challenges and ultimately mitigate the cycle of food poverty in the region. It also supports rice and fish/shrimp farming through the establishment of cold storage facilities and local market improvements, with expected outcomes including increased fisheries productivity by almost 37%, a 10% rise in vegetable production and a 7.5% boost in rice production, all contributing to food security.
Agriculture as a Key Driver of Poverty Reduction
Agriculture plays a crucial role in reducing poverty in Bangladesh. From 2000 to 2010, the poverty rate dropped from 48.9% to 31.5%, with more than 87% of rural people earning some income through farming. This progress resulted from investments in irrigation, high-yield crops, efficient markets and mechanization.
To continue reducing food insecurity and poverty, Bangladesh needs to focus on high-value agriculture, like horticulture, livestock, poultry and fisheries. This diversification is essential for future growth, particularly because two-thirds of rural households depend on both farming and other income sources. This pro-poor agricultural growth also boosts the non-farm economy, ultimately improving food security.
A Multifaceted Approach to Food Security
Food security in Bangladesh is a multifaceted challenge. Nonetheless, the collaborative efforts by USAID, the World Bank and the government of Bangladesh contribute to food security improvement. By improving agriculture and promoting climate-resilient practices, these initiatives alleviate food insecurity and poverty. Continued investment and development in these programs provide optimism for a brighter and more secure future for the people of Bangladesh.
Through initiatives like climate-resilient agriculture and agricultural diversification, Bangladesh is making significant strides in its battle against food insecurity. Continued investment from the government and international organizations holds the promise of a future where food security is a reality for all.
– Marnie Woodford-Venables
Photo: Flickr